Sunday, June 17, 2018

When is a Cat Like a Hobbit?



Some cats like adventures, and are always straining to get beyond the closed door, to see what the next corner is hiding. Other cats do not care for adventures. These cats are quite like Bilbo Baggins, in The Hobbit – indeed, the title character of that book (which is nowhere near as inflated and padded as the recent movies based upon it) – who declares that adventures are “nasty disturbing uncomfortable things.” These cats, like Hobbits, prefer to stay home, where it is safe, and meals are regular and, if so desired, frequent.

Renn is like Bilbo Baggins.

I harnessed the big boy to the newly acquired leash this afternoon, to give him a taste of the outdoors, as Parker enjoyed. You can probably guess, from the first paragraph, where this is going. Renn did not like his adventure. The leash and harness themselves did not bother him so much as did what they portended. Once outside the apartment, merely in the corridor, he cringed at the door, facing it, as it trying to push himself back underneath. I had to carry him outside.

Things did not improve. Renn immediately crouched against the grass – not caring that it was fresh and green and fragrant – and pulled at the leash toward the building’s door. He started crying.

Well, enough was enough. I had not wanted to distress the poor fellow, merely show him an avenue of fun he may not have travelled. It turns out, he did not wish to travel it. I picked him up again and hastened inside. After he was released from his bonds, his back arched, his tail shot up and he wagged his body as big boys do when they are pleased with events. To test him further, I sat on the bed; Renn jumped up and was purring a minute later. There was no harm done.

I must admit that I was surprised by the extreme reaction he felt. I thought that, while he probably would not have quite the unbridled enthusiasm Parker did (if I can use the adjective of a cat who is, indeed, bridled, in a way), I thought he might be intrigued in a wary fashion. This was not the case. Renn will of course not be forced to undergo such an ordeal again. He is and will remain an inside cat, even when the outside is limited by a leash.

It turns out that Renn is very like Bilbo Baggins, right down to the furry feet…

22 comments:


  1. I enjoyed reading this, really interesting!!!

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  2. Aww, Renn...He instinctively understands that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence (door in this case). Actually, I think it's great that he prefers to be indoors, you won't have any concerns about him attempting to escape the apartment. :-)

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    1. He never did evince any desire to go outside, but I thought I'd try him anyway. Now we know.

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  3. My Kate was a stray kitten when I took her in. Some time later, I carried her in my arms to the porch, just to see if she wanted a taste of the outdoors again.

    She started TREMBLING and WHIMPERING. I brought her inside right away, of course, and have never tried it again.

    Some cats DO know when they're well off.

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    1. That was Renn's reaction. He's happy with the unadventurous life.

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  4. Poor Renn. My cats can sympathize. They don't like going outside either. So like you did with Renn, I don't push the issue. If they prefer to be house cats, that's fine with me.

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    1. Yes, each to his own, and Renn has chosen his.

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  5. Renn, we are happy that YOU are happy where you are!

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    1. Yes, he's content with the life of an insider-cat.

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  6. At least he had the opportunity to smell and see the Great Outdoors even though he declined it.

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    1. He had his chance - and doesn't appear to want another!

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  7. Renn, bless your sweet heart. You have the best Dad! And Happy Cat Dad Day to him.

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    1. Thank you, but Renn may have wondered if I'd temporarily lost my reason, taking him outside like that.

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  8. dood.....we noe what de trubull waz.....burd song .....ask dad ta try again at dusk when burd song iz noe longer heer a bullz.....did we just make up a werd.....heer a bull....we think we did !! ☺☺♥♥

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    1. I don't think Renn bothered with sounds. Just being in such a strange world unnerved the poor guy.

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  9. At least you gave him a choice and Renn declined. Being outside isn't for everybody. It's definitely a different world out there and a bit scary!

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    1. Too much beyond one's control, Renn may have been thinking...

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  10. Well Renn you know first hand that the Big Out is not always special. The Comfy Inside offers so much more for many cats: warmth, comfy places to sleep, food on demand or at least on schedule, a human available at your beck and cal. A lovely big window like yours allows you to view the world from the comfort of your sitting room.

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  11. Renn, I am just like you. I don't like 'new' adventures outside. Nope, not at all. Mom suspects I was an outdoor kitty before those "KIND" people who had me gave me up to Animal Control. My fur was so bad and I was malnourished but that's all a distant memory. I'm not fluffy and Mom says I have 'filled out' nicely. Mom it's all fluff! *grin*

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    1. Once a cat sees how bad things can be outside, they appreciate the inside even more, eh?

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  12. Renn, you know when you have it good. Inside is definitely better than that big scary outside world!

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