If you’re a cat, there’s a lot to see and do on our little oak tree-covered hill. It’s home to a thriving community of turkeys, deer, other cats (some nice, some malcontents), dogs, coyotes, quail, finches, owls, hawks, crows, woodpeckers, raccoons, squirrels, foxes and a rabbit (or two), to name a few.
Tabs sort of administers everything to make sure the community performs at an optimal level, which he likes to do from one of his many perches, like his window shelf in the living room or his outdoor tabby command center.
But sometimes you have to get out there and get your paws dirty to see what’s really going on, which we did today on our walk.
The grass on the hill is all dead and dry right now, but the oak trees are green and action-packed.
Problem is, some of the critters in the area aren’t following proper procedures, like this ne’er–do–well who refused to show Tabs his authorized tree pass.
We tried to catch up to him, but he darted away.
Squirrels today, ya know? They have no respect for authority.
first time I see a cat on a leash, here you see you really take good care of him. if I had a cat he or she would be on a leash too when her or she was outside to avoid danger
My neighbour’s cat was always outside on a leash in front of their property. I would visit him daily with my husband to play.
Over time, we grew quite fond of each other and I really looked forward to our visits. He has since moved but I think of him
all the time and plan on visiting him soon at his new place.
Aren’t cats the best?!
It’s so cute to see your cat on a leash. My cat literally acts boneless when I try to put her on a leash. Since she doesn’t like it she’s strictly an indoor cat.
Looks he runs a tight ship!
Mina doesn’t get to go outside, but us always keeping a watchful eye from one of the windows.
I thought of you guys because I saw two teeny adoptable tabbies while I was buying Quincy supplies. They looked like they were getting over an eye infection or something, but they were cuddly little sweeties.
Do you have any tips for getting a kitty into her leash? I have tried everything but my girl just won’t let us get it on her. She’s an indoor cat but from time to time, tries to get out. I love seeing your great photos with Tabs and would love to have Static get a chance for a bit of outdoor time too.
Hi Diane,
It took a few tries to get Tabs really comfortable on the leash, and we took it slowly. I started with him wearing the leash with me around the house a few times and gave him some treats to show him that everything was alright.
I also saw that he didn’t really like the mesh harnesses from places like Petco, so I had El Hub make this one out of nylon straps, because as you know, cats aren’t very fond of wearing a lot of fabric. This one is very lightweight, and I don’t know if he even notices wearing it anymore.
I hope that helps!
I have rogue squirrels in my backyard too! Sometimes they won’t let me stay out on my porch, they’ll stand on a branch of the olive tree just a couple feet away and start screaming. Turns out the cry of the squirrel is terrifying… (I thought they may have rabies at first, but apparently they just get pissed at me for ruining their fun).
Such an adventure land! And Tabs looks like quite the explorer.
I was going to comment on the leash, too. It’s just GRAND to see a responsible cat owner who doesn’t just turn her pet outside! I’ve seen too many pets get hurt or killed roaming the streets. What a great kitty mom (oops, I mean ASSISTANT) you are!!
NYC squirrels are super friendly. Some of them come up to me and beg for food.
He looks so happy on his nature walks! Looking good, Tabs!