New Barn Cats!!!

My ol man really missed his barn cat, Spooky, after the cat was put down last winter.  He really wanted another cat for the barn.  He'd say he needed some way to keep the rodent population down.  He'd be practical that way.  But we all know the truth... there are many times when it's just nice to have a cat snuggle against your leg when you're out in the barn.  Sometimes you might want to stop, lean against a pen railing, and have a little purr time.  Cats are nice!  They get rid of rodents, and they're soft!

Two weeks ago, a guy dropped off three little tomcats, spring kittens, littermates.  They came mostly tame and smelling like a pig barn.  Ahh, the memories...

Introducing, 

LARRY

CURLY

and MOE.

I got busy and prepared a little lair for them.  Cats like to hide, so I swept out the open area between the last stall and the barn wall.  I laid down a wooden pallet, and set an old saddle pad on top.  They can curl up on the pad, but often choose to lurk under the pallet instead.

My daughter and I got some string and tied it to the mesh at the top of the stall.  They've already played with it so much, they've killed it several times.  Take that, you sneaky string!

The barn is a great place for a cat to grow up.  There are so many places to hide, sharpen claws, bury cat poop, and surprise your kitten brothers.

Much to my mother's worry, they have ventured outside the protective walls of the barn.  But not too far.  Just on the cement curb is far enough for them.  So far.  Hopefully they won't become too brave for their own good.  They seem to be pretty smart little dudes.  Many barn cats learn to look both ways before crossing the lane, and to stay away from hooves.

Curly found a convenient spot from which to watch the riding lesson in the corral.  You wouldn't think that hole in the wall would be cat-sized and yet he looks quite comfy.

It's a pretty good life out there in the barn.  It's a relatively clean barn, and there's enough human attention for all three of them.  Of course, if we want them to stay, they'll have to be neutered.  Tom cats don't stay at a place if there aren't any girl cats.

And we really, really want them to stay.