It's a Cat's Life by guest writer Claude Chubb

This is Claude the handsome white cat (with ginger touches) writing today.  I thought you might like to see some of how we spend our days in St André. There's always something going on with people coming and going, leaves blowing along the terrace, birds eating on the bird table and playing with the rabbits is good fun too.

 

Sandra left the landing window open one morning so for the first time ever I was really brave and ventured out onto the roof.  How was I supposed to know that when I put all four paws on the glass that the window would close and leave me stranded out there?

 

 

It wasn't so bad until there was a shower.  I understand that she didn't know it was going to rain but couldn't stop this thought coming into my head ...

 

 

Luckily, when the window was finally opened she towelled me down and I was able to cuddle up with Gracie and get over the trauma.

 

 

Every morning and evening either two or all three of us walk up with Sandra to the field where she feeds and takes care of those other animals - goats, ducks and hens I think they are. 

 

 

 

We risk our lives on the lane with the traffic which comes along but we feel you need our support.

 

 

Purrdy arrived as a kitten a year before Gracie and I came - also as kittens. 

 

 

She is very bossy and likes to think that she can control us.   She usually sits in a higher position in the room and keeps an eye on what we are doing. 

 

 

In spite of this, we do love her now and sometimes all sit together on the settee.

 

 

She can be a real softie when she thinks we're not looking and particularly likes to sleep in Sandra's chair when she's out.

 

 

When the snow came last winter we messed about with the drainage pipe which the rabbits  play with in their area.  We took it in turns to go into the pipe and come out at the other end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was Purrdy's turn.

 

 

In the summertime it was really hot and it was good to chill out on the table under the pergola

 

 

and although Sandra had put fresh water in a bowl for us in the kitchen usually other water sources are much more interesting - this was particularly thirst-quenching stuff.

 

 

In the winter water accumulates everywhere and this was a bit of snow melt water which I just had to sample.

There are really nice neighbours who live on the corner of the lane and when Sandra goes in for a chat and a drink we wait outside on the terrace. 

 

 

We can't wait forever though, we have things to do and places to go especially when Purrdy's flaked out on the top of the settees and can't keep an eye on us.

 

 

Three things I like:

1.   The sound of the cat food tin being opened and I think I can hear it from the other end of the garden and run in really fast!
2.   Climbing up to the top of the pergola and lying in amongst the wisteria, vine and clematis in the hope of catching a bird.
3.   Waiting and watching with Gracie and Purrdie for a mouse that we've lost to come out from under the fridge.