Editor’s notice: We obtained our paws on the diary of an orange cat who managed to doc his feline ideas and emotions on an sudden tenting journey. We can not reveal how we obtained this prolific log or why this cat isn’t world-famous for his phenomenal, human-like storytelling. What we are able to share is that this journal helps reply an vital query: Do cats truly like tenting?
July 16, 2024
9:13 a.m.
Pricey Diary,
This morning, I awoke aggravated (typical) to comprehend my subordinate, Alan, had positioned me in a floating crate (not typical). Hours later, we arrived at what I might describe as an extra-large litter field. (Alan is looking it a “campground.”) I’m unsure why we’re right here, truthfully. As an indoor cat, my man ought to know that after I meow on the backdoor for hours like I need to go exterior, it doesn’t imply I truly need to go exterior.
And but, right here we’re.
There are overgrown scratching posts (“evergreens”) and one gigantic water bowl that sparkles (a “lake”). I would examine each later, after I end being considerably afraid of the sunshine breeze. Alan, my everlasting assistant, is establishing an enormous, dome-shaped kitty cave made from one thing flimsier than my at-home hideout. (It seems to be like my nails would glide superbly by it!) I simply want he’d pace up the method of procuring shade as a result of I’m late for my 11-hour nap.
10:22 a.m.
Pricey Diary,
Excellent news: My nails do glide properly by the shelter, a lot to Alan’s dismay. By way of 12 or 58 deranged-yet-adorable yelps, I defined to him that is the worth he should pay for ripping me from my acquainted palace to attempt one thing new.
My mind could also be small and orange, however I do perceive longing. I lengthy for the spot underneath the lounge chair the place the scorching yellow gentle touches solely my tail; I lengthy for the contemporary bowl of kibble precisely the place it belongs; I lengthy for the windowsill the place I perch, dreaming of a world the place cats can roll down the streets in plastic balls like hamsters. (I watch a variety of TV whereas Alan is at work.)
Alan is ingesting extra water than traditional from a spectacular jug and sharing drips and drops with me, nevertheless it doesn’t style just like the gourmand faucet water I demand. I’ve to say, up to now this can be a one-star expertise. I’ve deducted factors for all of the uncertainty, unfamiliarity and warmth, however added factors as a result of my greatest pal (Any Type of Shifting Shadow) is right here, too!
4:13 p.m.
Pricey Kibble,
Ugh, I imply Pricey Diary. The warmth has gotten to me.
Alan retains meowing in English, one thing a few “hike.” Hear, all I need to do is hike up my again leg and lick myself clear with out judgment. I’ll, nonetheless, give this little tenting state of affairs a singular accolade: It smells fairly good out right here within the BULB (Huge Unkept Litter Field). My nostril has been up within the air (greater than traditional) taking in all of the eclectic scents of the wild. Apparently, I come from a protracted line of “wild” cats, however Alan says I didn’t inherit any of their survival abilities. (Is swatting powerfully at nothing not a survival talent?!)
I additionally did some non secular soul-searching this afternoon through two solo meditations referred to as “Is This Bug Price Chasing?” and “Is THAT Bug Price Chasing?”
I can see why folks like this Chaotic Little Out of doors Peace Experiment, however I’m exhausted and falling asleep in opposition to Alan’s sock-and-sandal combo as we communicate.
7:30 p.m.
Diary, name 911 as a result of our campsite is on fireplace! Alan is being fairly chill in regards to the fireplace. That is most likely as a result of he has his burgundy water now. He appears to be having fun with the dancing lights (he’s similar to me), whereas I do all of the work and roll round within the cool grass, doing battle with the spiky but tender blades, difficult their audacity to be so edible, scratchy and soothing all on the similar time.
It’s additionally good to depart my attractive orange-blonde hair in a brand new location.
7:33 p.m.
OK, holy Fancy Feast—I simply performed “Is This Bug Price Chasing?” once more and gained in opposition to this loopy “Recreation of Thrones”-type monstrosity. (A “dragonfly,” Alan stated.) I did my nighttime zoomies to have fun, however as a substitute of smashing into the wall on the finish of the corridor, I simply saved operating and operating and operating till Alan lured me again to camp with a tuna deal with. That is what my big-cat ancestors should’ve felt like each day.
9:00 p.m.
Pricey Diary,
Alan is taking part in “Getting Prepared for Mattress,” however joke’s on him as a result of I play that every one day. I see no mattress, simply a big bag. We’re on the point of cuddle within the huge kitty dome (a “tent,” apparently), which I helped ventilate earlier. To not get all emo, however the eager for house that I felt after we first obtained right here is subsiding. I used to be sure this journey would put the “cat” in “catastrophic,” and but…
July 17, 2024
6:22 a.m.
Pricey Diary,
Excellent news: My talent of sleeping for nine hours got here in helpful, and we survived! Alan is having scorching brown water by the campfire. (Sure, I can know phrases like “unkept” and never know the names of the liquids in Alan’s cup, OK? I include multitudes.) Each of our whiskers are twitching with all of the pleasant morning smells.
Alan meows on and on about going house, however I ask if we are able to keep slightly longer one of the best ways I understand how: by tearing the tent to shreds.
The put up Do Cats Enjoy Camping? A Feline Weighs In. appeared first on Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication.