Heading Out Of The Heat
We're in the middle of a scorching heatwave, also known as summer, and farm cats can be counted on to find the coolest places around. In this case that means under the 100+ year-old half of The Shack. If we had a basement I'd be sleeping in it every night until at least the middle of September.
Heatwave or not, I'm just happy J2 was out and about. Today was the first time I'd seen him leave the cat cabin since his pal New Cat died unexpectedly last week. I was afraid J2 would go off in search of his buddy, but instead he's been staying in the cat cabin so he wouldn't miss New Cat's return.
I miss New Cat something fierce, but my loss is nothing compared to J2's. Those two were the best of friends who spent nearly every waking moment together, then slept curled up side by side each night on their silly pink wool bed. Tell me animals don't have real feelings, and I'll show you a heartbroken cat.
"It's a bad time of year to chuck a kitten in there with him," Joe said the other day when I mentioned how bad I felt for J2. He meant that in the kindest possible way, but sometimes the things that guy says crack me up. He was right, though. Life on a farm is risky enough for a cat, and snake season is especially dangerous if you're an innocent kitten.
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J2 is a friendly guy, but because he was so close to New Cat he didn't want much attention from us. Now several times a day he jumps over to his feeding perch in the cat cabin and cries out for affection. This afternoon I was out in the yard hanging laundry on the line and was thrilled to see him heading toward me and loudly meowing hello. I could hear his purr box running on high from several feet away.
As I pet and he purred, I explained to J2 that I understand how lonely he is and assured him that a new feline friend would be bunking with him soon. I have no doubt that another cat in need of a home will find us. They always do.
Hold life in your hand. . .
And keep it in your heart.
I bet you are overwhelmed with the number of responses to your post about New Cat, my mother wrote to me the other day. I've been in tears several times reading them.
I know there aren't words to accurately describe just how touched I am by the outpouring of comments regarding my tribute to New Cat, so I'm not going to try to find them.
Nearly 100 of you took the time to write. Twice I sat down to individually reply to each comment, but I simply couldn't do it. Yes, I am indeed overwhelmed. Your kindness is truly amazing.
All I can say is this. If you're looking for a smile, or if, as Joe likes to put it, you could use a good eyeball washing, I urge you to make your way through the comments. They are full of thoughtful words, wonderful quotes, beautiful images, and personal stories about cherished feline friends.
There are many reasons I keep this blog. Here is one of them, left by an anonymous reader:
Farmgirl, your beloved cat is surely safe with my beloved daughter who was an animal lover without equal. Today would have been her 28th birthday, and I am so glad I came to your site today to learn of your loss. I came to your site today because it comforts me to read about the small things which turn into the great things that make up our lives.
I know that my girl has your New Cat in her arms right now. Her birthday gift today just might be your New Cat. I continue to take the most tender care of my daughter's 5 horses, 2 goats, 4 cats, and her remaining and much loved dog. I am comforted to know that your cat is safe in her arms. I am sorry that your heart is so sad.
Thank you for sharing your daughter with us, and for the marvelous thought that New Cat went off to be a warm and fluffy birthday gift for her. Thank you, Bridgett, for the smiling idea that "New Cat was a concept bigger than just a cat." Thank you, Jessica.
Thank you all.
Bean said, "May the love you give come back to you 10-fold." And as you can clearly see it already has--and then some.
The top photo is one of Whitey's new chicks (which I'll write more about soon), taken not long after it hatched. A small miracle that popped out from inside an everyday egg. But that's what all of life is, isn't it? An everyday miracle.
© FarmgirlFare.com, the peeping foodie farm blog where Farmgirl Susan shares photos & stories of her crazy country life on 240 remote Missouri acres.
New Cat was huddled in a dark corner of the cat cabin crying. Something was very wrong.
My guess is that he was bitten by a snake. The farm is thick with copperheads, and a bite to a small animal is deadly.
"He's not gonna make it, honey," Joe said softly.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"He had a good run."
"Yes he did."
"He left a place where he obviously wasn't happy and came to live with us. That was what, five years ago?"
New Cat appeared one day out beyond the hayfield, but it was nearly a week before he made his way up to the house, having apparently decided that life here looked pretty good.
He moved into the cat cabin with J2, who had shown up years ago at Windridge Farm in much the same way, and the two quickly became inseparable. I've never known two cats who were better friends.
In the 17 years that Joe has lived on this farm, which is miles from the nearest neighbor, he is the only cat to have simply turned up. New cat.
He wore a gorgeous superfluff suit each winter and shed it for a sleek look in summer. New cat.
He was terrified of Bear and Robin and spent most of his life above dog level. He seldom allowed me to pet him, and I can't remember ever picking him up.
"He may not have been all that friendly," said Joe, "but it sure was nice to look around the farm and see him."
My most recent memory of New Cat is from a week or so ago. It was early evening and he was in the garden, presiding over a large rabbit he had obviously just caught.
My favorite memory of New Cat took place one morning a few years ago. He and J2 were hanging out in the sunshine next to the cat cabin on a little table that Joe had once slapped together from scraps of wood. J2 was grooming himself, and New Cat wanted to play. He kept rolling around on the table, batting at J2 and trying to get his attention, but J2 ignored him. New Cat wouldn't give up, though, and after a couple minutes J2 stopped what he was doing, lifted his two front paws high in the air, and tackled New Cat with a massive hug.
New Cat died very early this morning while I slept fitfully next to him, my hand resting on the side of his curled-up body. I wanted to comfort him. I wanted him to know he wasn't alone. And this cat who rarely liked to be touched would start to cry if I took my hand away.
I buried New Cat in the garden next to Hansel cat and Lindy The Chicken, not far from the spot where he caught that rabbit. In early spring I planted a small clump of spiderwort there, and it has flourished. Today I addded some more.
He was a magnificent creature who was a joy to watch and photograph. He was our New Cat. He left us in his prime, but he had a good run. He is already missed.
More about Whitey and her new brood soon. The circle of farm life always continues.
© 2007 FarmgirlFare.com, the full on, fur loving foodie farm blog where Farmgirl Susan shares recipes, stories, and photos from her crazy country life on 240 remote Missouri acres.
New Cat Blue Sky
Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #44!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy Cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. We'd love to have you join us. Just leave your permalink in a comment at Eat Stuff. For more framed furry friends, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to Camiguin Hanging-parrots.
New Cat Lives His Life Above Dog Level
Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #40!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy Cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. We'd love to have you join us. Just leave your permalink in a comment at Eat Stuff. For even more pussycat pics, be sure to catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark features everything from cats to coots.
New Cat Hanging Out Of The Snowy Cat Cabin
Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #38!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. We'd love to have you join us. Just leave your permalink in a comment at Eat Stuff.
For even more pussycat pics, be sure to catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark features everything from dogs & ducks to cats & caterpillars.
How To Stay Warm If You're Not A Super Fluff
The boys love their new wool bed in The Cat Cabin--even if it is bright pink. (What was I thinking?) That's extra wool piled up behind them.
Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #30!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. And for more pussycat pics, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night.
Ahem. I beg to differ. Look closely, please. I am not IN the raised bed.
Attention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #22!
Apparently Kiri, that wild and crazy cat from Down Under is still recovering from his birthday bash last weekend (don't tell me you actually believed Clare's story about having to go to a wedding this weekend?), so Boo The Cat at Masak-Masak in Malaysia has taken control of the computer and graciously offered to be keeper of the WCB flame. Just click here to head over there and pounce on all the links to this week's cute kitties (and catch a bundle of kittens at Masak-Masak). We'd love to have you join us for Weekend Cat Blogging. This weekend send your permalink in a comment to Boo at Masak-Masak. Otherwise, send it to Clare at Eat Stuff. And don't forget to add a "Weekend Cat Blogging" tag to your post.
New Cat Is Starting To Fluff Up For Winter
New Cat Loves Lounging On The Roof Of My Car© Copyright FarmgirlFare.com, the furry foodie farm blog where this guy really blends.
J2 & New Cat Survey The Day From The Cat CabinAttention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #15!
Food Bloggers around the world unite each week and share pictures of our favorite felines. See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs. You'll find all the links to this week's entries here at Eat Stuff in Australia (run by the adorable Kiri). We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to Clare (Kiri's slave) at Eat Stuff and add a "Weekend Cat Blogging" tag to your post.
New Cat Spends Most Of His Time High Above Dog Level Attention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #14!
Food Bloggers around the world unite each week and share pictures of our favorite felines. See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs. You'll find all the links to this week's entries here at Eat Stuff in Australia (run by the adorable Kiri). We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to Clare (Kiri's slave) at Eat Stuff and add a "Weekend Cat Blogging" tag to your post.
New Cat On The Potting Bench© Copyright FarmgirlFare.com, the furry foodie farm blog where cats often get away with being where they shouldn't because they're simply so darn cute.
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