In between slaughtering and torturing mice and moles, Mother loves to come by the stone wall and flirt, waiting to have her belly scratched and purring softly. I have to say the life of a barn cat is fascinating to me. She is always around the house, has never been inside, and doesn’t want to come, even on the coldest days, where she prefers a heat lamp and a nest of hay. I love Mother, and respect her independence and resourcefulness. There are so many dangers facing a barn cat, from the road to coyotes, and Mother knows what she is doing.