Three Cats

Becky inherited three cats, or I should say…three cats were in residence when Becky moved to the ’55‘ farm.

Then, one day there were only two cats.  Another few weeks later, there was one cat…Callie, the female calico.  Callie is quite a beautiful cat and always affectionately winding herself about your legs.

One day, we noticed that Callie was getting a bit punchy - ahhh, she was pregnant; probably, by that nasty grey tabby that hangs around and steals her food.

Am I the Papa?

Six to eight weeks ago, Callie came up missing.  When she finally showed herself, she was thin; half the size she had been.  The kittens had been born.  For weeks, Becky watched Callie slither in and out of the junk pile; composed of old, twisted fencing, rotten boards, and just plain farm trash several times per day.   Callie continued to lose weight and condition.

Now, why on earth would Callie choose such a dreadful place to not only have her kittens, but to raise them there, too? There was a nice dry barn, laden with dry hay and rarely a visitor.  There was a dry shed where Callie is fed daily; again, no visitors.  Callie could have chosen over 100 more suitable places to raise her family.  She chose the exposed trash heap.

Last week, Callie moved the kittens into a shed which is centrally located to farm activity.  The kittens remained sequestered except for the occasional pair of eyes peering out from a hidden spot; or a little tail flicking back and forth in the space between the tin wall and the ground.

A few days ago, the kittens, two total, were napping in full view, in the shed, on a soft pile of hay.  They opened their eyes, when I walked near, to give me their full attention.  I only watched them as I gave their Mom a few caresses.  I wanted them to know that I was a friend without scaring them.

They are beautiful and well-cared for as Callie nourished these two kittens with her own flesh.  As the kittens grow, Callie will grow and regain her former self.

snack time...

Today, the kittens are a bit more brave.  Glenn and I were sitting on the deck when Callie came around the corner with both kittens.  The kittens followed closely, but as soon as they saw us, they turned and scampered away.  Seconds later, I saw one head, then another peek around the corner of the shed.  They watched us with interest. 

Glenn playing with Callie

After a few more moments, they were both playing with their Mother and having a grand time.  They would pounce, they would curl, they would swat, but I never did hear a peep (or a mew) from them. 

a jungle gym - yippee!

WHAT is that?

I'm outta here!

As I was leaving, one kitten poked his/her (we have not determined their sex yet) head around the base of a broom.  Kitten two peered from the other side of the broom.  Both grabbed the sides of the broom as if they had to hold on or fall over.

It will be fun to watch these little ones play and grow.

Once again, there are three cats at the ’55’ farm. I hope they enjoy their home at ‘55’ as much as we all enjoy ‘55’.

Did you say, "Smile"?