Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Supervised Visits – Benji and Tiger in the Garden
Spring has arrived and the boys are getting restless, begging to go outside every morning.
We are cautious, since a bobcat was spotted in the neighborhood.
This morning, I went outside and surveyed the land, while making lots of noise. Then I let the boys outside, enjoying signs of spring while they wandered.
The azalea is blooming,
and birds are looking their best, serenading potential partners.
Tiger is old and cautious and never leaves the fenced backyard.
Benji knows the way of escape and disappears for a time.
I see him in the distance, outside the confines of both front and backyard.
I call his name; he’s startled but comes running
looking every bit as wild as the bobcat we seek to protect him from.
Still fast, but with only 3 legs, he’s at a serious disadvantage. And the bobcat is twice his size, probably bigger.
It’s a dilemma.
Benji’s spirit would be crushed if he could never go out again. He’s a born hunter and explorer, so we do what we can to indulge him.
After a morning constitution, we all come back inside.
Perhaps that will do for today.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
I’m glad everyone got outside for a bit. I don’t blame you for being cautious.
I was happy too. And especially glad that Benji came running when I called him.
So handsome! Have you considered building a Catio? Nice thick wire will protect any pet inside. Happy weekend, Susanne!
Unfortunately, I don’t think a Catio would work since Benji was used to free roaming. I think it would feel like a cage to him.
Aw, well Benji is okay outside with you as his protector! ❤️😻
Having indoor/outdoor cats always gives you a bit of a shiver. My two that go out now are 12 and 14, so I try to make sure they are in at night – and they seem more inclined to be so. (And despite what some people say, if a cat is determined to go outside you will have a challenge trying to prevent it !)
Thank you. I’m so glad you understand. It’s been challenging trying to keep Benji in, first after his injury last year, and now with the bobcat sighting. He loves the outdoors so much, I really think it’s best for him to go out. We’re monitoring as best we can, and definitely keep him in at night..
Great photos. Good idea to supervise the kitties outside.
Yes, it’s needful. Thank you.
The boys look so happy to be outside
Yes! Thank you. 😊
You’re clearly doing your best to balance Benji’s desire to be outside with his safety. I guess these supervised outings are the best compromise, and at least you have a pretty garden to enjoy while supervising – that azalea is gorgeous!
Thank you. Now that spring is here, I’m sure we’ll be spending more time outside together! ☺️
Sorry to hear that the Bobcat is still around. The supervised visits seem to be working well though.
Best wishes, Pete.
I was sorry to hear it reappeared in a neighbor’s security camera. We’re doing our best to give Benji some time outside, as he really seems to need it.
It is a balancing act for certain! I’d hate to see his wild spirit crushed but I’d equally hate for him to become kitty kibble for a bobcat!
Yes. It’s a dilemma. He gets depressed if he’s confined to the house, so I’ve been carefully letting him out for short periods after I’ve checked around outside.
That’s about the best you can do!