Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Growling at the Cold

We received a heavy snowfall over the weekend, and temperatures dropped. Monday was cold. But, because high winds and blowing snow kept me from taking Parker out for his walks on Saturday and Sunday – intelligent fellow that he is, he barely asks to go out on days that I work, but knows I have the time when I stay home – I felt I owed it to the orange-boy to go for a small excursion on New Year’s Eve. My work-place was closed that day, and I had it free. I warned Parker that it was still cold outside, but he insisted.

It was cold. It was, I think, -20˚ (Celsius), so I dressed warm. Parker wore his fur coat. Even so, I don’t think he was prepared for the chill. A few steps outside and he stopped to ponder. We walked a little further. The snow, of which he is not afraid, was nonetheless extra frigid, and clung to his feet. A few yards further on, and Parker started shaking his feet with irritation. Then he growled.

I believe he growled at nothing more than the cold. He scratched at the snow the way he does when angered or annoyed, then turned around and trotted back the apartment building’s door. No protests about going in too soon, no complaints about the brevity of the time spent outside. We were done. The two of us went back inside, I to have a cup of tea, and he to have his mid-day snack, nicely warmed up.

Today was pleasanter. A Chinook wind blew in the night and raised the temperature come the morning. The photographs below are from today’s adventure, much more enjoyable for both of us. Even so, I think the sturdy-boy is counting the days to spring, a season in which there will be no more growling at the cold.

13 comments:

  1. Parker is obviously a very intelligent cat. He's not going to stay outside in the snow and freezing temperatures when there is a nice warm apartment and an afternoon snack waiting for him!

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  2. Wowza we have never been that cold. Parker is a brave and determined cat, and we can see why he would growl with no boots on. Good on you John for keeping your buddy happy with some outdoor time.

    We are having 23C temperatures and enjoying the sunshine and warmth.

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  3. I don't blame Parker one bit!
    On the rare occasions we had snow, Eric and Flynn still enjoyed their walks in the fields. They also flicked their feet as they walked but would dive into mini snowdrifts scattering snow everywhere like they would to a pile of leaves. Mind you, we don;t get temperatures of -20C here. We are supposed to be the mildest (and wettest) part of the UK and I think our record low was -13C, but that is unusual.

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  4. Oh brrrrrr, that makes my whiskers shiver!

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  5. Oh no - white evil!! :D My cats don't like to walk through the snow. We only have small loggia right now but they don't want to go there after snowing :D

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  6. We'll echo Roberta. We don't blame Parker one bit for growling at the cold and snow; our human would too, if she could growl as well as a cat.

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  7. I said a number of bad words on New Year's Eve as well since growling is outside my few abilities. Parker, I'm glad you enjoyed your walk on New Year's Day and hopefully the weather will continue to stay relatively warm enough for a walk.

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  8. a may bee knot sew much post ree lated commint 😊

    stopping bye with a new yeerz toon
    wood sure bee nice if this waz joon
    coz oh everee thing we bee a wishin…
    weed bee ona boat N due in sum fishin

    happee new yeer frum de frozen tun dra ~ !!

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  9. hawwooo snow kitteh! Play bows,

    nuk

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  10. I too growl at the cold and snow, Parker! And I sweep the snow off of the deck, just so The 'O' cats don't have to step on any if they don't want to. When the snow gets deep, I dig out paths in the yard so they can move about easily.

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  11. I smiled! Love that boy! And he sure does know how to express himself!!!

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  12. darn Mother Nature messing with Parker's outside time :)

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  13. Parker - you have every right to. return to the warmth of home on such days. Your human was exceptionally kind to take you out on such a bitterly cold day. Glad to hear both of you turned around and went back inside.

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