Cats in Winterwear

Stone cats in the front lawn of a nearby house in our neighborhood.

Cat and the Squirrel

Domestic cats kill millions of birds and small animals every year in Canada. Wildlife conservationists advise cat owners to keep them indoor and to adopt preventive measures like putting bells and bright color collars around their necks. But cats are stealthy. At a number of times, I have seen domestic cats giving a chase to a squirrel or an unsuspected bird. 

These metal cutouts on a fence in our neighborhood are perhaps an effort to warn squirrels of such a lurking danger. 

Basking under the Spring Sun

The weather is now really nice outside. One can find neighborly cats basking under the warm Spring Sun here and there. The first one seemed to be in a mood for a portrait like some medieval European royalty. The second one was more friendly and greeted me with slow, tender blinks. Then sat patiently for a few snaps before moving away.

Prowling in a park

A tabby planning a hunt at Dantonia Park.

I noticed this house cat at the park. She was moving very slowly towards the target with a single-minded concentration. Then she lowered herself near the ground to minimize her profile. She was gently wagging her tail with excitement. Her muscle seemed tense and she was ready to pounce. I think this prowling behaviour might be common to the whole feline family. She was eyeing a little sparrow near the path.

Fortunately, her bell and tags were enough to warn the little birdie, who immediately took flight towards safety.

She seemed a little bit dejected by this missed opportunity as she watched the bird fly away. I think she knows that she is not allowed to hunt but no one can take away a bit of excitement from her.

Found Cat

This is the first time I have seen a 'Found Cat' poster. It is always the other way round. At first glance, it seems that this dear tabby has decided to adopt new parents and now refuses to leave. But then I checked the helpinglostpets.com website mentioned in this poster. It is a free service that helps pet owners to list and locate their lost pets in the US and Canada. There were dozens of posts regarding found pets in the Toronto area along with several heartwarming mentions of 'Back Home/Reunited' or 'Rehomed' ones. Now that is something.

Fluffy Cat

Domestic Cats don’t like winter in general. They like to sit inside and remain cozy near fireplaces or heaters. However, this fluffy cat near Dantonia Park does not seems to mind a bit about the cold outside. She is donning her personal, expensive-looking fur coat after all.

Little Cat by the Puddle

Little cat by the puddle

Sitting silently, gaze fixed afar

I wonder what was your story

I was in hurry and missed a chance to know you.

Perhaps we will meet again someday and will trade stories 

Me about my days on earth, my hopes, and dreams

You about your exploits in the neighborhood 

and a desire to see the world beyond that high wall

We both are creatures of the same world,

We may find that we are not so different after all.

Piacentino White and Mr. Chittu

Piacentio white pigeon on neighbor's balcony
and Mr. Chittu, our odd-eye colored house cat, looking up wistfully.

Pigeon keeping as a hobby has waned in its popularity in Pakistan over the years, although it is still practiced by many enthusiasts at places. One such fancier resides in our neighborhood and his prized pigeons sometimes visit our house. 

I spotted this bird with peculiar eyes and searched the internet. It was a Piacentino White (peeaa chen te no), a breed from northern Italy that dates back to the 19th century. The bird remained posed majestically on the balcony for some time and then safely flew away.

Curious Cat

Credit: Alizee

If cats could text you back ...

Interesting A-frame signage outside a pet clinic at Dundas Street West, Toronto.

Missing Cat or Missing Democracy

Found this poster on a public notice board near Donlands Subway Station. At first glance, to a passerby, this seems like a notice about a missing cat but it is, in fact, part of a public art exhibition by New Monuments for New Cities.

I think it is a nice way to engage people and propel them to think about the critical issues at hand.

Cats at Kensington Market

A few feline-themed artworks in and around Kensington Market for cat aficionados.