Black Cat Farm

When we arrived at Janice’s house a week ago, we were greeted by a bevy of cats. This is a great change from years past, when I would drive in and the cats would scatter. 

Janice’s cats were typical farm cats. Farm cats come and go. They are outdoor cats. Some are wild/feral. Some are just wary. They roam from farm to farm. They take off for parts unknown. And unfortunately, coyotes help maintain the population.  Janice’s cat population used to be black and white cats. That has changed, as well.

Last winter was exceptionally cold. Most of her cats usually found shelter in the various barns and out buildings, but a few were very young and were living more or less out in the open. When the temperatures plummeted well below zero, Janice piled some old blankets on the enclosed porch and caught as many of them as she could. Most of the cats were happy to sleep inside at night but scampered outside first thing in the morning.  One black cat, a single young one, liked the porch and was always ready to come back in at night. ‘Susie’ had found a home. And then, Susie gave birth to 4 black kittens. The kittens grew, stayed and are now happily ensconced in their surroundings.

They hover near the door when the wind blows.

They roam around the yard when the weather’s nice and hide under the trees at night to sleep.

They guard the place from various perches.

Warren was very happy. Warren loves cats. By the time the weather warmed up, and the cats could go outside, a very happy relationship had been solidified between the cats and the family, especially Warren. The end result of that cold winter was a new crop of tame farm cats.

The cats have names. Kisser is Warren’s favorite. (He’s a licker.) Susie is mom to several of the others.  And Scar is the one with the single white whisker! To Larry and I they all look alike. And noticing one white whisker takes a pretty good eye.

Susie has apparently found a beau. The porch is currently home to 4 adorable little kittens; 2 tigers, and 2 (more!) black cats.  The population may change in the future. But for now…..

Welcome to Black Cat Farm.

 (By the way, all of these pictures were taken at the same time. They are not the same cats! I've counted 7 so far, but who really knows....?)