The first animals that came to Coteau Valley Farm last summer were two cats, Miso and Mochi. They were very small and full of energy and mischief. Upon arriving they were promptly put in a cardboard box and taken to the veterinarian who vaccinated and dewormed them. A few visits later and they were fully up to date on their vaccines and ready to live the life of the barn cat. Initially, we kept them locked inside of the shop so they could acclimate themselves to the sounds and smells of their new surroundings. Then we took them on little visits outside with small leashes tied around their necks. Yes, we were very worried that they would run off to the roadside. Time passed and they began to have short little trips alone outside, we would see them climbing trees and falling off our deck chairs as they scampered around the property. Jumping high through the tall grass and generally acting rambunctious. As they grew they began to catch little mice and then squirrels. I think that birds were on their radar to catch or pester but they never managed to catch one, they just annoyed them. The mice and squirrels wholly entertained them as we would find them catching mice and letting them run off only to be pounced on and caught again. It was a cruel game, but one the cats enjoyed a lot. Our family walks began to turn up two cat friends who followed behind us, jumping high in the grass and attacking one another as we walked. Mochi and Miso have spent the winter in the barn suffering away being locked up and longing for the sun. They sulk a lot and sometimes are allowed outside to climb around the high drifts. But mostly they sit in the window of the shop waiting for the spring, as all of us seem to be doing these days. I think they are ready to go back to work catching mice and generally being silly. Their lives will be exciting again in the future. When the snow is melted, if it ever melts, more snow is forecasted. For now, they keep themselves inside a lot and do not seem to have much interest in getting cold and wet. I think they are glad they came to the farm, as much as cats can be glad. I look forward to their feline folly in the months ahead, keep reading!
Coteau des Prairies
South Dakota Hobby Farm
Comments