Day 852 Queen

 

Cats certainly have a good gig, relax, eat, sleep and nap anywhere. Peps favorite sleeping spot this time of year is on the basement stairs, where the heat from the pellet stove pours up the stairs, creating a perfectly warm spot just for her. Tim and I are skilled at stepping over her, since she's not going to move for anyone. Although, I have to tell guests to make the big step and not disturb her, after all, she's the queen. I love her confidence in us all, not only that we will step over her but also that we have the physical ability to successfully maneuver the big step. Peps also enjoys sleeping under the rocking chair, flaunting her dominance over the household. She lounges inside but don't let that fool you, she's quite a hunter once she heads outside, bringing us dead creatures and dropping them on the back steps to show us her love...she's no freeloader. I'm not sure when in started to be recommended to keep cats inside? Cats were always used to keep the mouse populations down in barns, or in older homes but have always enjoyed the big outdoors. I've never had an indoor cat, but I can see the benefits of it. There are nights I wish Pep would come inside, nights I deem too cold, rainy or snowy but she has a mind of her own. I don't worry so much about animals catching her, she's much too quick for them, but I suppose as she ages that might change. My neighbor once asked me to put a bell on her so that she couldn't catch birds...imagine that? As much as I love my feathered friends, I would never crush Peps hunting abilities with a noisy bell around her neck. She may seem sweet but those hunting skills run deep inside her. When Peps is gone Tim and I will be faced with a big decision, another cat? Maybe two? Inside cat? Outside cat? Or if Tim has his way (doubtful) a small "polite" dog. Hopefully we won't have to worry about any of that for a long time, Peps is only about 13 years old and I'd guess, she's got a lot of living and hunting yet to do... but first, a little nap on the stairs.