Zip is still getting acquainted with the other animals on the farm. He is also faithful to our daily meetings, one around 9 a.m. and one in the afternoon between 3 and 4 p.m.
He spends the morning saying hello to everybody and the afternoons hunting and killing. Cats are not simple animals. He shows no fear or concern for any of the animals, even though they are much bigger than him.
Maria took this photo of me and Zip this morning as I came out in my bathrobe to take pictures, and he was waiting for me. We always have something to say to one another.
The first photo above was taken as he rounds through the pasture. He’s touched noses with just about every animal in the place.
We discovered he was bringing his kills into the barn and putting them in a box to eat later. I thought I saw him carrying something significant into the barn. I was right.
It is a pretty horrible box; he is a ruthless and skilled Barn Cat. The squirrel was giant, more than a foot long. I couldn’t tell what the bloody remnants were from.
Maria says the laws of the Barn Cats apply. If he kills it, he will get to eat it.
Cats are barbarians, I remember, mixed with some affection and sweetness.
Zip is very much a hunter. I’m happy he’s not hunting me. I love his Jekyll and Hyde persona – cuddly one minute, murderous the next.
That picture of Zip with the sheep (and donkey) is just priceless. I just love that cat, and I’ve never had any use for cats before. He is making me want a kitty so badly, and he is so photogenic it’s just amazing. I love all your animals, but you and Maria got a real treasure when Zip arrived on the farm.
Our cats used to leave us “trophies” on the porch steps, usually a gopher head. Mom said the message was, “Here, you can have this. I know you’re incapable of hunting for yourself.” 🙂 As gardeners, Mom and I appreciated their diligence in removing gophers from our gardens. And they certainly do deserve to enjoy eating what they’ve killed! (Gotta say, they did keep the most succulent parts for themselves!)
I respectfully differ. That cat is a guardian and a warrior. He is doing the proper job of a barn cat. The “ruthless” part of it is knowing how to do his job correctly. He is taking out “the enemy” efficiently and quickly. That is proper.
You don’t want a hesitant defender — human (military) or feline. Strategic, quick and precise is the safest route for all.
🙂