The Pied Piper

Remember a previous blog about our front porch and back porch and the cats inhabiting both? The back porch was occupied by two alley cats, one of which has been with us since November of that bitter cold winter of 2013, and more recently, her black and white kitten, born before I had the opportunity to get her mother fixed.

The neighbors obese white cat lies on our front steps, occasionally walking around to the back porch to enjoy the cat food Bob puts out for the two alley cats. She needs none of it since it is obvious that she is well fed by our neighbors across the street. It appears that she likes to shove our more timid cats out of their dishes and take her place as the most dominant of neighborhood cats. (In other words, she is a bully).

Bob and I have grown fond of all three cats. They have become part of our lives and require little upkeep as they would if they were our inside cats and demanded litter changes, hair clean up and special treats.

As I glanced out of our side window today I saw Bob walking along our sidewalk with a rake, tending to outside tasks, while behind him frolicked two cats. As they neared the front porch, the white cat joined in the procession. Bob, intent on his yard work, seemed oblivious to his following.

The old fairy tale came back to me as swiftly as the three cats passing by the window. There was the Pied Piper of Hamlin, followed by the cats. Thankfully, no rats! We have none of those critters since the cats took up residence in our back yard.

I don't know about any of you, but I much rather prefer the cats to the rats, or the mice. I do miss the birds at the feeders I no longer keep filled, but there is nothing perfect in life. For now I have given up the sight and sound of numerous birds to the helpful company of two feral, mouse-chasing felines and the pushy, oversized inside/outside cat from across the street.