Kip’s Comments - March 25, 2025

Watching Cats

About nine months ago I heard two very weak, nearly inaudible “meows” near one of our outbuildings. Eventually I tracked the sad sound to two very tiny kittens that appeared to be hungry, possibly dehydrated, and not long for this earth unless something was done quickly.

I will admit to not being a big fan of cats. That said, I also cannot watch animals suffer to death, especially young animals. So, Kristy and I (mostly Kristy) did what was necessary to rescue the cats from starvation.

Adult Bald Eagle in Spruce Tree - Image 953706

Fast-forward to the current time. The two kittens so dependent on us are still with us (outside). We have rendered them unable to reproduce which turned the male into a lazy bum. The female seems to be a much better mouser.

As the cats do what cats do - roam the yard - they are exposed to threats. I have seen fox in our yard, coyotes not far from our mowed area, and bald eagles. Last week we had 19 bald eagles across the road. Obviously threats are prevalent for the cats that I am pretty sure the cats are not “seeing.” If they were aware they might be more elusive, at least when venturing out further from the house.

This morning when I was leaving the house I spotted this adult bald eagle on the top of our Norway spruce. The eagle was in a position to watch our yard… the roaming grounds for the two cats. I pointed my camera and lens over the shrubbery to document the threat that quickly left the area after it noticed me.

Time will tell if anything happens to the cats. As much as I am trying not to like them, I do not want them to turn up missing.