Happy Independence day, please remember to take extra care with your pets and loved-ones today. Fireworks are pretty, but for some, the big explosions are pretty scary. It is a good night to be cuddled in a blanket on the couch for those fuzzy and non-fuzzy for whom fireworks cause anxiety.

Well, the 8-week-old kitten that ran across four lanes of traffic in front of my car, that I then pulled out of a thorn bush, took home and gave a bath, with the intension of fostering since the local shelters were full, is now part of the family. I always knew if I tried to foster, I would be a foster fail. He gets along well with the dogs, well enough with the other cats, and keeps himself clean enough that he doesn’t trigger my husband’s allergies. He is playful, but still cuddles, and likes being a lap cat. He has now been fixed and microchipped, with our home address. He’s ours. Below is a recent picture, living his best life.

After adding shelf space to the catio, it became apparent that there were some bottle necks. There were places where one cat would sit and block passage for the other two cats. To help add escape paths (either out or in), we added some bridges.

One cat will still sit in the window, which blocks the way, but we can see that going on and Missy the dog can break up those tiffs. Missy has given herself the job of cat peacemaker. She will go and investigate any growling or hissing and effectively breakup stand offs. The cats all appreciate the help, even the instigator, because all three cats are still on nose sniffing terms with the dog.

For your entertainment, here is a video of Thor at the top of the catio, reaching out to play with the wind spinner.

Thor the kitten has discovered the little house at the top of the cat tree. To say he likes it would be a true understatement. He gets up there at every opportunity, when he is not busy pestering the girl cats. I do like that in the photo there is an illusion of a heart shape.