Curiosity...

Before we moved to the country my cats had never been outdoors to wander.  They showed no interest, and it was certainly not safe in the city or on our busy suburban road.

Once we moved to Busy Solitude Farm, I watched them for signs that they wanted to be out.  It took about four years before Luke or Abe even attempted to follow me or the dogs out the door.  So I decided it was time to allow them some supervised freedom.  Over the past year I have allowed them out when I am at home.   Luke is very good about coming in when he's called; Abe predictably sits in one place where I can retrieve him.

Until Sunday.  The gallery where I work had a big art fair over Memorial Day weekend and I was working long days.  Exhausted but preparing to leave for one more day, I called the cats in but they did not come.  I had to make a choice -- be late for work and spend time looking for them, or trust that on a beautiful early summer day they would be fine outside for the day.  I filled the water bowl and drove off.

Sunday evening they were waiting for me when I got home.  Everyone had supper and I spilled myself into bed, not really seeing anything.

In the morning I discovered that Abe has three or four "holes" in his face.  Animal bite?  They certainly seem spaced appropriately.  Mosquitoes?  God knows they eat me alive.  We are practicing "watchful waiting" right now.  Luke once bit him on the face and it got infected.  Needed to be lanced, and Abe was on antibiotics for ten days.  So far he does not show signs of infection on these.

I sat him down and told him about cats and curiosity.  He yawned, and asked me to open the door.

Addendum:  Last night Luke (my other cat) was acting odd outside, looked like he was stalking something.  I brought him inside and then caught a glimpse of a black and white cat on the driveway.  Abe has been staying close to the house.  I think he probably was in a fight.