Karnak Street Kats

Gamma, my gray cat with white feet and white chest, goes out every morning along with Wellington, my gray tabby with white. They race to see who will be the first down the front steps. Wellington usually wins even though he is older and heavier. They then patrol the front yard to determine who has dared to visit over night. My neighbors up the street have a white cat named Sydney who only dares visit when Gamma and Wellington are indoors at night. As far as I can tell Sydney is never allowed inside which makes me sad. There is also the yellow tom who is claimed by another neighbor, but seems to roam widely.

While the boys check out the yard, I feed the pigeons in the alley. I throw out seed and a flock of twenty or so descend immediately. This week the pigeons have been absent some days because a falcon has been cruising the area. Gamma has been very disappointed because he loves the pigeons. Actually, he loves to eat the pigeons. He has never managed to catch one of the flock in the morning, but stragglers later in the day seem to fall prey to him all too often. I sometimes manage a rescue, but too often Gamma disappears with his victim.

Gamma and I often have discussions in the morning as the pigeons eat. "These are my pigeons, Gamma. Do not try to catch them," I say. He looks at me with his yellow eyes and seems to agree that these birds are only for looking, not eating. I tell him to come back inside for breakfast, and he dutifully follows me into the house. Except when he has a pigeon in his mouth, he is very obedient.

After breakfast, he goes out again and begins to plot a pigeon's demise. Luckily, he is seldom successful. There does seem to be an endless supply of pigeons on Karnak Street since the flock never grows smaller. As always, I plan to discuss pigeons with Gamma tomorrow.

Greenmist and Rosefire, two feral females, just recently released from the bathroom to the house, are adjusting well. Greenmist, the least trusting, is gray with white feet. Rosefire is a faded calico. I was describing her as a tortoiseshell, but now that I have seen her better, I have noticed a white belly. Both still bolt from the room if I appear without warning, but Rosefire has found a den chair that she likes to sleep on.

Both ferals now eat with the other den cats while I am in the room. Rosefire always appears first, eager for breakfast. Greenmist darts in from the front bedroom, but she does eat with all the others. I have managed to pet Rosefire, but not Greenmist. I did have a long conversation with her, but she remains so suspicious.

What is clear is that Rosefire is dominant. Greenmist seeks her for comfort and watches her behavior, then follows suit. Perhaps, if I can convince Rosefire that people aren't so bad, Greenmist will relax too.

You may help support Rosefire and Greenmist by donating to the Karnak Street Kats.