To start with they did seem to be good companions and for the first few months were always curled up together. Gradually Kath became the dominant cat, although in Kath's latter months I noticed Kim seemed to be holding her own.
Since Kath's demise Kim has blossomed. She is a great help in the garden - usually getting between me and the weeds I am trying to remove and generally follows me around. She sleeps in a cat bed in the wardrobe in my bedroom and is quite happy to be kept in at night.
For some time I have had trouble with other cats in the neighbourhood lying in my garden beds and squashing my plants while waiting for birds to come close. They were also coming inside on occasions and some were spraying. I also had to take Kim to the vets after she was in a fight.
Doug now brings his labrador, Sophie, here in the evenings and, when he arrives, he takes her for a walk around the garden. I have seen very few other cats in the garden since he started doing this.
For some time I have had trouble with other cats in the neighbourhood lying in my garden beds and squashing my plants while waiting for birds to come close. They were also coming inside on occasions and some were spraying. I also had to take Kim to the vets after she was in a fight.
Doug now brings his labrador, Sophie, here in the evenings and, when he arrives, he takes her for a walk around the garden. I have seen very few other cats in the garden since he started doing this.
I had often thought of buying Kim a covered cat bed but they were always very expensive so when I saw one recently in a $2.00 shop (not for $2.00 but reasonably cheap) I couldn't resist it. It fdidn't take very long for her to use it. Unfortunately, it is not getting a lot of use at present as it is too hot but I am sure that come winter it will be very popular.
Our Freddie sleeps upstairs during the day, then goes out at night. It's just after 6am and I've just let him indoors. Otherwise he has access to the studio via a cat flap, but can't get into the house. He's a pain in the neck if he sleeps in the house at night; he jumps on us.
ReplyDeleteKath liked sleeping on the bed but usually kept to the bottom. She wouldn't allow Kim anywhere close to her.
DeleteI love your cat story Susan and so kind of you to adopt two cats.
ReplyDeleteI love cats too and have always had them as pets, however since our dear Ziggy died I'm appreciating the bird life in our garden.
Sad to say we have a neighbourhood full of cats who all enjoy visiting our garden and lie on the garden beds waiting for the birds to fly in and enjoy a flutter in the bird bath.
When I'm home I shoo them away but the days I'm at work they have free rein.
I think a dog and a cat will be the answer once I finish work!
My solution, prior to Sophie, was to turn on the sprinkler system. Because I walked away from them to turn the tap on they stayed in the garden and then left hurriedly when the sprinkler came on.
DeleteIn spite of the cats I have numerous birds in the garden. 6 or more Tui over winter and a few still visit. I have only seen one Kereru this summer but hope more will be back soon. Plus numerous blackbirds and thrushes and, of course, hundreds of sparrows.
We have two rescue cats and both are home cats. Their world is bliss if they are indoors. One adores sleeping on our bed taking up all the room between us. We have 2 dogs too and they all get on fine. I have to add that one of the dogs is about as helpful in the garden as your cat. Dig is the top of his to do list.
ReplyDeleteSophie and Kim are still eyeing each other up. Sophie stays in the porch. The trouble is that she likes to bark at and chase cats and Kim is scared of dogs.
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ReplyDeleteMy DiL crochet a large ball with an entrance hole for her cat, rather like a nest with a lid, and he absolutely adores it - cosy, in the dark, and all by himself.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fascinating. Presumably a bit like the one I have just bought for Kim although crochet. I think it is, as you say, the seclusion and darkness that appeals.
DeleteWe had two sister cats who as kittens were very close, but eventually one became very dominant and was cruel to the other. The mean one died over a year ago and now Louise is thriving and no longer in fear. However this summer we took in a kitten and it caused Louise much stress. We keep them separated. The kitten, Daisy, wants to play and Louise wants to hiss so they each have their own rooms for sleeping and free roam of the house at different times.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you had the samed problem with sister cats. I have always thought that perhaps we should have got siblings but, obviously, that would not necessarily sort the problem.
DeleteIam afraid my life is too busy to organise cats in different parts of the house.
We have lived in our home for over forty years and have had eight cats, all of them wondered in at various ages. Presently without waiting for the next one to arrive or not.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in our previous house for over forty years and, like you, always had strays that just turned up. With Kath and Kim it was the first time we had actually gone out and chosen cats.
DeleteLooks very snuggly
ReplyDeleteYes.
DeleteIt is colder today and I am out in the porch that Doug has been working on. First he put doors on either side to stop the wind and rain blowing through. Then a ceiling where the bare iron was visible, He has just painted it and today is the first day I have used it as it is warmer out here with the sun coming through the perspex part of the roof.
Doug is at home making some silouettes to put up so I may post some photos.
Anyway, I have just been joined by Kim "supervising".