Tag Archives: play

The Conquest of Fort Box

Recently I gave the cats a nice box that they liked to play in and then I took it away because we had to ship something and it was just the right size. I felt bad about it so when I came across another box at work I grabbed it.

I decided to make this one better than the last so I taped the top closed and cut two openings; one on the front and one on the side. I then cut a few peep holes in it so the box could feel like a little fort with spy holes to watch the “enemy.”

I named it “Fort Box” and the cats took to it right away, especially Colonel Chris who took over command of the fort.

I hereby assume command of Fort Box.

I know you’re there Frankie

Okay, Puck. Your turn to stand guard.

It’s scary in here. I’m shaking.

Puck! You’re supposed to be inside the fort.

Like this. I’ll show you.

I wonder if there is an attic?

I can see you guys so don’t try anything.

You can have your turn Frankie, when I am done lying here doing nothing.

Finally! What’s this?

Yuck! Tastes like cardboard.

C’mon Frankie! It’s my turn again.

Where did you go Frankie? I was just kidding. You can come back. I’ll share.

Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

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Everyone who is owned by a cat knows what happens when you bring a new box into the house. It is like Kitty Christmas. The first thing they have to do is get inside like a child with a new playhouse. But why are cats so fascinated by a simple empty box? I suppose there are a number of things at “play” here.

I think the main reason is that cats love to play. The reason that they have an instinct for play is probably because it helps them practice for survival. Attacking their housemates, assuming it is not for reasons of dominance or territory, is practice for the hunt. Playing in a box is just an extension of that.

A box offers something a wild cat is looking for: stealth. Nevermind that they are not wild cats, they don’t know that. From inside a box a cat can see but not be seen. It is a great place to lie in wait until their prey is close and then pounce. It also offers a bit of protection from other “wild” household pets that might want to attack them.

Finally, cats are great nappers. Curling up inside a box could feel very cozy for that afternoon nap and offer protection as well.

This is great. A box all to myself.

Okay Puck, We’ve waited long enough.

Ha, now I have the box.

Stretch…

Don’t even think about it, Frankie.

This is just my size.

I wonder if there is a trap door in this thing.

That’s weird that Chris just disappeared. Oh well, it’s my box now.

If anyone can shed more light on why cats love boxes, or if you just want to comment, I’d love to hear from you.

Chris’s Kitten is Back

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Chris is one of those cats that continued to play like a kitten well into adulthood. Lately, however, the kitten in him did not come out very often. That changed the other day when Rose found a mouse under the refrigerator. It was a small mouse that I had never seen before. It must have found its way under the fridge shortly after coming out of the package.

I don’t know what is different about this mouse than all his other mice but he plays with it like he is a kitten again, and after several days, he has not become bored with it. I still see him chasing that thing around several times a day. It’s nice to know my lovable “bad cat” has not fully grown up yet.

Sparring Partners

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Since the first day Chris graced our home with his presence, he has had a fighting spirit. He would attack the other cats, hoping to find someone willing to play with him but would instead just get growls and hisses.

That changed when we got Puck, who was a kitten at the time and is now about a year and a half old, still young enough to keep up with Chris. That may change when Puck matures and Chris doesn’t, but we shall see.

The other night the two of them got into a major fight, taking it from one room in the house to the next.

My box, stay away!

Oww! You’ll pay for that, Puck!

This should show you who is boss around here. (Chris will sometimes hold Puck down by the scruff to show dominance)

No, wait! That tickles.

Let’s dance.

Do you want a face full of this?

You can’t hide from me!

Who’s the boss now, Chris?

We are fortunate that our two cats, while they fight a lot, are also friends. By that I mean Puck is able to tolerate Chris’s behavior and occasionally put him in his place when necessary.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

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Chris’s three-year reign of terror has ended. Okay, maybe that statement is a bit exaggerated but there has been a turning point in the Bad Cat Chris household.

Previously, Chris was able to dominate the other cats without fear of reprisal. He would often, out of the blue, pounce on Tigger or Abbey, pin them down and bite them on the neck. After a few minutes, he would then cozy up along side one of them like nothing had happened. Now that Abbey is gone and our new Kitten Puck is here, it is not so easy for him anymore. Puck fights back!

The two of them spend much of the evening going at it. Chris will attack Puck and Puck will counter with his own attack. I often see Chris as the submissive one during some of their many battles. It makes me think of Karma and the saying, “What goes around, comes around.”

Although it is no longer surprising, it is still amazing that at over three and a half years old, Chris still has the energy and personality of a kitten. The two of them seem like a perfect match for each other.

Now they are a great match, but I know that a year from now, puck will have matured and Chris will still be Chris.

Tigger, Chris and Puck

On another note, I just learned that Alex died. If you read the post, The Great Upheaval, you would know that Alex had to be left behind when we moved back to Florida from Myrtle Beach. He stayed with a friend that we knew would take good care of him, and he did.

Alex was the brother of Abbey, who died two months ago (story here). Both were great cats and only eight years old. They will be missed.

Alex (on top) with Abbey, Tigger and Chris