CVRT Chronicles 2025-01-12

 

After two snows and cold, windy conditions, two felines from the cat colony cuddled together on a bare spot next to a tree. I often come home after walking this part of the trail and remind my cats how lucky they are.

Cats of San Juan

I was walking around the Paseo del Morro, the shoreline walking path around the National Park that contains San Juan’s famous castle, when I stopped to take a photo of one of the resident cats. A man who was carrying a grass trimmer jokingly commented as he walked by, “All they do is lay around like they own the place!” Perhaps they do, I replied.

The cats have long been a fixture in Old San Juan, but last summer the National Park Service announced that the cats would be removed from the park, arguing that it did not meet visitors’ expectations or the purpose of the park. Yet, most people view the cats as part of the landscape and charm of the city. Many residents believe that the cats are being forced out just as locals have been from the old city to make way for wealthy investors from elsewhere. 

This guy was really tired and did not mind me sitting next to him. 

Calle de Hospital

This chicken and cat appeared to walk away as tourists started flooding the square. 

For the most part, the cats interact well with tourists. 

Cats on Vacation (Rehoboth Beach 2024 version)

Coco enjoy "her" new ottoman in room 119.

From their perspective, the cats think that Delaware is a room at the Residence Inn at Rehoboth Beach. While the car ride is scary, being in a new place is, at first, exciting. There are new places to explore and hide, a cubby hole beneath the sink for example. In fact, Coco got caught behind a dresser drawer and was trapped there for several hours. Our mistake was that we left the drawer wide open, there was not enough room for her to jump into the drawer and then out of drawer onto the floor. She was getting a little panicky, and I even went and asked the manager if he knew how to remove the drawers from the dressers. Although we are not engineers, Angie and Coco eventually figured it out.

At first, Pip was at peace. The territory that is a hotel room is much easier to monitor than the territory at home. There was no prompting him to use the litterbox, and he slept soundly in bed with us. He was gregarious and cuddly. But as the week went along, he let us know that he was ready to go home. He is a sensitive cat, who likes his routine. And he is not shy about reminding us of that.

Pip on the comfortable bed that, from his perspective, can only be found in Delaware.

The Clowder Turns Four

 

Coco, Lucie, and Pip in front of the fire (January 2022)

It is hard to imagine our lives without Lucie, Pip, and Coco. Since they came home with us, a little under four years ago, each of them has found a niche in our house. They all have their “jobs” and idiosyncrasies. Pip likes to join me in the office in the mornings for a little work before breakfast, while Lucie supervises Angie’s yoga sessions. Coco is quick to remind us to keep their food dish full, even if there is quite a bit left. All enjoying helping Angie work on jigsaw puzzles, although it is amazing that each of her puzzle seem to come up a few pieces short upon completion.

Supervising the puzzle

The cats take turns watching television with us, but Coco especially loves watching hockey. That is literally true. While Pip will fall asleep on the back of the couch, Coco watches the television, especially hockey. She seems to have a special affinity for Jay Caulfield, the analyst during Penguins intermissions. When she hears his voice, she sits and becomes very focused. When Caulfield uses a telestrator to diagram plays on the screen, Coco begins to talk back, apparently offering counter analysis. Finally, as he is drawing lines and arrows, she jumps up and tries to offer her own suggestions.

Coco watching hockey with dad

As I am fond of telling them, the three are among the luckiest and most spoiled kittens I know. They spent a lot of time this summer on the back porch in their Octagon, watching birds and squirrels while napping. And in the winter, they spend warm cuddly nights, in their baskets, in front of the fireplace. Toys are scattered throughout the house, and moving a couch, stove, or refrigerator reveals a ton of other that have been forgotten. Yes, we continue to call them kittens despite arriving at the age of four year.

Lucie enjoying some (supervised) outdoor time on the porch

The last year has not been without worries. In late February, we began noticing Pip was squinting often. After several visit to our local vet, and then a couple of visits to an animal ophthalmologist in suburban DC, Pip was diagnosed with a herpes virus that he likely inherited from his mother. Although his eyes look bad from time to time, he does not seem to be in pain. Coco scared us in recent weeks with what was apparently a passed kidney stone. Although she was having trouble, Coco never seemed to feel bad and continued to be the sweet girl she is.

Coco closely guarding her mouse

This year was one in which the cats had three vacations. Traveling with their human parents can be stressful, but once they arrive each seem to enjoy the change of scenery. During the summer, we returned to Skaneateles, New York for a week away. Although it is a long four-plus hour ride, they tolerated their crate and settled right into our apartment for a week. They did so well, we are planning for a two-week trip this coming summer. About ten days after I received my second vaccination, and two weeks after Angie’s, the clowder made their first trip to Delaware, specifically Rehoboth Beach. Although from their perspective, Rehoboth is nothing more than a studio apartment hotel room without a particularly good view. Nevertheless, they enjoyed it so much, Lucie, Pip, and Coco made a return visit to Rehoboth in December for a pre-Christmas getaway.

Pip enjoying Delaware, in a hotel room (April 2021)

Coco finding new places to explore in Skaneateles (June 2021) 

In May, after receiving our vaccines, Angie and I got to see Mackie in Florida, the uncle to the clowder who have yet to meet him. Shadow continues comes to the backdoor to have a little treat most mornings. Recently, there has been quite a bit of snow and ice on the ground, so we did not see him for a while. Last week, he appeared wanting some food and there was much rejoicing among our cats, happy to see their old buddy. We occasionally hear from, and receive a picture from Myrtle, our friend who stayed with us for a few weeks while se was trying to find a home a few years ago. Our network of cat friends remains, thankfully, well.

Coco trying figure out dad's shelfing system (April 2021)

Lucie napping in the office (April 2021)

Lucie and Coco napping (May 2021)

Relaxing while in Skaneateles (June 2021)

Lucie and Pip, back in Rehoboth (December 2021)

Coco tuning up our Christmas tree on New Years Day

Coco demanding my attention while, at the same time, stepping on the delete key as I am writing (January 2022)

This photo of Pip was taken in January 2022 although it could be from any month from this past year. Pip comes to the office, while I am writing each morning and curls up to sleep in the office chair next to mine. I have dozens of photographs that look the same because this is him nearly every day. 

Our buddy, the neighborhood cat Shadow, who is getting along in years but visits daily when the weather is good. In the upper right hand corner you can distinctly see Coco's face. She seems most enamored with Shadow. and consequently we refer to him as her boyfriend. 

The good boy Uncle Mackie, who came to see us in May at Beau's house in Montbrook. 

Myrtle, who when she stayed with us was known as Jenny (October 2021)

Coco is a big cat, and when she stretches our can take up a lot of room in the bed. Although at times we think she wants to be an only cat, she probably misses us the most when we are gone. 

The Clowder Turns Three

I have been practicing my Spanish language skills lately. One of my strategies, along with using drills on a language app, is to think of phrases that I might realistically use in a conversation, translate the phrase, and work to memorize them. Hence, “Mis gatos están mimados” (My cats are spoiled). As their third birthday arrives, I do not think Lucie, Pip, or Coco would disagree.

Lucie rules the house

While the pandemic has been hard on humans, for cats, at least those that live in our house, it has been great. The humans are around to entertain and feed them. With traveling and socializing was put on hold, Angie and I spent more time on the back porch watching birds and reading last summer. Naturally, Lucie, Pip, and Coco, would come to the back door, where a screen separated them from their human parents and beg for attention. I had the bright idea of bringing their crate out so they, too, could enjoy the outside. My reasoning was sound: the crate was used the previous summer to transport them to a vacation in the Finger Lakes. So, by having it around and getting them used to it, the next time we need it for travel they might find it as some comfort. Fast forward several months later, the crate has become a piece of furniture in our living room, and all three cats now think it is a good idea to go on the back porch to inspect the snow and ice.

Coco inspecting the snow

While I joke about how spoiled our cats are, more to make fun of myself than anything else, it is difficult to imagine this pandemic without them. They are entertaining and comforting to both of us. Their sweet dispositions and desire to be with us is a salve for a time that has disrupted our lives. Our increased purchases online results in more deliveries in boxes; engaging in what was once thought a great luxury, having a personal shopper at the grocery store for pick up, has greatly increased the number of paper bags brought into the house. I am convinced that all three cats believe that the number of boxes and bags is both a great side benefit from the pandemic and an intentional act by us to shower gifts to demonstrate our affection and devotion. There is no need to buy expensive toys when brown paper bags and cardboard boxes are ideal.

Pip likes grocery day

Our lives during the pandemic have slowed down. More time is spent at home. Because social activities, civic meetings, and work have significantly decreased during social distancing period, we spend more evenings at home than ever before. As darkness creeps in the evenings during the winter months, Lucie often makes her way to the kitchen and stares at the food bowl. If ignored, she begins to vocalize to let us know it is time for a wet-food treat Angie buys a cat food that, despite the flavor or content, each variety is finished with “a decadent broth.” The word decadent is not lost on either of us. With winter, a decided chill descends upon the house. In the evenings, Pip finds an empty bed or box in front of the fireplace. He intently gazes at where the fire should be, willing it to spontaneously ignite. He has the power to do that, after of course either Angie or I get up to flip the switches. Once the fireplace is lit, all three come and bask in the warmth. Coco, our delicate but large cat, loves being near us. We use the nickname “Squeaker,” because does not really meow but instead employs a series of high-pitched vocalizations that sound as if she is talking just after inhaling some helium. She has a morning ritual, running up the stairs to the office, squeaking the whole way, telling me that she has come to help me work. We have a daily battle of defining our respective spaces on the desk. I am firm that her part of the desk does not include the computer. But as she becomes more comfortable, she begins to spread and insists on using the side of the computer screen as a headrest. If I relent, a few minutes later she wants to rest her paw on the edge of the keyboard, perhaps not ironically, on the delete button. It is exceedingly difficult to type any document when Coco is there to periodically delete any new additions to whatever I am composing.

Lucie claiming the top of the crate

When she finds the time to relax, Angie’s afternoons are sometimes spent working on jigsaw puzzles. Those one thousand or so pieces are a source of fascination for any curious feline. As Angie works on those puzzles at one end of the dining room table, that often have cats contained with the picture I have noticed, she has a frequent feline observer and would-be participant. But our cats are well trained. A cat bed placed near, but not on the puzzle, and the simple gesture of pointing to the bed, prompts the curious visitor to take a nap. They are well behaved little cats, but it is curious how many puzzles turn out to have a piece or two missing.

Coco enjoys the fire

The pandemic has not been good for all cats. Colony Cafe, a Pittsburgh establishment where one could get refreshments, a coffee, a treat, and play with cats that could be adopted, was forced to close early on during the pandemic. We visited the café on a couple of occasions to make the acquaintance of a few cats while supporting the cause and revel in the experience. It was a place where people could get a cat fix, especially if you did not have felines at home, and where cats could find a permanent home. Save a Gato continues to care for street cats in old town San Juan, Puerto Rico. Their pictures and post of the cats who live on the street, many with special needs, and the cute kittens who need adoption, prompts me to frequently remind Pip, Lucie, and Coco what lucky cats they are.

Pip has the least amount of fur, so blankets come in handy

Pip likes boxes, as does the girls

Coco is our sweet girl

Exploring the Backyard (Easter Week)

Pip watching the birds Easter morning

On Easter morning, Pip and I were sitting at the kitchen table and our attention was drawn to the multiple birds flocking around our feeders outside our windows. With our stay at home orders, explorations must occur closer to home. Over the course of the week, I kept track of the birds in the backyard, counting seventeen species. 

A male house finch

House Finch – By far the most common bird at our feeders is the house finch, a social bird that congregates as small groups just outside our kitchen window. I watched a male pluck a sunflower seed from the feeder and place it in a female’s mouth, which is one of the mating rituals among house finches. The cats, especially Pip and Coco, like to sit on the windowsill or dining room table and watch these small active birds. While they do not stir as much excitement as some of the larger birds, such as the mockingbirds, Coco, in particular, intently watches the coming and goings of the house finches. Originally from the western North America, the house finches were introduced to Long Island, New York in the 1940s. It was estimated that approximately 100,000 house finches were captured in California and shipped to pet shops along the east coast in contravention of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. When word got out that a major raid by federal government agents was about to happen, set the birds known as Hollywood Finches free. Since that time, the bird has spread throughout the east coast of the United States.

Northern Cardinal – I always enjoy seeing cardinals in the winter, with their bright colors standing out against the snow and dun-colored foliage. Last week, we found a dead female cardinal on our front porch. She was a beautiful specimen. It looked like she had died midflight, perhaps flying into our sidelight windows.

White-throated sparrow

White-throated Sparrow – These are cute little birds, with a small bright yellow spot on either side of their beak. These sparrows are usually only in our part of Pennsylvania during the winter month, but with cooler weather several have stuck around. There are two variations of the white-throated sparrow, either white or tan stripes on their head. Studies indicate that the birds primarily mate within their variation. Although the white-striped version is more prevalent in our backyard, I have seen at least one pair of tan-striped sparrows around our feeders. 

Northern Mockingbird

American Crows – I hear several crows high above when I am filling the bird feeders, but they mainly inhabit the trees that a fair distance from our house. On Saturday morning I watched a blue jay and crow battle it out between the trees that line the railroad tracks in the back.

Carolina Wren – Watching a specific wren, I noticed he would fly to the bottom of the bushes and then would hop from hop from branch to branch to make his way to feeders. I suspect that this feels safer than exposing itself to potential predators.

Other species observed this week: White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Common Grackle, Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, House Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker.  

Coco watching a female house finch, up close and personal

Tiger on the CVRT

A new house was built just adjacent to the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, just east of Ott Road, in the past year or so. Beginning in the spring, I have begun to see more cats in the proximity of the house. To date, I have identified at least six different cats. I assume that they are barn cats; as I walk by most of them are visible, but remain close to the tree line so that, in case I am more dangerous than I look, they can make an easy escape. That is true for all but one of the cats.

Tiger from the CVRT

Tiger, my name for him because he has never managed to tell me his real name, nor have I ever met any of his associated humans, is a friendly fellow. He is predominately white on his legs and belly, with an orange, almost golden, coat across is back. Tiger has a funny face with an orange path around his nose and mouth, that I refer to as his van dyke beard. From the very first time we crossed paths, he has wanted to run up aside me, tucks his head down and rolls on to the grounds just out of reach. If I squat to greet him, he pops up and rubs against my legs, in the process asking for a head scratch. If I remain standing, he is a little intimidated, but he remains interested in greeting me. His soft meow lets me know that he is around, even if I do not immediately see him.

On the hottest days of the summer, and now the coldest days of winter, Tiger is always happy to see me. I suspect, however, I am probably not the only one. Tiger, me thinks, is partial to all humans that are willing to spend a little time with him. Maybe, one day, he hopes, I will bring food because of his hard work in getting acquainted with me. His companions watch warily as Tiger and I have our normal conversations, consisting primarily of, “you’re a good cat,” meow. “Okay, I am going to go now.” Meow.

On a walk in mid-December, the coldest day of the season thus far, I was nearing the valley of the cats as I now think of this part of the trail. As I approach, I keep an eye out for the cats. Nearby a wooded area is usually filled with several birds. I stopped for a moment and watched juncos, sparrows, wrens and a downy woodpecker flit from tree to tree. Soon, I saw two feline figures in the distance and thought to myself that the birds should take care because the half a dozen cats could wreak havoc on their community.

The much sought after head rub

Before too long, I see Tiger, tail up in a slight question mark pose, with a soft meow to greet me. I bent over to rub his head as he rolled on his back from side to side. He gets up and stares at me, his eyes begging for more attention. I laugh at him because in his fur are several pieces of dry leaves that has created a new layer of leopard spots. Despite me telling him that it is cold, the wind chill was in the single digits, and he should get into a barn or other shelter, Tiger is determined to follow. I happened to glance up to see a sharp-shinned hawk in a nearby tree. I reached for my camera, but the raptor flew across the fallow cornfield before the camera focused. I wandered down the path, lost in my thoughts: just a few minutes before the birds were in trouble because of the cats. But my perspective had changed. There had been kittens in the valley of the cats during the summer. Was it in the realm of possibility that the cats were endangered by this bird? Tiger and his companions face a myriad of other dangers because they are free-range cats I decided; the hawk is probably the least of their concerns.

I had once again regained my normal stride but continued thinking about Tiger and potential dangers. I smile because Tiger is trying to make believe that he would like for me to be his human; however, I know this is likely a scam – he probably says that to all the humans just to get some treats. Nevertheless, I should put some cat treats and food in the car so that when I am walking in this area…just then I heard a soft pathetic Meow. Tiger is about ten yards behind, his squat legs moving as fast as they can carry him. We are more than a quarter of a mile from our meeting place. I bent over and gently chided him for following me, all the while giving him another head scratch. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps I am the only human who spends some extra and special time with him. After all, he is a free-range cat.

Crier

In between semesters I can walk the CVRT more frequently and manage to cover more of the trail. Within a few days, I found myself back at the valley of the cats. As I walked the slight rise from Ott Road, I began to scan the trail ahead for signs of cats. Off in the distance, I spied a couple of felines walking adjacent to the path in the distance, but soon, just off to my left, I heard the familiar beckoning of Crier, the name I have given to a timid grey cat. Crier’s meow is more of a lamentable wailing. His cry is a pitiful call for attention, yet it is somehow muted, almost difficult to hear. As I talked to Crier, two other cats (Turtle and a black and white, there are several) creeped up behind me just out of reach but curious. Crier is skittish and any move toward him results in a dash away for a few feet. Yet, he/she continues to cry. I squatted down on the other side of the path and spoke gently to Crier, who sat serenely but then let out another pitiful howl. Food would probably help my cause I thought.

I walked toward Oakville and was a little disappointed that I did not see Tiger. Although I occasionally fear for his safety, I know that he was probably off doing what free-range cats do and I would see him later. It was rather late; I would soon begin to lose the light.

A house in Oakville, at the intersection of Mudlevel Road and Oakville Road, is a cat haven. For several years, the occupants of the house have fed a brood of outdoor cats. It is not uncommon to see up to a dozen cats inconspicuously sleeping on the porch, and in the bushes. Paper plates are strewn around the outside of the house with the remnants of wet cat food. Once when I was walking by, I met the man who lived there and complementarily mention his care for the cats. He replied that I was welcome to take any cat that I wanted, they all needed good homes.

The house across the street always decorates for holidays. Christmastime always brings old-fashioned plastic figures of Santa, Frosty, and the reindeers. I always admire the manager scene, with paint peeling from the plastic figures. I speculate how old they must be: are they fifty years old? There was a time when several houses would have had these plastic figures with long extension cords endeavoring to power the displays. Today, they have been replaced by LED displays, projections, and deflated airblown inflatable characters.

On my return trip, I noticed the fog hanging low across the valley about an hour and a half before sunset. After I greeted two grandmothers, speaking Pennsylvanian Dutch, pushing a baby in a stroller, I heard a persistent familiar greeting meow, as Tiger came running from the tree line to greet me. I knelt and Tiger flopped down to be petted. He was more than half a mile from his normal location. I asked if he wanted to follow me back toward his home and the other cats, but he was content to lie in the middle of the trail and gently roll back and forth on his back. He seemed to be telling me, I am good, I’ll catch you next time.