Since I have been pretty much the only "mother" that this rescue cat has ever known, he treats me as if he is my true kid...a toddler but a kid nonetheless. He follows me just about everywhere I go. My hikes will never be the same with an inquisitive cat on the trail. Critters are not keen on "posing" for photographs while there is a potential predator nearby. I do not blame them. This cat is proving to be quite the hunter! So far, he has only been interested in shrews, mice and rats and is highly praised if he presents one to me, whereas, if he shows any bit of stalking birds, he is reprimanded. I know it will happen but, hopefully, the birds will take flight before he gets too near. That said, the cat does show a high interest in protecting the gardens and greenhouse from the aforementioned critters. Bat is becoming quite the garden cat!
One of his favorite places (also mine) is the greenhouse. This time of year, the greenhouse provides a bit of warmth and, also, blocks the cold winds. Bat and I can be found there in the early morning hours after our trip to the pier. I putter among the plants and he stalks anything that wiggles. This morning, he was highly interested in a tunnel under the prayer plant. His sniffing did not provide any results so he decided it was time to play a game of "Hide and Seek". As I moved plants in more favorable spots, he pounced in and among the pots.
While I have been criticized for allowing Bat to be a mostly outdoor cat, I feel it is necessary. Here, he has about 20 acres of family owned land to explore and keep rodent free. I have always said that any critter that calls the place home has to earn his keep. We have only had two pets that were more lackadaisical in that area and both were elderly when they arrived. The others quickly came to understand that "everyone works". Bat is off to a good start. If he just keeps the gardens and greenhouse pest free, I will be one "proud mama".
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