Fred relaxing in the Quince tree.
Today Freddie is 13.
For the past 6 years I've been 'training' Freddie to tolerate dogs. I started by holding him whilst Monty licked the bejeezus out of him; he wasn't all that keen.
Since then I've slowly encouraged him to be as near as possible to the dogs, and now that we only have Bok, I've tried to show him that he means him no harm. It's taken a long time, but they're now on nose touching terms, although Fred is still a little wary of him.
These days I often find them lying side by side out in the sunshine; they ignore each other.
He's quite a nice cat. His main fault is wanting to come indoors, then go outdoors, then in again, then out again, throughout the day. He has two cat-flaps, but prefers to make me run about opening and closing doors for him all day long (which I do).
He's a brown Tabby, and was actually BOUGHT by my oldest son for British legal tender money (a very rare thing for a cat).
Happy birthday Fred, you old misery. I love you really, and there will be a birthday treat for you at lunchtime.
Happy Birthday Fred! What a nice looking cat.
ReplyDeleteHe is a handsome chap; it's his character which needs some honing.
DeleteWhat a beautiful cat !
ReplyDeleteWe and thehamish lost Watson two years ago, and we miss him everyday. Son adopted two 11 years old brother and sister cats. The male will come close as I feed them a piece of chicken every morning but that is about it. thehamish is very good around both but he would love a friend to nap with.
Happy Birthday Fred, Let there be fish !
cheers, parsnip
We have thought of getting a kitten for Bok to play with. I've always loved to see cats and dogs getting on well together, and even sleeping together.
DeleteHe's a beaut. Happy Furry Birthday, Fred!
ReplyDeleteThank you (on his behalf).
DeleteGreat photo, happy birthday puss.
ReplyDeleteMiaow!
DeleteHappy birthday Freddie and aren't you one lucky cat to have a quince tree to loll in and survey the world.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
It's his favourite tree, probably because we have a table and chairs beneath it.
DeleteHappy birthday Fred! I wonder how old 13 years are in cat life? The in and out, out and in, made me laugh; what a character, he's got you under his paws :)
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
It's not so bad in Summer because we leave all the doors open, but in the colder months.....
DeleteHappy birthday Fred.Cats always want us to work for them ,here the same.
ReplyDeleteDogs treat us as masters, Cats treat us as staff.
DeleteI like the nonchalant look, paw casually slung over bough.
ReplyDeleteThat's his standard pose. When he's in this tree he lashes out at us with his claws; something he never does elsewhere. I imagine he sees it as a game. 'Catch the Human'. We leave him alone.
DeleteHappy Birthday Fred. A few days ago in a garden I saw a girl trying to get a cat to make friends with a long haired guinea pig. The poor cat she was holding in her arms looked terrified.
ReplyDeleteI like to see different animals getting on well together; but they can't be forced.
DeleteFred has that aristocratic look, especially up in his perch. A cat with character, but aren't they all!!
ReplyDeleteHe certainly is. He was bought in Windsor, so we often wonder...
DeleteHappy Birthday Fred!
ReplyDeleteHe is gorgeous. You are so lucky he allows you to open and shut doors for him all day long:)
I'm going to have a word with him about that. I refuse to be his servant any more!
DeleteI lecture my cats all the time about what I expect of them.
DeleteDo they listen?
DeleteThey turn to Peter for commiserations which he gives.
DeleteWhat a beautiful boy he is and what a great photo. Happy birthday, Freddie! I've had my cat, Squeak, for almost a year now. She was a stray and it is guessed she's about 6 (or 7, now) years old. She's good company since I lost my sweet cocker spaniel. I often wonder what her previous life was like.
ReplyDeleteFreddie is mostly quite aloof, but he does curl up by my side at night. We have a reasonable relationship.
DeleteHe looks funny up in a tree, almost like a koala. We found a space heater when it was cold, rather than central heating, would always get pets close and friendly.
ReplyDeleteFreddie uses me as his heating system; at least he does at night.
DeleteAh...the brown tabby. Those that wear the M for Majestic on their forehead. We have loved one, too, and were all the better for it. "Happy Birthday handsome Freddie" Be sure to get a treat and an extra nap today. xo
ReplyDeleteHe had sardines (tinned) for lunch. I'm sure he's now sleeping it off somewhere in the shade.
DeleteThere is one rule about cats and doors...whichever side of it they're on it will be the wrong side. Even if you open it for them they will then decide that they've changed their mind again....contrary creatures!
ReplyDeleteArilx
That is EXACTLY how Freddie behaves. I'm sure he does it just to control me!
DeleteI enjoy seeing cats climbing and sitting in trees. They never seem as confident on their trip down though. The birthday boy seems very comfortable on his perch.
ReplyDeleteHe's only about 5 ft off the ground in his favourite spot. I think he just enjoys 'looking down' on people.
DeleteA cat as well treated as Freddie may live to be 20! He may only be middle aged! Sardines for lunch and a warm Cro at night.... 21!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! There was me thinking that 13 was a good age!
DeleteTabbies are wonderful cats. Your Freddie looks just like our Sampson (he's 10, I have no idea when his birthday is!)Is Freddie a hunter? -Jenn
ReplyDeleteHe's a very good hunter. Mostly mice, but he enjoys a nice tasty lizard now and again.
DeleteWhat a handsome lad ! Happy Birthday, Freddie !
ReplyDeleteNice isn't he! Tabbies are my favourite.
DeleteHappy birthday Freddie! We had Felix, now sadly gone through the great cat-flap in the sky, and Tiger, living together for at least 13 years. In all that time, they managed to avoid having anything to do with each other, including eating times and sofa cuddles, passing like wary ships in the night...Tiger is still with us, blind, a bit tatty, aged 15.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't surprise me. Unless they were from the same litter they are very independent. I'm quite envious of people who have a pack of friendly cats.
DeleteHappy birthday Freddie ! What a grand old age to start liking dogs! He's most handsome and I love the pose in the quince tree. He knows how to twist you around his furry paw with that in -and-out all day!
ReplyDeleteHe sure does. He's a proper minx!
DeleteHe looks quite regal; perhaps you should be calling him Sir Freddie.
ReplyDeleteBelated birthday wishes to Fred!
ReplyDeleteHe says 'Miaow'.
Delete