01-29-2026, 06:15 PM
Winter Clowder edit 2.1 (bryn, milo)
The rescues say domestic cats are best
brought home in pairs or larger multiples
and live their greatest lives when they're confined;
supposedly, most felines crave the company
of other cats to keep them busy and amused.
Ours, left alone, will sleep the day away,
content to snooze while we're out on a walk,
or babysitting toddlers so their mom
and dad can meet their mortgage, pay the bills
and warm their house when arctic fronts converge.
Arriving home we're greeted at the door,
they seem to be so sweet collecting pets
then battle over laps and water bowls
and stalk each other at the litter box.
We hoped expanding their environment
might help relieve the stress of indoor life;
we split the deck to build a cat retreat
adjacent to the lakeside sliding doors.
We stapled hardware cloth to cedar frames,
attached the fiberglass with roofing screws
and weatherproofed the swinging catdoor flap.
Now snow accumulates around the edge
and coats the slatted upper lookout shelves,
they're not deterred by single digit temps
and gallop out to make their great escape.
Those still inside will gather silently
then start a boxing march to block the door.
No pheromone dispenser makes a dent,
we're powerless, can only referee;
with one too many kitties chaos rules.
(additional .1 edit for clarity)
The rescues say domestic cats are best
brought home in pairs or larger multiples
and live their greatest lives when they're confined;
supposedly, most felines crave the company
of other cats to keep them busy and amused.
Ours, left alone, will sleep the day away,
content to snooze while we're out on a walk,
or babysitting toddlers so their mom
and dad can meet their mortgage, pay the bills
and warm their house when arctic fronts converge.
Arriving home we're greeted at the door,
they seem to be so sweet collecting pets
then battle over laps and water bowls
and stalk each other at the litter box.
We hoped expanding their environment
might help relieve the stress of indoor life;
we split the deck to build a cat retreat
adjacent to the lakeside sliding doors.
We stapled hardware cloth to cedar frames,
attached the fiberglass with roofing screws
and weatherproofed the swinging catdoor flap.
Now snow accumulates around the edge
and coats the slatted upper lookout shelves,
they're not deterred by single digit temps
and gallop out to make their great escape.
Those still inside will gather silently
then start a boxing march to block the door.
No pheromone dispenser makes a dent,
we're powerless, can only referee;
with one too many kitties chaos rules.
(additional .1 edit for clarity)
