Mr. Poe

I exclaimed - 'I'm not a cat person, I love birds!'

Well, that's what I told my son when I learnt the truth.

Last year in January he announced that hubby and I are going to become grandparents. Our initial excitement turned to dismay when we were told the grandchild's name was Poe. Of course, we knew who Poe was - certainly not a human grandchild, no, he is of the feral kind!

They were emigrating, and not only was the cost to emigrate Poe astronomical but they would also not be allowed to have him stay in their apartment.

'Well, Poe will just have to learn not to kill my garden birds, or else I'm taking him to the SPCA' was my response!

And so we became Cat Grandparents, did not want it on our conscience if they could not find another home for Poe, and be forced to take him to the SPCA!

This is what my lawn used to look like - food heaven for any cat! I had to stop feeding the birds, much to my annoyance.

Unwanted 'gifts' would land on my carpet from time to time, and Poe would be scolded for killing an innocent little bird. We bought bells of all sizes, hoping it would warn the birds, but that did not help at all; he strikes at lightning pace!

I think he knows by now that I'm not impressed by this kind of gift, so I don't have many of that kind anymore. Perhaps he's bored with that game?

He has brought in a Shrew, something I did not even know we had here. His regular prey now is the poor little Geckos, who actually do a good job of catching pesky mozzies. I wish Poe would rather go on a hunting spree and kill them!
That must be why there's a population explosion among the Mosquitoes, I'm just kidding of course! We've had a lot of rain and it's been hot and humid, some of my plants 'catch' water and store it, the perfect breeding ground for mozzies. We also live close to a stream and the municipality no longer does its annual spraying where there's stagnant water. So, the mozzies are out every night humming and buzzing, not my favorite chorus! I turn on the aircon most nights, close the windows and at least have a peaceful night!

Back to Poe - he's become my little tail and follows me wherever I go. I vowed that I would never forgive him if he brought in unwanted 'gifts, and for sure would never let him sleep by my feet!

He really thinks he's the boss, very demanding especially when he wants a treat. He waits around the corner for me when I go to the bathroom or blocks my way, and gets very upset if I don't head in the direction of where I serve him his treats!
Poe often tries pinning me down when I ignore him in my busyness as if he's trying to tell me to slow down and give him some attention!

Here he's giving me a dirty look as if to say he's found a friend, someone who doesn't run around but sits with him as long as he wants!

Poe makes himself at home in many rooms, but now that it's summertime, I don't let him sleep by my feet. He seems to move around and has a couple of favourite spots; in the spare room, and the livingroom, often the verandah, or in summertime on the tile floor, especially when we're having a heatwave.

Poe's box-beds

Funny how cats have a fascination with boxes; when I have a delivery, he comes sniffing around and tries squashing himself into the tiniest boxes.

Poe no longer is a big-time hunter, but for sure thinks he's the king of the castle, and has crept into my heart!

I would not have believed it if someone told me I'd end up with so many cat-photos on my phone! Mr. Poe is a handsome and very contented boy, don't you agree?