French Country Fridays 142 | & A New Member Of The Family
Welcome on in to our series French Country Fridays! Here is where we share the best of French style decor each Friday with friends and post topics relating to home, the seasons, lifestyle, shopping and more!
This week has gone by quickly and it’s been a busy one over here! As we wrap up fall I’m starting to sort through Christmas and will be working on going through the bins this weekend. We have a new member of the family that I wanted to tell you about! No, I’m not a grandma, lol…but we took over the care for a very sweet kitty. Last weekend we were on the patio and heard the faint cry of a cat in the bushes. We went in to see what was happening and she seemed in distress. After coaxing her out and taking a look she seemed to be starving, so of course I grabbed a can of tuna and fed her. Poor little thing! She’s the friendliest cat and so affectionate and has not left our patio since then. I plan on taking her to the vet when she is more confident and get her checked out. She is what’s known as a “community cat” and that means that animal services had taken her, spayed her, clipped her ear for identification purposes and released her. We could tell by the ear and now she has a permanent home here. Meet Libra!…ADVICE NEEDED…it’s been YEARS since we’ve had a kitty, so leave a comment below!!
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She’s a beautiful little girl. We have had cats for years, including some strays. Our cats have always been strictly house cats, only going out when we can keep an eye on them. We’re in Michigan, so winters are tough here, which partly explains the indoor part. I would make her a spot on your patio that she could go to for comfort and safety. You can provide her with food and water and to help to keep her happy and healthy. If she is truly feral that might be enough for her. My problem has always been that I’m a softy and they usually end up in the house as part of the family. Good luck!
Thanks Mary! She has plenty of “creature” comforts on our patio and of course it’s always warm here. I’d love to have her indoors, but with the other animals (including a free roaming bunny) and my allergies it’s not possible. We are giving her lots of loving care though!
I think Libra is adorable! I’m so thankful you are going to welcome her into your home! You won’t regret it one bit!
Thank you Tracey…I love her so much already! xo
Libra is a cutie!!! I have always had house cats, usually a cat that I rescued. You may end up having her come in but to begin with I agree with Mary – make her a spot that she can ‘hide’ in on the patio and give her food and water. If she comes in then you will need to identify a place for her litter box and then another area for food and water. What a kindness you have done – to take in little Libra!
Thanks Paula…we LOVE Libra so already!!
What a sweet kitty!! Thank you for loving her! She has beautiful eyes!
She is beautiful, and I love her name. Thank you for taking her in. You are precious people.
Precious baby girl!!! Congratulations. LOVE THE NAME
Libra is a tabby cat with possible siamese looking at her head…..Tabbies are so easy to care for. Not the prettiest coat of the cat breeds but definitely loving. She will find her hidy hole usually under a bed plus her observer spot as they love to be high up as well, ie a desk or shelf. Never give them milk unless for a treat once in a blue moon. She will probably drink from the same water bowl as your pups. Don’t be surprised to find your voice will get silly tones and baby talk. Cats love it! There are no mistakes and this kitty found you ….. I’m sure her instinct knew what loving folks you are and she will reward you with love and loyalty back. Going out or away for the weekend, leave a radio/stereo on for sound. She will be happy. Your challenge is to find dog safe play toys for her. If the dogs have a treat time you must have the same time for her as well. Shake the bag “Temptations” work. It’s a great incentive to have her come indoors as well. shake! shake! They understand the meaning of “no” and “good girl” in people talk. Show her the litter spot, put her in it then walk away. She will never have to be shown again. Bless you for homing another one of God’s creatures. Best of luck!
All of our many cats and dogs were rescues. Had 6 cats and a dog for many years. We have a tabby and a puggle right now. Both rescues. Both know they get a treat before bed and the tabby cat gets very chatty so she isn’t forgotten. They are wonderful company. Entertaining too.
Such great advice Linda! She is already a precious member of the family here!
Hi Janet…..Libra is a lucky lady. I’m waiting to see your beautiful tree decor for Christmas this 2020. I suspect the feathers will be omitted….lol By the way for serious discipline issues ie climbing the Christmas tree, a squirt bottle and a firm NO! will work wonders. lol
Oh such fun! Be sure to keep us updated on her progress and good luck. My cat “Willie Nelson jr” is a real terror. Silver & white tabby. Handsome boy but verrrrrrry independent! Good Luck with Libra….girl kitties are never bad like my Willie! lol
LUCKY LIBRA is a tabby kitty. Tail up is a good sign of happiness and confidence…..Bless you for taking her in, she will reward you with devoted loyalty and plenty of love purring. Ps buy a hair remover brush lol
I’d read up on feeding cats kibble as it causes a lot of health problems and nobody wants to spend their time at the vets office. Cats aren’t meant to digest carbs nor are dogs so kibble isn’t the best thing for them. They like meat and are made to digest proteins so canned or fresh is best.
I’m loving the holiday ideas! Keep them coming as it keeps our minds busy with joyful thoughts.
Bless you for taking in the kitty…you’ll make a great cat mom.
Thanks Lori! I have a vet appt next week with her so will be sure to ask about that!
How kind of you to take her in. We found 2 kittens over the summer in our backyard and kept them in our chicken coop’s enclosed yard until they were big enough to handle the outdoors. (We currently have 2 indoor cats and 2 dogs so our home is full.) I rang a bell every time I went in to feed them. This has helped us a lot whenever we don’t see them at any given time. We also give them a little fresh milk as a treat which they associate with the bell. I would also give her a dewormer which you can purchase at any feed store or online. Best of luck with Libra.
Thanks Madeline! We have a very comfy space for Libra on the patio and since we live outdoors so much where I am located, we spend lots of time with her. We have 3 dogs and a bunny, so it’s busy here!
Of COURSE Libra matches your porch! How perfect…you were made for each other!
Hoping to see more posts with your charismatic cat!
Everything you ‘touch’ becomes beautiful….including Libra…
She has chosen you and you will make a great team…CONGRATULATIONS!
The only ‘advice’ I have is if Libra is to remain an out door cat, careful with feeding as it’ll bring in possums and raccoons galore.
Welcome newest member of Shabbyfufu! (may the posts begin!)
Mic
Awww, thank you Michelle! She found us for a reason, I have no doubt! We feed her on the patio 2x a day and it’s right in front of the French door where I can see her. She’s darling!
Libra is identical to a cat I had as a little girl I called “Whiskers.” You have a beautiful little girl. It is a fact that cats pick their caretakers. They find a soul they like and they work on them until they take them in. She picked you and your were smart enough to fall for her as well. (You really had no choice.) Congratulations! Enjoy!
You’re so right Dorothy…and we just adore her already! She looks at me with such love in her eyes and it’s well worth the efforts to have another pet!
Libra looks like such a sweet soul. I also love the name as a fellow Libra! The stars aligned for her to find you. Best wishes for many happy moments ahead while getting to know each other!
She truly is the sweetest soul…we have bonded big time!
All of the above mentioned advice is great! She might also enjoy having a toy such as a mouse , and when the time comes, plenty of gentle petting. Wishing you a wonderful life together.
Thanks Betty! Libra is the sweetest lap kitty and we have already grown to love her here!
Bless you for adding Libra to your fami,y! She’s adorable. Enjoy her antics and sweetness! We are tabby lovers. Your post today is just what I needed to raise my spirits. Our beloved Zoe, who resembled your Libra, was our first rescue baby. After she died 4 years ago, we welcomed a FeLV positive rescue cat Taima (Seahawks fans here) 3 months after Zoe died. Sadly, Tai was euthanized yesterday as the effects of FELV overcame her. She was also a tabby. I’m sure that we will adopt another fur baby when our hearts are ready.
Awww, thank you for sharing your story Lu and I know how difficult it is to lose a pet. Hugs…xo
Kitties bring love and joy to your home. Congratulations!