It feels like he has been here for years.
Zip wastes no time taking control of much of the farm. He’s routed the chickens from the lilac bush (he likes it there), is sleeping on Minnie’s chair on the back porch at night, is busy driving the pigeons from the barn, and has spotted the chipmunk’s elaborate tunnel system entry points. He’s watching it closely.
Yesterday, he shocked Maria and me by jumping up on Maria’s lap, and then mine, and going to sleep.
We also enjoyed watching him spot a chipmunk popping out of a hole and setting off quietly to catch him. He failed Yesterday, but not by much. He has patience, is quiet, and strategizes skillfully. We hoped Zip would be adamant, but he has gone much farther than we expected. Studying him and trying to understand a cat’s complex mind and instincts is fascinating.
He also is a good and easy sleeper. Seeing him so safe and easy in Maria’s lap was beautiful, and then mind. This chipmunk has stumped Bud for a while; we’ll see how that struggle goes. Zip is not easily discouraged, and the chipmunk is savvy and battle-hardened. I am in love with this cat.
Photos below.
Every sunny morning for years, Maria sat with Minnie on the back porch steps, singing her a song rubbing her back and ears; Minnie was always waiting for her. Maria always took the time to visit her and give her a great; seeing the two of them sitting together every morning was beautiful. It was a beautiful thing to see Zip there today. Maria was right to want a cat. I’m so glad she did, and I’m so happy I could find one quickly.
I am proud to be the farm’s hunter-gatherer; I’m a killer on the phone or online when finding the things we need. A friend came by to say hello, and Zip rushed out to meet him and rub against his jeans.
Zip spotted the chipmunk on Maria’s lap and started stalking, walking slowly and silently toward the hole in the rock garden. The chipmunk spotted him also and vanished into the hole.
Zip tiptoed slowly, looked down into the hole, and sat still for four or five minutes.
Zip is young and still learning to be a silent hunter. He is pretty good at it; he crept up slowly to the chipmunk’s tunnel hole and sat perfectly still for half an hour. The tunnel is long and deep, and his work will be cut out for him.
When I put some slippers on and went outside, Zip was waiting there, planning his day—a lovely sight. Life and death flow through a farm; they teach me acceptance and appreciation.
Seeing the skittish cat fall asleep after his vigil over the chipmunk hole was a bigger shock. Zip is just beginning to be accessible here.
I just love Zip. What a fabulous cat..makes me want to have one
What a magnificent creature! You hit the jackpot with Zip.
My MIL told me years ago, which we have found to be true, is that male cats are more affectionate than females. They are lap cats who like to be with you. We have a “Mini” too who is our old lady at 18. She loves attention and pets but she when she is done, she turns on her heel and walks off. Glad Zip is a great fit for you both and look forward to seeing his updates in the future!
I now understand why you are being careful not to allow him into the house. It seems he could easily become a house cat with outdoor privileges rather than a barn cat – either way his outdoor habits would probably be similar but your barn would definitely not be protected as well
I know that you probably won’t want to hear this opinion, but …In our area, the preferrable situation for a cat that is exhibiting the behaviors of Zip would be for him to have an indoor home. He is not showing any of the feral qualities and seems to be very friendly with humans. The feral cats here are the ones that are offered for adoption as “barn” cats, not the ones that seem to seek human attention, etc. They are “TNR’D” and then adopted out to farms to live outside. On the other hand, I understand that Zip is being taken care of well and getting much attention and love.Just the difference with what we consider to be true “barn cats” and potentially adoptable house cats in our area, I guess. And, yes, I agree that male cats often times seem to be more affectionate than their female counter parts….
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Donna, I have no problem hearing it all. Your position is just not something Maria and I agree with and your message, while thoughtful, does not change my mind. Thanks for taking the trouble to post it in a civil way. Human beings have a right to disagree without shame.
He is great company. Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va
I always said, you want bugs or vermin exterminated, get a female, you want love, get a male. Females can “fly” and get into positions that make a contortionist blush. Males seems to be so much more practical and mushy! Males seem to be so much more ” dog like. Whereas females, like in life, don’t tolerate much affection or anything else!
Depends who owns YOU! Both are awesome!
In my opinion, a happy house or farm animal is one who has a job, understands it, and has the freedom to DO his job. You’ve given Zip the opportunity to achieve all that. Jon — I offer that you absolutely ARE a “cat person”. You and Maria knew what Zip, Flo, Minnie and the others need in their lives and gave them the opportunity to have that. I take in old animals or other homeless critters, often off the streets of Minneapolis. Thus I’ve had more than 30 animals living with me, usually 2 or 3 at a time. A dog stayed 19 years as did a cat who came as a kitten. Most stay a much shorter time. I have never, ever had a fur-baby; I am not a pet-parent. We all have our jobs here.