Cat Lounge in the Hay Barn
My reclusive grey cat Lilli-Puss had always been shy, and early on decided she didn't want to live in our busy cat-filled house. So I set up a cat lounge for her in the hay barn. My lovely Lilli deserved the comforts of home.
Lilli-Puss the Grey Cat
There were comfy old armchairs for her to relax on. She could snuggle into the woolly afghan rugs to keep warm at night. On a little table were a selection of dusty old coffee table gardening books (in case any of her visitors fancied looking at some pretty pictures).
Lilli-Puss in Her Cat-Louge
Along the inside wall of the hay barn was a shelf of well-worn paper-backs (for light reading), and a display of rather gaudy cat plates (for self-affirmation).
Facing the Sun
Lilli's cat lounge was open but weather-proof, and faced the sun. On cold, sunny winter mornings it was the warmest place on the properly. She also had a cat box perched high on the hay bales - perfect for a look out, to see who was coming to visit.
A well-fed barn cat...
Lilli-Puss was always a well-fed hay barn cat. Some country cats who live in outbuildings and sheds are left to hunt for their food. Not Lilli-Puss, though she did keep the barn free of mice and rats. The dogs and I would visit her each day with food. Obviously we'd stop for a cuddle and a chat. And sometimes a quiet read of one of her books, hee hee.
Sadly in the winter of 2015 Lilli went totally AWOL. She was nine years old, in good health, smoochy and friendly. I know Lilli would have loved to have been an only-cat, so I hoped that she'd wandered off and moved into a nice cat-less house somewhere.
Lilli in her Hay Barn Cat Lounge