Friday, October 25, 2013

Prepping

JohnnyCashCat has a vital role to play outdoors. If I allow him to come inside,
Johnny must remain outside...or so I remind myself every time I see him staring in my windows.


To strengthen my resolve, I have purchased the coziest, warmest cat bed I could find 
in preparation for the cold weather ahead.



I've placed it atop his summer bed for added insulation.




Johnny: Good thing I'm not any taller.




Johnny does seem to enjoy his new cushioned cat cave.




We'll see if he changes his tune when the temperatures drop below freezing.



But I'm prepared for that, too. I found this microwave-able, frisbee-shaped heating pad to place under his new bed.
Or under the foot of mine when he inevitably makes his way into the house.

33 comments:

  1. Although I don't really do hugs normally, may I nevertheless send you a virtual one right now? I know Rancher Woman puts up a valiant battle, "ratio vs. emotio"...

    The rodents? Either way, they don't stand a chance, right, JohnnyCashCat?

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  2. All I can say is, watch out for Smooch, Johnny!

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  3. I suspect the microwave warmth cushion will end up with you when the temps dip way down. ;)

    After all, a guy can still sleep safe and warm inside and do his patrol duty outside when he feels up to it.

    (Maybe it's time to get a second feral kitty?)

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  4. That looks like a great cat bed for Johnny. He looks delighted with your selection!

    Since the walls are bare in the hayroom, is there any way to shelter/insulate the corner where his catbed is located? Even a cardboard box turned on its side with the catbed in the box would provide an additional windbreak.

    M in NC

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  5. He is a very spoiled barn cat. I bet he counts his blessings every day since he arrived from the shelter. You can always fill up a hot water bottle too and put a towel around it.It's moist heat and lasts until morning. I love the markings on his tail.
    Best always,

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  6. You can find heating pads and shelfs too that plug in and only heat (turn on) when weight is placed on them they are great, I have one in my house cat's love it!!!

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  7. Hi Carson! Couldn't you let him in the house at night and let him outside in the morning??

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  8. That's one cozzzy looking bed. It matches the interior of your house too, just sayin', LOL

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  9. I have enjoyed your blog for a long time! You have beautiful photos and truly allow us to see the personalities of you crew. Love Johnny's new bed. I have cared for outdoor feral cats and used the heated disc, Lectro outdoor heated cat bed and a home made insulated box that is great, easy. This FB page of my vet shows how she made hers. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alternative-Veterinary-Care/138945422819298 Thanks for sharing your ranch!

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  10. :-) I have feeding at outdoor stray female cat that could be JCC sister. I have purchased cat supplies in anticipation of her moving in for the winter into my industrial shop ;p

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  11. Hi Carson,
    When I die I hope I come back as one of your beloved critters! You fulfill there every need and make sure they have such a wonderful life there with you! But in as much as you do for them, I am sure you get from them just as much!!
    Hugs,
    Deb in Viola, Ks

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  12. he has the most beautiful eyes.. and that is purrrfect for him...

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  13. I just love a realist. Prepare for what should be and have a back up for the inevitable. JCC is a very fortunate barn cat. How could you not have a soft spot for that face? Oma Linda

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  14. As we all know, it will be JCC's choice. He does seem pleased with the winter cozy. What a lovable boy he is.

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  15. Snuggle safe is awesome. Thunder the Wonder Cat has his during the day--and it becomes mine at night. It does a great job of keeping my feet warm. He gets to cuddle with me at night, so he still stays warm.

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  16. You know....you could let him in at night only. That way he's protected from coyotes and such, but he can mouse during the day.

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  17. He has been such a great addition to your ranch. You may end up needing another cat to help with those pesky rodents, although whether he sleeps in the house or outside, Johnny seems like a pretty good hunter.

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  18. Yep. We all told ya. Prepare for the inevitable!!

    Nancy in Iowa

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  19. Be strong. Otherwise you'll have a house cat. Then you'll need a barn cat. Then winter will come again, and again and again, and you'll be one of those cat ladies. We want better for you!

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  20. Oh that house looks comfy and cozy and Johnny ls oh so happy....and the heating pad is a great idea for out or indoors when he moves in with you...LOL
    Love from NC

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  21. Methinks another, more feral, cat might be in order! Since most rodents tend to play at night and hide during the day when people and other animals are active, barn cats do need to stay in or near barns in the long dark hours. :) But I'm rooting for Johnny CashCat to be a not-so-feral house cat!

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  22. The last sentence--just what I was thinking!

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  23. He looks like the purrfect indoor/outdoor boy to me, what about a cat flap so HE can do the choosing?

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  24. Michelle from BC10/25/13, 8:56 AM

    Oh I give it less than a month before Mr Johnny Cat is living the high life in a warm cozy abode and there will be another trip to the ferrel cat society !!!

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  25. I can't help but chuckle at this one. Something tells me Johnny may end up spending his winter evenings sitting by the fire with you and Smooch. But I'm so glad you found so many nice things to keep him cozy outside...just in case. ;)

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  26. I had a feral cat who went outside during the day and came in for the evenings. Maybe Johnny could do that.

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  27. When I was a kid, my Dad built a cat house for our outdoor cats, and he attached plumber's pipe heating cable to the inside walls (it plugs into an outlet and automatically heats up when the temp drops below 30 degrees--it's meant to wrap around pipes to keep them from freezing with safe and gentle heat). He lined the inside walls with carpeting over the cable. Those cats loved that house!

    Just a thought if you are up for some more cat home improvement! -- Min

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  28. My Zkhat, likes to go upstairs in the cold, where its not heated much at all. She has a wool blanket, wound around so she can just tunnel in a be very warm. I can't remember what she does when it gets 20 below zero or worse, but it will be what she pleases, thats for sure. Maybe my bed, maybe her favorite chair in the livingroom or maybe her woolie hold upstairs. I do know that an old felted wool blanket is the best of the cat's pajamas!

    Jo in MN

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  29. Oh, that does look cozy. I think the warm pad will be a very welcome addition when the temperatures dip.

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  30. Barn cats the world over should be so lucky! :)

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  31. very nice catcave indeed! Don't worry Linda, Johnny knows his duties, he is a very active boy and even he is sleeps inside the house with you, he'll be out in daytime. It is not only the safety of the house he deserves but also your company he is looking for. and cosy beds dont make for company.

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  32. Carson, our little INDOOR cat, Abby, loves to snuggle in the warm laundry that I take out of the dryer, so, yes, you may need to use that pad for Johnny on cold nights! :-) He is such a snuggle bunny! Glad he likes his new house.

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  33. I am sure that if Johnny Cat got to enjoy the comforts of INDOORS for the winter, he will still earn his keep by catching those critters in the spring time. MINE DO! They are still hunters for the pure pleasure of it. Once a hunter, always a hunter!

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