August 13, 2022

Barnyard Babies: Cats

Our cats are definitely not babies anymore, except in the sense of "big" and "spoiled." But since all our other critters have gotten their day in the spotlight, I thought maybe the cats should too!

Meowy

Meowy remains our mouser supreme. She also catches squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and lizards. She's almost always outside, and only comes in to eat.

Sam and Riley seem to split their time between inside and outside. Sam still adores Riley, and Riley still just tolerates Sam.

Sam using Riley as a pillow.

Sam is our resident scardy-cat. He runs and hides at every little thing.

Sam in the laundry basket.

Riley is our old-timer, now over 12-years-old. 

Riley

He still gets around, but slower than he used to. His primary responsibility is to make sure Dan and I keep the cat food bowls topped off.

Occasionally, we'll hand harvest an area that is growing grasses or forage that we'd like to dry for the goats. The cats love it that we toss it onto a large tarp to dry. This is helpful when we're having popup showers, so we can quickly roll the tarp up and put it under the carport.

Sam and Riley on the hay tarp.

All the cats love to lounge on the hay tarps, except Katy. 

Riley and Meowy on the hay tarp.

Katy is a self-designated lap and indoor cat. Lately, she's taken up residence in the t-shirt cubby in my closet.

Katy, comfy on a pile of t-shirts.

The problem with this is that she messes up the piles and knocks t-shirts out of the closet and onto the floor. I'm constantly having to pick up after her!

Come cold weather, they'll all pretty much move into the house. Meowy will still go out a lot, but even she loves to sleep by the woodstove. For now, though, we have good outside coverage for all cat-size varmints. 

18 comments:

daisy g said...

Great pest control!

Mama Pea said...

Even though I must admit I'm not a "cat lover," I enjoyed this post. Somehow I think your kitties have just about the best life a feline could ask for. Lucky ducks. I mean cats. ;o)

Boud said...

What an idyllic life for a cat. They're all part wild and self directed anyway, so this life gives them scope a town cat might envy.

Jenn Jilks said...

Nice to see your kitties! I love them!

Nina said...

Such pretty kitties! They are living idyllic lives with the best of both inside and outside worlds. Our kitties love to hangout by the woodstoves during the winter too!

kathyinozarks said...

I love cats for pest control, we always had one for that. had been thinking of getting another outside kitty, but the houses being close together wasn't sure if that was a good idea plus our ages too. so many rodent type critters here at the lake.
Loved meeting your kitties Hugs Kathy

tpals said...

What a lovely cat family. My parents have a new batch of farm kittens; so very tempting.

Leigh said...

Daisy, if only they'd deter the skunks!

Mama Pea, thanks! I'm really happy that we can offer them this kind of life. :)

Boud, we'd be overrun with rodents without them!

Jenn, thanks!

Nina, yes, every sensible cat likes their comforts! lol

Kathy, we've had a noticeable decrease in rodents with all these cats. We actually never planned on four, but we ended up taking in my daughter-in-law's cat, who made a terrible housecat. She's so much happier outside. And she's our best hunter.

Tpals, kittens are always tempting!

Rosalea said...

Good to see Riley..I was wondering if he was still with you. That is quite the feline brigade! Love the first pic of Meowy. Cats do know the warmest and most comfortable spots!

Seeking Serenity said...

I love you Meowy <3

Leigh said...

Rosalea, Riley is still here! He went with me yesterday to take the goats down into the woods. He was in one of his favorite nap spots when I told him we were going. A while later he showed up and kept me company while the goats foraged. Used to be Riley, Sam, and Meowy would regularly show up down there, but not so much lately.

Serenity, :)

Ed said...

This post makes me miss all the farm cats we used to have at one point. They are all gone now but their lives were really sort of a soap opera.

Henny Penny said...

Nothing better than a post about cats...well almost. I'm crazy about all the critters. Your cats are all so big and healthy and pretty. We are down to just one cat, Smokey. Always enjoy your posts.

Leigh said...

Ed, good farm cats are essential. If it wasn't for them, we'd be overrun with rodents; after all, we're got critter feed everywhere!

Henny, thank you! Besides helping with the varmints, our cats are good companions too. I can't imagine having only one cat! We'd be adopting more if that was the case.

Boud said...

There's a reason the cat is revered in Egypt, mice and rats in granaries you know! Cats stood between the population and starvation.

Fundy Blue said...

Your cats are pretty and helpful. I didn't know a cat could catch a rabbit. Wow!

Leigh said...

Boud, ha! I totally get that. Plus, their superior attitude. :)

Fundy, fast ones can! Both Meowy and Sam have regularly caught rabbits. Keeps them from eating our garden.

Chris said...

Oh man, luvs! 🥰