-- Spring Kittens Leap Into Mid-Summer --
Normally , this is the time for me to do a column on travel with cats , the need for fresh water in hot weather , and how heat waves affect cats . But nothing here is normal this summer , for the kittens abandoned on the doorstep in April are still with us . One did find her forever home and is SO happy . But the boys are sharing a house with Hector and Jasper , who are stretched out ten feet long and enjoying lazy summer days .
The same cannot be said for the kittens , who now have the total run of the downstairs during the day , and the run of the shop at night . Their kitten clubhouse is a hole made by the boxes stacked higgledy-piggledy in the area behind the walnut bookcase . I made a small box with a towel in it for them--that has pointedly been ignored . It ’ s race , race , race and chase all over the place - thundering down the empty main aisle of a closed bookshop , dragging toys like a fresh kill , or chasing the infernal red dot . They are just like small human children . They have only two settings : on and off . When they run out of energy , they simply retreat to a safe space for them and collapse . We don ’ t see kittens for a few hours .
Hector has resumed all normal activities in the house , yard and shop . And it ’ s a busy summer outdoors for him , as he inspects every step in the repair of the culvert on his property . Sometimes , I can ’ t find him as the heavy equipment works to dig out the area around the old work , making forms and pouring concrete . But trust me , he ’ s there - under the large privet bush , watching the work on HIS property . He walks over all of the construction site after the guys quit for the day .
As for the little cats that pester him , he gives them a passing glare , or growls until he gets respect . This morning , he is laying on the floor with just the tip of his tail moving back and forth . That is irresistible to the little guys , who sneak up and touch it . That gets a small hiss , that sometimes makes them run away , and once to run to Hector ’ s face and give him a kiss before scurrying to a safe distance . It ’ s a great game . Hector plays until he is bored and then moves over next to me , secure in his position as my constant companion . Jasper , who likes to stay upstairs in the morning , is doing just that , after accepting many rubs on the steps back up from breakfast . He also finds kittens annoying , but he is less likely to hiss or bat them . And my big cats don ’ t know how lucky they are . Without each other for company , all that chase and play energy would be directed at them !
- by Linda Roller , Bookseller , Writer , & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis , PA .
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours : Thursday & Friday 10-6 , Saturday 10-3 , or by appt .
“ Where yesterday ’ s books are today ’ s treasures .”
LibertyBookShop @ comcast . net www . thelibertybookshop . com
570-753-5201
Pawsitively Pets -- August 5