I know I may have mentioned several times before about how I am an accidental cat owner. I mean, I don't own them, but I do take care of them. I have never been responsible for cats before, and I really just operate on instinct. I found that I have grown pretty fond of them, and that really came to light when we couldn't find one of them.
So here is how the story goes. The cats live in the barn full time. Sure we are in Northern Michigan where it gets pretty cold and snowy, but they really do have a great set up. The have a nice insulated house inside of the barn that acts as a wind break. They have all the food they can eat, and even get a nice warm milk treat when it gets really cold. They have a water supply just behind the barn that is heated for the cows. All in all I would say that have a pretty good life.
Each day the walk up to the house and sit on the hand rails of the front porch. One on each side. They look like cute and furry gargoyles. They just hang out there until something happens. Either they get distracted by something running around, or we go outside. They like to walk with us where ever we go, and even play with the dogs. They don't play the same, but they all look like they are trying.
This is their regular routine though. We can see their paw prints in the snow, and pretty much know what they are up to everyday. Sometimes we see prints that lead out beside the greenhouse and then across the street. Sometimes they go and hunt in the garden. The other morning I woke up and saw one of them walking way out in the west pasture next to the cow's hay ring.
Once the routine changes, we notice. We notice that they aren't around and we don't really know where they are. Once they go rogue it is anyone's guess where they went. Well, that happened the other day. Sirius, the black and white one, went missing.
Sirius is the cuddly one. Yep, we have barn cats that like to cuddle. They like to be held and petted. They like to be included in things, and even hang out with me when I work on things in the shop. He is also the bigger one of the two brothers. He was the first one that we saw hunting mice, but he doesn't seem as independent as his brother Tiger.
We first noticed that it was just Tiger that was hanging out with us. He was with me while I was working on knives out in the shop, and walking around me while I was working on the suburban. He was oddly affectionate. He wanted more love that usual, and was acting like he has been alone for a while.
We looked all over for Sirius, but there was not sign. No paw prints in the snow that were out of the ordinary. After not seeing him for two days we had settled on our understanding of homesteading...he's not coming back. Animals are always a part of nature, even when they are pets.
I headed out yesterday afternoon to feed the cows, no big deal just business as usual. I go into the barn and Tiger runs over to their food while I get the cows treat ready. That's when I heard some noise coming from the opposite side of the barn. Ol' Sirius comes walking out like no big deal.
He was looking a big thinner than when we last saw him, but over all he was in good shape. It was still clean and healthy looking, and started carrying on like he had never been gone. Once my son, The Inventor, and I finished up with the cows we decided to go looking for tracks in the pasture. Sure enough we found his fresh tracks coming up from the garden.
The Inventor followed the tracks all the way down to the garden where they turned and headed toward the west pasture. This cat had been in the woods. There is nothing out that direction except for cows, trees and swamp. I wonder what he was up to.
Needless to say I started taking some pictures. I'm not one to turn down a sweet selfie, especially with some animals. Funny enough, it was like herding cats. They loved climbing all around me, and I finally got them in a shot together. It is always nice to know that your animals are safe and taken care of. We are still working out what we are going to do with them when we leave here in May though....for now, It's nice to have them back and safe.
Be well
~The Yeti
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You're gone mate. You're now officially the crazy cat guy just like me. Lol.
hahaha crap, I fell right in. I didn't even see it happening
That's how they get you.
P.s. Sheath making initiated. Leather. Will keep you posted. The leather dude wanted to buy my knife. I said nope. Directed him your way.
That is awesome! Can't wait to see it. I'm glad he liked it, I would love to make another!
I'll do a post of course. They actually just called me that it's done believe it or not! I probably won't be able to go up there for a couple days though. Won't be long.
Cats are the best. Farm cats are better.
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