Our two new barn cats, Smudge and Maple, were released from their training crate a couple of months ago, and they have quickly found their way around the farm. Smudge was the more outgoing of the two when they first arrived. She was easy to take out of the crate to pet and socialize. Maple was more timid, hissing when we tried to pick her up, and hiding in the back of the crate. Over time, Maple warmed up to us, and is now the more affectionate of the two. The Wisconsin Humane Society recommends having two barn cars as they keep each other company, and it is easy to see that is an accurate recommendation. Smudge is the explorer, and Maple tags along.
They have provided hours of entertainment, and have become a bit of a time sink as they quickly find us wherever we sit. Whether we sit watching the chickens or on the porch, Maple will quickly hop in our lap and purr loudly as we pet her. Smudge will come over and eventually join her sister. I had put a round basket on the porch table this morning from picking peppers, and the cats quickly found it. Smudge crawled in first, and Maple pawed at her from the outside. They both eventually ended up in the small basket fighting with each other. We probably spent 20 minutes watching this unfold.
The cats also like to follow our 17-year old dog, Maxie, around like two furry shadows. Maggie believes that Maxie enjoys their company, but I am not convinced. She is fairly tolerant, but will issue a single bark when the cats cross the line. The cats will often wait for the dog to nap, and then curl up near her, or occasionally on top of her, to sleep. They all seem to like sleeping in the dirt along the house, probably for the coolness, but it is hard on the Sedum growing there. Smudge in particular likes to follow Maxie as she walks around the yard. In the evening, we walk to the road with the dog, and the two cats follow behind, chasing and tackling each other. We look like a little parade.
The cats have taken to sleeping under the porch instead of the barn, which I am not sure will be possible to continue into the winter. They have already caught a couple of mice, so they are slowly growing and learning their job on the farm.
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