A cat-loving woman in Texas wrote me an angry message this morning daring me to sleep between two hay bales in subzero weather before I thought I knew how Zip might feel in the cold. I was tempted to write back and say I sleep in the barn every night and love it, but I decided that would be immature and false and might upset Maria.
It’s the demon in me; I deleted her message and those of her disapproving friends.
There is no pleasing an extremist cat lover any more than it’s possible to get a member of the Mean Boys And Girls Caucus in Congress to negotiate with the opposition.
I got a good chuckle out of the message. Maria and I have been getting some.
I didn’t chase sheep for miles to spare my border collies or teach Bud how to herd, hunt, and eat moles so he could learn to catch and eat them.
Some things dogs and cats will have to figure out for themselves. And yes, there are risks, as there are for all of us. Zip is good at that. But I will sleep a tad easier in subzero weather, knowing he has a shot at being warm.
But I know this: this wasn’t a question about what Zip needed; it was about what I needed, and I’m happy to admit it.
I listen to the farmers because they are all squishes at heart, often pretending to be tough like me and many men. They are not burdensome. They are too tired and beat up for that, and no one knows animals better than they do, surely not animal rights theologians clucking in their following.
I have a lot of cat-loving friends now, but the Cat Trolls are out there and aren’t happy with me. I suspect they’ll be done in a day or so. There are so many animal outrage stories to keep them busy and writing those checks.
I should say that I do listen to farmers when they give me advice. They live with animals, understand cold, rats, coyotes, mice, and vermin, and their advice is sensible and sound. They aren’t arrogant about it; or pompous or annoying, they share their experience and leave it up to me. I have gotten good advice from them and listen to it.
Today, two of my farm advisers wrote to suggest I put a plastic sheet or towel or blanket over Zip’s heated cat c.e. In sub zero weather, they said, the heat rises up and out of most enclosed spaces, it can go right through cloth. They both suggested I put a cover over it to ensure that it does not block any hopes for ventilation and holds the warmth.
I can’t say if they are right or not, but it made sense to me, and Maria, who is wearing my worry about Zip, just shrugged her shoulders. Every man can be annoying without really trying.
I dug out an old towel. And I covered the top. I didn’t think it was necessary.
But the farmers seemed to know what they were talking about, and I was impressed they had given the issue some thought. Farmers, relentless targets of the Animal Rights crusaders, are the biggest animal lovers that I know. They know animals better than any city person because they live and work with them; animals are most often their whole lives.
Zip is happy with his heated house, but his schedule hasn’t changed much. He slept in there last night and went in for naps, but he was out in the snow hunting for moles, mice, and chipmunks and catching some. I feel more straightforward about Zip. He wasn’t coming inside, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel – 10-degree temperatures.
I can’t claim to know his feelings, but I’d rather not worry about it. To the outraged cat fanatics, time to get lost, my delete finger is warm and ready. You will not be listened to or missed.
Maybe I’ll carry some hot chocolate out to the barn tonight and sit out there with Zip, listening to the coyotes howl.
If you go out to the barn tonight with hot chocolate to listen to the coyotes howl I sure hope Maria get a photo of ot.
Me too.
When we lived in Montreal we had a lovely tabby called Sydney. He went out a lot and even in frigid Temps (-25+) he stayed out for hours. Once he didn’t come home and after 3 frigid nights I thought he must be a goner. Then one morning he rattled the window and there he was with frost bitten ears. He lived many more years.
a farmer’s advice regarding animals is almost always right on the money. Good idea….and one I adopted many yrs ago also when I had a friend (who was visiting) mention to me……when she saw our barn cats *bed* (no heater in it) out in the carport loft……*you might want to put a towel on top and hang a towel flap over one of the two side openings because you know heat escapes that way, right*? I was very open to her counsel and yes…… cat seemed (LOL, to me) to be more snug? Maybe it *was* for me that I did it…….but nonetheless good counsel and that can never be bad for any barn cat! ! And I think the top photo here could well be one for the next Zip notecard series 😜 Susan M
Our cat stayed outside all day – everyday for ten years. We live in the Berkshires and he outsmarted the bobcats, bears and coyotes! He is now 14 and spends more time inside – our mice population has grown and his hunting instincts have dimmed but he always manages to find a warm place to sleep outside. We don’t have a barn but there is a space under our shed where he holes up. They are survivors !
perhaps consider putting the brown cat cup bed INTO the heated cat house, at least for these frigid days, and tape a piece of canvas over the cat house door to cut down on drafts…
It’s good the way it Lynne, thanks
Your insight and love is palpable. I have 10 of your books on my shelf. The books about your dog journeys and life journey is amazing. My heart is touched. I share your words with my husband as you share your growth while you share your vulnerability. I think about your blogs and challenges of mean spirited folks. I am grateful to you and Maria and your kindness and wisdom.
Thank you. Forever.
Thanks
They have little cat houses you can by from Amazon. I had one for my outdoor guy. It plugs in and if it goes below 35. It will heat. Iike a heating pad he loved it
If it makes you feel any better, the chicken keeping community is just as bossy about what one should or shouldn’t do for chickens. Including knitting them sweaters, which is a bridge too far for me, and actually negates the warming capabilities of properly fluffed feathers. Our cats are spoiled indoor/outdoor cats, but even when it is as cold as it has been they go out for a bit each day – otherwise they get nutty and badly behaved. Cats are remarkably resilient and will find their own perfect space for the weather, but giving Zip a ready made option means he can focus on his job, keeping rodents at bay. You know your animal best.
Thanks Jessie almost all animal lovers are like that. I feel fine, just
Oh Lord, the chicken keepers!! And the endless stories about supplemental heat!!! Will it ever stop? Hint— they are FINE!!! They are all wearing down coats!!!
Our local volunteer fire department has responded to more chicken coop fires in the winter than you could imagine. The heating lamps combined with bedding straw are a real fire hazard.
That looks like a mighty fine house John, I am sure Zip appreciates your efforts 😊
From what I read, a bed of straw will help a cat to not freeze, as opposed to blankets beneath etc. you’re doing a good job, I understand what you mean by other “well intentioned people” offering advice!
Enjoy your house Zip!
Hi Jon, maybe I missed the blog about why you keep Zip outside? 🙂
I’ts up on the blog, Betty…
I like the effect of the towel on top – very artistic.
Jon,
We have 3 barn cats who have stayed in our barn for years. When the weather turns cold we hang 4 heat lamps
over a stack of saw dust bales and put self heating beds on top of a few blankets. The cats have stayed very warm 99% of the time. Since our barn was somewhat drafty we stapled plastic sheeting across the end of the barn where the wind
blows through. what a difference it made. Until I saw your heated cat house, I didn’t know about them. Next year, I may have to invest in some of them! On a side note, straw makes good insulating material, but not hay. Anyway, I have loved your blog for years and your excellent photography. Thanks, Jon
Thanks Debbie you have some lucky cats..the cat houses are on amazon..
I had an outdoor cat when we lived in the Mountains. She was out all the time. We brought in when we moved to the city. She was so scared indoors bc the lights, noise etc. Zip is fine.
Also, I love your exciting barn pictures. Exciting bc of all the amazing old things inside. I know you’re are used it but I lo e old things.
I’m sure Mr Zip appreciates the towel. There is no doubt that all of your animals(inside and outside) are treated very well. It’s just who you and Maria are. Carry on,Jon!!!