Living with three cats (Billy, Mitzie and Raven) and two dogs (Emmie and Teddy) is both a joy and a challenge. Keeping track of them, where they are, what they’re doing, is practically a full time job. I must admit, I don’t know how people with two-legged kids do it!
I valiantly try to stay one step ahead of them when it comes to discovering what mischief they are preparing to hatch. This can be trying, especially with Raven. Don’t believe the sweet picture, he is a Master Houdini with his tricks. I am amazed at the items he pulls from thin air to use as toys…the other day he got into the clean dishes, nabbed a table knife and began to drag it through the house. This as I’m standing next to him, too slow to prevent his thieving.
That occurrence started me thinking of other pet-hazards there are around the house:
Screened windows – Raven has collided into the screens, knocking them loose. Should the screen fall out, he could fall out the window.
Deck/Balconies – Without safety railings, or if the railings are placed too far apart, Raven could suffer a dangerous fall. I wouldn’t put it past him to jump from the deck, should an enticing bird fly by. Therefore, Raven stays indoors.
Bathtubs/Sinks – If left full of water, Raven might get in and drown.
Doors – These are kept locked, especially the sliding deck door, as Raven has devised a way to slide it open.
Electrical cords – As of this writing, Raven hasn’t tried chewing electrical cords. Good thing, I don’t want him electrocuted.
Fireplaces – I stay in the room when there’s a fire in the fireplace. Raven thinks closer to the warmth is better, and I don’t want him to get burned. Nor do I want him to get sick from eating the ashes.
Toilets – I keep the lids down so Raven doesn’t fall in and possibly drown. I don’t want him drinking that water either, as it’s not good for him. There are plenty of bowls filled with fresh water around the house.
Washer and Dryer – Laundry room is off limits to all the cats. There are simply too many enticing areas to explore. Even so, the doors to the washer and dryer are kept shut, just in case Houdini Raven magically appears in that room.
Unfinished Areas – The laundry room is unfinished and there are places that Raven could jump into that would lead him to the ‘innards’ of the house. Another reason the laundry room is off limits.
Part of my job is to stay one step of Raven to keep him safe and secure. Of course, another way to look at it is that Raven is teaching me about all the areas that are unsafe for him and his feline and canine siblings, and is giving me the opportunity to make the house safer for all. I do know that now when the dishes are done, I put them away immediately!
Harmony,
Janet Roper
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
May I add another? Frozen meat left in the sink to defrost.
When I went into the kitchen to start cooking the roast to make green chile stew, I couldn’t find it. Ok, maybe I just dreamt that I took it out of the freezer that morning. But I looked in the freezer and it wasn’t there. How could a frozen pork roast possibly disappear??? Then I saw a shred of evidence over in the corner of the dining room – one tiny piece of the styrofoam tray on which it was wrapped…with teeth marks in it. Using all of my investigative skills, I pieced together this scenario: Snapper, the cat, jumped onto the counter, found the roast, dragged it out of the sink and it fell onto the floor, where two yellow labs were only happy to help devour it. The good news? Nobody got sick. The bad news? I had to find something else to make for dinner. The moral of the story? Don’t defrost meat anywhere except inside the refrigerator.
Hi Linda,
Good thinking! Don’t you wonder if the animals have a master plan to overtake our homes? Look how well they work together in accomplishing their goals!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting – my best to your 4-leggeds.
Harmony,
Janet