Tree Huggers
Over the course of several seasons I have posted photos of our alley cat Sweetie Pie. She cradles herself in the crook of a Lilac and will sleep for hours. During the cold winters I would glance out the window and see that yellow fur ball. It made me want to go out there and pick her up and cradle her in my warmth. When I would be within several feet of her she would begin to back up on the branch, ready to bolt if I continued to get closer. Dennis and I just let Sweetie Pie be and be thankful that she kept herself fed to maintain body heat.
The tabby and the yellow kitten hidden
among the Lilac branches.
They always say cats are curious creatures, but that can’t hold a candle to Dennis and me being curious about Sweetie Pie and her fear of getting close to us. This spring we knew she was carrying babies. As time went on we felt she must have miscarried or they had not survived. Things were looking up as we could walk within several feet of her when she sat on the patio and she would not run away.
Friday morning Dennis had news. Sweetie Pie had brought a yellow kitten to our patio for the Meow Mix and water. Saturday morning Dennis came to wake me early as we now had a family of kittens. Sweetie Pie had three yellow kittens and one tabby colored kitten. She had brought the entire family. The kittens were old enough to get in the food dish with all fours. Proud Sweetie Pie brought us her family as she knew they would be fed and not be injured. Getting close to the kittens will now be the next challenge. I think we are up for it as we are out in the yard often and sitting on the patio in the evenings will be the ideal chance to get them closer to trusting us.
A yellow kitten wonders how close I intend to get.
The kittens romp and play as if this has been their home since day one. The first few days the kittens would scatter as soon as Dennis and I came outside. In the last several days they do stay closer and keep a very watchful eye on us. As their mother, they have taken to be little tree huggers. Needless to say, photo ops are not the easiest things to acquire, but in time Dennis is sure he can wear them down. He has made it his personal challenge to get them to trust him before the harsh winter sets in so shelter will be available.
I will say that since Dennis has been taking care of the four legged orphans that come to our patio for food and water, we have not seen a mouse or a mole. We do wonder what happens to some of the cats that no longer are around, but it is the nature of the wild. If they can get to our home they are guaranteed a nourishment.
Life on Stauffer is never dull.