Deck Time with the Cats

The reason we have a deck, besides having access to a near source of our barbecue, was to create a space where we could easily let our cats outside where they would not come into contact with other pet smells and biological essences. We do keep plant matter there, as our pets are constantly curious and need some sort of outdoor pleasrure.

They hang out on our furniture almost as much as us. We had brought out a butler cart which turned into a cat condo. It is cedar and now it needs its oils reapplied. Out on the deck today, we heard crows. They flew over us a few times. We will not leave our kitten outside alone as he would be easy pickings for a crow or two. We have a few predatory animals which scan the skies. I have no problem with predatory birds being near. I just could not bear an accident by leaving my cats unattended.

Deck time is good. If forces us to take a break. It is easy entertainment. Just being able to sit in fresh air is pleasant. Watching the interactions is fun too. Today, our cats chased dandelion fluff around on the deck. They caught it with their paws against the glass.

We share our deck with my neighbours the pigeons. The pigeons have been here six or more years. There is a family. The juvenile pigeons are the most interested in me being on the deck. They are like kittens with their curiosity. They will come sit on the deck rail and watch me eat breakfast. So, on the deck, especially considering them invited, we usually have to sweep up a bit after them.

I talk to the pigeons. They coo back as if they understand. Sometimes, I just coo. I like their sounds. I hear them around my home on a regular basis.

How does deck time and pigeons work together? Well, during our deck time, the pigeons fly about us. They are like a flight show for the cats. The pigeons know how glass and doors work. They are not in the least intimidated when everyone is inside and they will visit longer and put on a show. Outdoors they don't land we when we are out, but they still sit on a nearby rooftop to see what is up. Would I trust a pigeon around my cats? Probably. I don't suspect they would come down and land around them anyway.

In my past, I had a crow swoop and try to pick up one of my cats. Hence, my worry. I sort of feel a connection with the pigeons. They are highly docile and patient. Who I would also be concerned about are the blackbirds. They seem really upset about the cats, but they pick on the smallest one the most. This is probably because they are guarding a nest. This means they can squawk all they want through the window, but I would never leave Lucius alone without supervision anyways.

From the deck today, we also got to see a Baby Rabbit newly born much the size of Lucius, his Mom, and the Sparrow who visits my garden these days. Usually, we have many robins. Today, I did not notice any. They are regulars in the yard.

Decks are a fabulous way to hang out outside and provide to my underlings some catutainment. I have fun too.