The Cat Hut

There are two parts to the enclosed areas that they can enjoy. First, I'll take you on a tour of the cat run, which is the area they follow in order to get to the actual enclosure itself.

I'm still in the process of "decorating" the cat enclosure which I plan to decorate like a Hawaiian tiki hut with lots of raffia trim and inexpensive plastic molded tiki heads, maybe some fake parrots hanging around. Along the cat run, on the way to the enclosure, I'd like to paint a mural.

I think I get as much joy from spending time in the run and the enclosure as they do. I've tried to get more pictures of them enjoying it, but every time I go in there, they all come over and they're at my feet before I can even get the camera ready. Well, I suppose they wouldn't be cats if they actually did what I wanted them to, now would they?

The enclosure is dedicated to the late "Whiskey Lee" Smith (shown at right), who died unexpectedly last Christmas, just a few months before the move. He would have loved it here. Earlier in his life, he lived with me in the Nebraska countryside for about a year. He was so happy in that environment, where he would chase mice and play in the garden. His fur was so shiny and healthy back then, and never again would I see that sparkle in his eye. I'm not sure that he ever forgave me for moving back to Los Angeles, but it was beyond my control at that time, and I never stopped feeling guilty about the way he looked at me when we first moved back there.

I made a promise to him then, nearly 10 years ago, that we'd get back to the country somehow, someday. If only he had lived long enough. I still don't know what took him so suddenly, but more about that later. Meanwhile, I plan to scatter his ashes in the memorial garden that I'm currently working on. I know he'd give a thumbs up on his resting place. Peace out my love, I'll never forget you, you'll always be here in spirit.

"Whiskey Lee" Smith

R.I.P. December 22, 2006

	They enter the cat run from inside of the family room. This little doorway was originally designed for loading firewood from outside, but we had the bottom and sides enclosed with wood. We can close the doors off on either side if needed.
	From the opening they jump down about a foot onto the sidewalk along one side of the house. Chicken wire goes from the roof to a chain link fence where vines are growing. The vines are beginning to climb and cover the wire on the top, so it won't be long before they have a vine-covered tunnel leading to the main enclosure.
The walkway keeps going along side the pool where we had shelves put up so they can watch us in the swimming pool on the other side. In this area, the ground was dirt mixed with patches of cement, so we covered it with artificial grass. It sweeps off pretty easily, and can be hosed.
	Jasmine sits on the shelf, watching us in the swimming pool. They seem to love this vantage point. Putting the shelf up there was actually an after thought that worked out well.