by They call me Bramble. I have been living rough for several months since my friend died. Before that, I used to live in her house with four like me — all of whom have now disappeared along with the five large dogs that used to live outside. I was very afraid of them, they did not like us and used to hunt us in packs. I hid inside a lot.
The rest of my family and I were confused when our friend laid on the floor not moving and then all those strange others like her coming and going, emptying the house, building bonfires and making all those loud noises. Their last act was to round us all up and throw us outside. All that was left then was emptiness and silence.
Then the dark and the cold came, soon followed by hunger and rain. My family vanished one by one leaving me all alone. I looked for my friend every day, every time I walked the boundary, every time I hunted for mice and birds and every time I hid from the larger birds of prey and mongoose that frequent the garden.
I have survived the winter, the worst of the rain and the wind, I am grateful that it did not freeze this winter and I have had some shelter from the worst of the elements.
Last month, the others came back — more machinery — more bonfires. I stayed hidden. I slink around in the grass after they leave to see if I can scavenge some titbits left after lunch. Sometimes I get lucky and find sardine leftovers.
I have to be careful of one other in particular — he spends all day hosing down the garden and the paths — it is like constant rain.
This morning, something different happened. Two new others appeared. They looked rather funny wandering around the house in Wellington Boots — especially as one of the others had just finished sweeping it out. I watched from my hidden spot in the grass as they walked up and down, peering in the shed, and the pump house. I stifled a laugh at the other who nearly lost his boots in the very deep puddle close to the boundary.
Then I am rumbled — I hear a whirring, click, click, click — the redder other is pointing a black thing at me. I stay very still and watch as she turns delightedly to the taller other, visibly happy, pointing in my direction.
They turn and leave arm in arm — joyfully talking about finding their new “half-way” house home.
I think I may have new pets.
What a story! I love the control and the POV and the storytelling!
Oh, please tell us after Bramble wrote this story that a feast was had or a warm home was offered!
We returned today and left food for her – if all goes to plan we will be moving in as soon as the house is redecorated – in about a month/six weeks. We will check in on her and get to know her each day. The shed is open for her now so she has shelter. We decided this would be less stressful than trying to catch her and move her here and then move her back again. However if for any reason we do not get the house we will catnap her!
Excellent plan! The best way to a cat’s disloyal heart is food! SMILE!
I hope the house works out for you — sounds like a keen setup all around!
Well hopefully she will learn to trust us – even if it is only to cat nap her if we do not get the house.
The house will be rented , similar to the way we do now but will all be legal – no black economy and means we can claim some of the bills against tax. It is also larger – probably twice the size – so fingers crossed. I have some house hunting tales to tell if you want – complete with pictures SMILE
I want the house hunting tales!
What will happen with “Mr M” if this new home comes into housing? Out in the wilds and out of wine? Or will Bramble eat him?
Yes Boss !
Well the new house forms a triangle with “M”s – to get to the new one we have to go past M and then turn righ and then right again – so he will be a similar distance away . If we decide to keep chickens Mr M will definitely be involved . We will also need him to help us move in and with building the porch/cover we want to build one one side of the house …………… photo opportunities abound! He is a cat lover – he often has our “spare” kittens.
Ah! Can’t get away from “M” — and when I think of “M” I cannot but help imagining a James Bond movie:
http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000295/
It’s good to know M has many talents — and now that we know he’s a Cat Man — we can rest easier at night as he brings ’round the buckets. SMILE!
I thought of the Bond character as well – he is about as far as that you can get !!!!
What a little sweetie. I hope you don’t have to cat nap her. I know your kindness and patience will win her over.
Please do share your house hunting stories too!
She is a cutie – still keeping her distance – but hopefully that will change with time and persistence on our part.
I feel for bramble’s plight! What a touching tale.
Must have been a nightmare for her – first all the dogs and then being abandoned.
Poor Bramble. From what I’ve read in your other posts, I’m sure you’ll manage to win her trust soon!
softly softly catchy kitty …………………
Such a very beautiful cat. I am so glad that Bramble shared this story with us.
she is getting bolder she nearly said hello properly last night
PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
It’s such a delight to finally have you with us, Bramble. I’m glad you were finally able to set up your WP.com account and connect to the internet from your bush! SMILE!