Buddy, The Friendly Neighborhood Stray

Buddy snoozing on my chair

Meeting My Favorite Stray Cat

In our neighborhood we have a lot of strays and I am an animal lover but I didn't want anymore cats. I still don't want anymore indoor cats. I tried really hard not to feel bad for the strays until this cat shows up in the yard next door meowing up a storm. He sounded like he needed something so I got him some food and water and within 2 days he was my outdoor companion. Sometimes he just lays in a shady spot and and watches me and sometimes he demands petting. 

The first week or two he was begging me to come inside which would not have been in his best interest since our husky is not gentle with cats and our cat hates all other animals in his domain...including the husky. So even though he made me feel bad for not letting him in I figured he would be better off outside and I left a little space open for him to get into the garage. This way he could get our of rain and have dry food. 

Buddy begging to come inside 

I really only wanted to help one cat out but now I have 2 additional regular freeloaders. I decided it was not really that expensive and because of this very friendly stray I am now considering building a cat shelter and feeding station next to my garage instead of inside my garage. 

I find it so relaxing to hang out in the yard with the hens and cats I just can't imagine not helping them out. If some are not spayed/neutered I can simply take them to Humane Ohio and get it done for under $30 and bring them home and shelter them in an old dog crate for a few days then let them back out. 

Hens checking Buddy out

Last week I met a lady who also knows Buddy and found out he frequents many local cat lovers, he is spreading his love around the area. That is also how I figured out he already had a name and it suits him well. The arrival of my hens and this cat have helped me learn once again to calm down, relax and enjoy the moment. Buddy has been a blessing to me and is a great reminder that it doesn't hurt to stop and pet the cat even if you are in the middle of some great big project. Planning is good but if you are consumed by planning your future and finishing projects so you can move on to the next one you can't enjoy the little things in life that bring you joy. 

I have added building a high quality cat shelter on my list of to do's before the weather gets cold. I am sure I know someone who can help me design it so it won't leak and keep the cats as warm as possible and someone with the tools and know how to cut the wood.