As Tabs climbs the stairs a little slower and slower every day in his senior years, I catch myself thinking about his life and hoping that he’s had a happy life, even though we moved him away from his kittenhood home in Mill Valley, where he lived outdoors and slept beneath the stars.
I know he’d love nothing more than to spend every waking hour outside.
I wish I could read his little kitty brain and ask him, “Tabs, are you happy?”
I know he’s always loved going for walks, and he’s a good leash cat, but it’s not the same as when he lived full-time outside.
Just to give him his own little slice of outdoor heaven, I’ve tried to turn our back deck into a tabby paradise, and I think he enjoys it…
But with cats, you know, it’s hard to say.
He’s been such a great cat and such a great creative partner. Even though sometimes it takes a lot of awkwardness and…behind-the-scenes photography coaxing, he never seems to mind.
I think he loves the attention.
I just hope above all else he’s had a happy life.
? you, Tabs.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,
Karen and Tabs
Oh I have no doubt he has! You’re a very loving pet assistant, and despite the call of the wild, he wouldn’t have lived long and prospered if you hadn’t opened your home and your heart to him. I would say he’s a pretty spoiled tabby!
I have no doubt that Tabs is very happy with you.
Tabs is a happy kitty. You can see it how peacefully he naps.
awww, you guys are such good cat parents. I am positive Tabs is a happy kitty 🙂
I’m tearing up. He is such a sweet kittycat, and he seems to enjoy his kitty life. The freedom of the outdoors is attractive, but he has people who love him so much.
I love the painting of him! I painted a picture of Quincy that hangs in my cubicle.
I had an outdoor cat and he died at 8 because I used to feed him but he did’nt want to live inside the house,he wanted his free life.So he died young.I think Tabs is happy he has a good life and choose to live with you .If he doesn’t want to stay he will find a way. He choose you everyday. Have a nice day with your two beauties.Gros bisous from France.
With you as his assistant I’m sure Tabs is the happiest kitty on earth. 🙂
Yeah, you need to be a mind reader to know what a cat is thinking… And even then they’re pretty good at keeping their poker faces on, lol 🙂 Tabby seems happy though!
I’m sure Tabs was thrilled to trade the mean streets of Mill Valley for the posh life of a world-renown kitty model. The fact that he hasn’t tried to suffocate you in your sleep is also pretty clear proof that you’re keeping him content (so far, but don’t get complacent). 😉
Indoor cats live MUCH longer than outdoor ones. I’m sure he appreciates the fact that he doesn’t have to dodge cars or watch for coyotes or dogs or sleep in the rain. He knows where his next meal is coming from. It’s a much better life for pet cats if they are kept indoors. So many less hazards. And let’s not even get started about how much his quality of life has been enhanced by having his own 24×7 personal assistant ready at his beck and call…!!
Karen,
Hi. I know Tabs is happy-He’d rather be indoors with you, El Hub and Connor Claire–his purrs, head buts etc confirm that!
Indoor cats can easily live to 20 years old, so hopefully you have many years left with that handsome tabby boy!
xoxo
Anne Marie
Outdoor life is overrated. Outdoor cats don’t live nearly as long as indoor cats. And I’m pretty sure they do the same things outside as they do inside….SLEEP. I mean, there’s more to see and they probably chase leaves and whatnot. But in the grand scheme of things, inside is better.
We have struggled with the same worries, so we put up a hummingbird feeder and a bird feeder so they can watch “bird TV” and they LOVE it. I got them interactive cat toys where they have to work for a cat treat and we have a bunch of cardboard scratcher cat furniture around the house.
Tabs has had, is having, and will continue to have a happy life with all of you inside your home. Maybe when he looks out the window he thinks “Man am I lucky to be in here, it really sucked out there not having a home and people I love. I’ve come a long way baby.” (if you remember Virginia Slims ads). Heck when I come back, I’m coming back as your cat so I can live with tons of love…and tons of make-up of course 🙂
You made me cry, Karen! And yes, I am sure that Tabs loves and has loved every second of his life with you! And I’m glad he’s an indoor kitty now, cuz it’s so much safer inside.
Awe Tabs is so precious! Being a pet parent is tough business because they are like children without the long life span. I love my dog who is 12. He’s a lil Yorkie who has recently slowed down quite a bit and has started coughing a lot (they have a short trachea that can collapse in their later years I guess) and even though we still go on 1.5 mile walks, I definitely notice how slow he is now. 🙁 I hope he’s had a great life too! I can tell Tabs has an awesome life!
I’m sure he’s very happy with his human family. He’s so much safer indoors but wouldn’t it be great to have an entire fenced in (with roof) yard where he could play? My three would love that!
Tabs has the best life…wonderful, attentive pet parents, an adorable sister, & a lovely home in my favourite state: California. Enjoy every day together you have together! May your journey together last a very long time.
Thank you, Mel. He is and will always be my special kitty!