This is how much snow we received over the past couple of weeks. The temperature has risen since this picture was taken, so conditions are better. The snow has become crusty and hard and ugly but, undoubtedly, things have improved for the outsider-cats. Mine inside are still doing this.
But the interesting news is that I have observed a new outsider-cat. It was at night, so I couldn’t take a photograph of him. He is a largish fellow, mostly white but with dark spots. He has a white face and ears, and a black cap on the top of his head. His tail is black and bushy; he looks to be a medium-haired cat, at the least.
Parker alerted me to his presence. The new fellow was eating from the food-bowl, then saw us looking at him. He does not appear as skittish as the black cats; he sat on the parapet of the concrete ditch, looking back at us, curious. He probably would have run if I had been outside and approached him, but I suspect he may be accustomed to, and perhaps even comfortable with, human contact, if he knows the person. Eventually, however, he took himself off for the night.
I wonder how he found the Café Cosy. He may have simply been wandering and stumbled upon it, first seeing the water-bowl on its parapet, then the food-bowl below. But I think he may have followed one of the two well-defined sets of tracks in the snow. They are at right angles to each other and converge at the water-bowl. There is no deviation in them, so if a cat saw them, he would think that other cats had a definite and positive goal in mind.
In any case, word seems to be spreading about the food- and water-bowls, about which I am pleased. Their contents are needed not just during the coldest periods but when dirty snow melts into muddy slush and filthy water. I want to see all the tables filled at Café Cosy.
Incidentally, I think I've forgot to mention this before, but thank you so much for doing this. It's a tough life for outdoor cats in the best of times. During a hard winter it's downright lethal. At least you're making it a bit easier for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish I could do more; sometimes it seems rather inadequate.
Deleteguyz.....total lee awesum name for yur bee stro ...cafe cosy !!! werd on de streetz iz itz de best place ta dine for 50 milez round... werd on de streetz iz de customerz give de cafe 984 paws UP...happee new yeer two ewe all... heerz ta happee nezz healtheez N grazz oh plentee ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish they'd stay at the hotel, too, but perhaps in time.
DeleteCats are really, really good at finding eats...and water to drink. I think the water from our sump pump was what drew our original friendly ferals to the yard, then they stayed because I put out eats and shelter. The getting trapped and neutered/spayed wasn't their favorite part of the process, but they came back.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of trapping and neutering them, too. We'll see what can be done.
DeleteWord definitely will spread, not only to the ferals but to the roaming ones who have homes of sorts. This is great!
ReplyDeleteBTW, my boys definitely approve not only of feeding the neighbourhood critters, but of how your crew is spending the cold winter days. :-)
Yes, my girls have the right idea.
DeleteIt sounds like the word about the Cafe Cosy has gotten out. Since cats are crepuscular and most active at dusk and dawn, it's not surprising that your newest visitor came at night. You mentioned that he was not skittish, so I wonder if he is a stray. He may have been someone's pet at one time. He may not be a true feral.
ReplyDeleteI think one or two who are eating and drinking from the bowls may have homes or had them recently. I don't mind; there's plenty to go around.
DeleteIt is good that you have another visitor to Café Cosy. The outdoor cats obviously appreciate it and are spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteI hope more learn of the opportunity.
DeleteME TOO! I am so glad that the word is spreading and that these precious souls are having some food and water Their lives are hard, but made better by you. Thank you from the heart.
ReplyDeleteThe more the merrier, I think.
DeleteYour Cafe must be like a dream come true go the homeless kitties. Just imagine what it must feel like for a homeless cat to know that thete is a regular source of food. Relief beyond words.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, John.
Yes, I think that one of the worst things about being an animal in the wild or a homeless domesticated animal (even if it’s currently feral) must be literally not knowing from where your next meal will come. Erasing that anxiety for my own beasts is something I am happy to do, so this is a step in that direction for some outsider-cats.
DeleteThank goodness the weather has gotten better. Your efforts to provide and shelter to some helpless animals is wonderful and I'm sure appreciated greatly.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to think we'll get through the rest of the winter without another cold snap....but that would be foolish I suspect.
You will have to open a chain of diners for the kitties - word is getting out about this new diner. I wonder who told this new fellow about your diner.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of Josie and Cammie tucked up in their warm beds.
Your kitties look nice and warm. I am glad the new kitty found your food and shelter.
ReplyDelete