A Man's Wealth Expressed In Cats

It's been a tough week in Jakubowizna; poor Wenusia had been confined to the house for seven days following her sterilisation procedure. She'd be caterwauling night and day when not sleeping, pawing and clawing at the windows and door, demanding to be let out. To ensure that she'd not felt left out of the fun happening in the garden, I kept the kittens in more than usual. This has resulted in smelly litter trays (all three of them now), the acrid smell of tomcat urine reminding me that the day of the boys' castration gets nearer and nearer. Being cooped up in the house in solidarity with mum also leads to bouts of manic kitten-chasing around the house.

Below: a moment of peace. Crashed out on my bed, from left to right: the glamorous Céleste, Scrapper, awake and alert; Pacyfik, head on his legs; Arcturus showing his white belly (a sign that he feels secure), darling Czestuś, the friendliest of the five, and curled up at the foot of my bed, Wenusia.

Yesterday evening, I checked Wenusia's post-operation scars – they had healed very nicely. She is (and all of her kittens are) healthy, thanks be to God. 

This morning, after returning from my weekly shop in Warka, I decided that Wenusia is well enough to venture outside. Gingerly at first, unable to believe in her new-found freedom, she stepped out, surrounded by her brood. We proceeded down the drive, one human, one cat, five kittens, turning left at the road, and then into the forest next door. 

First port of call was our fallen log, where Wenusia and I used to go before she became pregnant, and where we'd go shortly after she gave birth. She bounded up to me, jumped onto my lap, delighted to be back, and I stroked her for a while, surrounded by all of her kittens. All were clearly happy that mum is back in action. 

Below, left from top to bottom: Céleste on top of the fallen tree's roots; Scrapper and Arcturus looking at what's under the tree, Czester scrambling up, and in the foreground, Pacyfik. Wenusia is observing her kittens from the log on the right.

Left: witnessing such scenes bring me joy. Wenusia (to the right) was not deprived of her biological destiny to have kittens, and here she is with all five of them. Playing together, learning, bonding; this is what feline life should look like. I have the wherewithal to provide them with everything they need for a happy kittenhood.

Below: single-file patrol, led by Pacyfik. Following hesitantly behind is Céleste, then Scrapper (who appears to have second thoughts) and taking up the rear, Arcturus. Czestuś and Wenusia are off the right of frame. It's quite marvellous to see them running, chasing, climbing trees, and staying together as a bonded family unit. I realise I have a broad smile on my face. Such happiness.

I spent about half an hour with them, until one by one all the kittens followed Wenusia through a hole under the fence back into my garden. An excuse for me to slip away and go for my walk.

Below: portrait of a pensive Scrapper, who's quite a character. Quick to slash with his claws, he knows what he wants, and what he doesn't want. First-born and usually the first to dive into the feeding bowl. And yet he means well; he has a good heart. When not fighting, he's happy to groom his siblings and mother (although I have my suspicions where that diagonal scratch across Wenusia's nose came from). He's not a loner (if anyone a loner, that's Arcturus, who's claimed the round cat basket for his exclusive use), he does like being stroked.

Each kitten emerged from its mother's womb on the same day, and yet they are such different characters. I love them all and could not bear to part with a single one of them. I am mindful, however, that the four boys are due for the snip before all too long.

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Why Poland can no longer afford PiS

This time three years ago:
A slower, drabber, greener, more local way of life might yet save us all

This time four years ago:
Warka's bi-weekly market

This time five years ago:
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This time six years ago:

Pavement for Karczunkowska? What's next?
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This time nine years ago
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This time 11 years ago:
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This time 17 years ago:
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This time 18 years ago:
Golden autumn in Łazienki park