I like to think that all our animals are happy; I know they are well cared for and loved. But Zip has brought joy and connection that has dramatically enriched the farm and given him the happy life he was meant to have. He’s made us pretty happy, too, as is evident.
I was never that close to a cat until Zip entered my life and enriched it. I love that cat. Zinnia and Fate avoided our cats and had nothing to do with them. Zinnia and Zip are besties, and today, for the first time, he gave Fate a lick on the nose, and she didn’t growl or runoff. That’s unprecedented; it warms my heart.
Fate does not like other animals and has never been near our barn cats.
Day by day, Zip has been joining us for the morning chores, and one by one, he has charmed the donkeys, the sheep (all but one), and both dogs. First thing in the morning, he rubs noses and plays with them – even the severe and grumpy Fate.
He and Zinnia love to reach each other and down the pasture slope. In the daytime, he hangs out in the Pole Barn, has three or four warm places to sleep at night, and has worked heroically to clear the barn of rats, mice, and pigeons. Between hunting and exploring – he loves the marsh and woods and finds time to visit us and make us laugh and smaile.
He always appears when I am taking flower photos outside and keeps me company. I didn’t know a cat would do that. We are grateful for Zip; he is a bolt of sunshine wherever he goes. He is a prince in the Peaceable Kingdom.
He can hunt, explore, visit, and soak up the sun. He is free and healthy. I am so pleased to give him this life.
He’s even stopped annoying the chickens.
Maria feels the same way. I can’t count the times we give thanks for getting him.
Zip has altered the rhythm and feel of the farm. He’s a floating love story.
We love having him here, and so do the other animals. What a pleasant surprise. He goes to the vet tonight for a check-up and his bi-annual vaccinations. I told a friend that he takes good care of us, and we take good care of him. It’s a great deal.
Besties: Zinnia and Zip
Fate has finally accepted Zip and let him nuzzle up.
My chair has about three weeks to live. It’s slated to burn at our winter solstice bonfire. Could I ask Maria to fix it? Maybe Dan Rogers will come and help me save him.
Fate is taking her guard position. She’s pleased there.
Getting firewood from the woodshed.
What a wonderful life he has.
Thanks, Cindy; I do envy it; he’s quite a gift. I think he has the perfect life, especially for a barn cat.
When you see your cat’s feet twitching at night, this is what he is dreaming of. You have given Zip the life a cat was meant to have. And he has successfully converted you to the officially kitten smitten. A good trade.
Very good, Sarah..thanks..
I love that Zip gets to be the cat that he wants to be. He is safe and cared for, and with all the freedom he desires. When cats are allowed to live as their wild selves, they are so happy. We have a neighborhood cat here. She has a home but prefers to roam. She visits us often because we feed her. She has access to a warm garage at home, and to a warming hut in our back yard, and most likely has other warm spots as she visits quite a few homes in our subdivision. She’s been spayed, chipped and vaccinated, and I see no reason to drag her inside, “for her own good.” She appears to be quite content with her life.
I love that chair, please save it. So beautiful!
It saved