Happy Halloween

Trick or treat, anyone? The cats decided to help us hand out Halloween treats this year - but their participation was limited to watching all the Trick or Treaters at the door. We bought three large boxes of chips and as soon as we started to get them staged at the side of the door, Spike decided to try and get in one of the boxes. So we quickly changed tactics and put a selection in a small bin that Spike could not climb into. Angel jumped onto the table by the door (his usual waiting place whenever there is any activity in the foyer) and as a couple of the drink cans started to teeter we realized we would have to fill the table completely to block Angel in any attempt to re-establish his spot on the table. Sebastian had no interest in any treats - but he thought he had a good trick up his sleeve by sneaking under the chair by the front door, hoping to make a quick escape when we opened the door. We let him stay long enough to get a quick photo, then we scooted him back into the living room.

The one cat you won't see in the photo is the new black "cat". We found a great black cat with flashing red eyes at the local store and decided he would make a good Halloween cat just outside our front door. When we brought him home mid week, we simply put him on a shelf and didn't think there would be any interest on the part of our real cats. Not so! They each took turns sniffing at the black cat and then Spike thought he'd take a swipe or two. After hearing Sebastian growl we realized we'd have to put the black cat in the cupboard until we were ready to put him outside.

We Three Kings Together

We had set up the dining room window seats over a year ago in the hope that all 3 cats would enjoy the sights and each other's company. This is the first time we have ever seen them up here together - we typically see at most two, and usually only one at a time.

The open window on the right is the real draw - they can smell the fresh air and hear the birds clearly. Sebastian is sitting on the right side chair, with his eyes on the fat grey squirrel helping itself to the fallen sunflowere seeds. Sebastian takes to fresh air like a chocoholic in a candy factory - his little nose twitches and he stares intently at every movement outside. He is always on the wait by the front door when we return home and he is the first up to the kitchen window when we get up in the morning. Spike lays claim to the front window and will tolerate acat beside him. However when either Sebastian or Angel has already grabbed an open spot, they will run away immediately when they see Spike bearing down on them (after all, Spike's size and weight advantage does look really intimidating even though he means no harm).

Come here little birdie

The other day, we were at the Costco cash register, hauling up a large bag of bird seed onto the counter. The lady in front of us turned around and said we must be bird lovers. I answered: "cat lovers". She looked at me with a puzzled look but didn't bite.

We actually do like birds and have a wide variety stopping by for regular feedings. But the main reason we buy bird seed is to provide our cats with hours of endless entertainment at any of the 5 windows on our main floor that offer a view of the yard. Spike is at the front window and has just spied a bird outside. His paw is up to catch the bird's attention. I'm sure he is constantly puzzled why he can't just reach through the window and get his paw on any of the feather interlopers. He really gets excited when the birds come right up to the window - and I'm sure if he could, he would be very pleased to play with a new "toy".

Sebastian and his brush tail

Papa Bear has been waiting to get a photo of Sebastian and his brush tail for a few weeks now. Although Sebastian is a nervous cat at some times, he rarely gets upset enough that his tail fluffs out. The first time we saw this we were quite amazed at how thick his tail really is. Every once in a while a neighbour cat sneaks through our yard and in its journey it will stop to have a look at whichever cat is sitting by our window. Spike and Angel simply watch with interest - but do not show any signs of concern. Sebastian, on the other hand, clearly now sees our house and yard as his territory and is very annoyed when any other cat dares to invade. As soon as he sees the intruder cat he will run back and forth from window to window in a very agitated manner. His tails fluffs to full force at first sight and doesn't settle back down until the other cat has left our yard.

A quiet day...and a quiet cat

Sebastian snoozing by the dining room window basically sums up the week for the furry boys. This past weekend, younger son was taking care of the cats while we were off to see eldest daughter. When we returned, we expected to be greeted by furry little faces, showing joy at our return. Not so. Slowly each of them appeared by the door as we were bringing in the luggage - they looked, they yawned and they disappeared. Every time we looked around for a kitty, we would find them sleeping somewhere - on the couch, on the chair, under the table, on the bed.

Yesterday, we found Sebastian curled up fast asleep. Usually he is sitting on one of the chairs that flanks this bed, with his nose pressed against the window but still remaining vigilant for people coming up behind him. It was a surprise to see him in such a relaxed state, not even twitching an ear when his photo was taken. He is becoming more comfortable as time goes by and we hope he really feels this is his home now.