Zip is a charmer. We went in this morning to clean his crate and the litter box and wash and scrub the floor and the towels. Zip flipped out the first time we tried doing this, but he was calm and accessible today.

He is getting used to us.

He loves Maria, of course, but he is also flirting with me, rolling over when I come in and pressing his head against my finger when I stick it into the crate. Flow and Minnie were friendly but not as friendly as Zip. I’m curious to see what he’s like when he exits the crate.

It’s tempting to let him out now, but we have decided to be cautious and keep him crated for at least two weeks.

He looks ultimately at ease in his crate now, and we are sticking to our plan to let him loose this coming Wednesday, which will be two weeks. He might try to get back home where his brother is, but Maria and I are guessing he finds the farm and us comfortable. Zinnia is his best pal, and Fate couldn’t care less. The donkeys are curious to meet him; they’ve always gotten along with our barn cats.

Here’s a photo of this morning’s visit and cleaning session. The crate was a mess. He was having fun last night crawling in and out of his box.

Zip is a young cat and fairly active in his large crate. We had to pull out the floor, wash it, clean the litter box and replace the litter, replace the water in the bowl, and get him new towels in the back corner, his favorite “safe” place. We’re looking for places to put some blankets and thinking about on top of the hay bales, but from our own experience, Zip will find his home to make a warm bed and resting place.

Maria was skilled at getting the floor out without freaking the cat out. He was okay with it. He just wanted to eat his breakfast and have me scratch his head.

Lulu is dying to know what’s in the barn; she smells and hears Zip move. She’ll find out on Wednesday. Fate is not interested in him, although he loved to pretend to stalk Minnie, who ignored him.

Once the crate was clean, Zip came up front for some more scratching. He is a lover, especially for a barn cat. He loves to be touched but not held. I think the attention will keep him here. An animal would have to be pretty dumb to leave Maria, and he is not dumb.

Zinnia has been closely following Zip’s food; she tried to eat the trappings in the litter, as Labs love to do. There is not much in the world that Zinnia will not attempt to eat. Cleaning out the crate and seeing how easy Zip is in the barn was a good feeling. Bud is curious to know what’s in there; he and his nose will find out.