The Cat Conundrum

Stormy on his favorite stool.

Moving into a small space requires making a lot of difficult decisions as to what to bring and what not to bring.  I pondered and agonized over two things in particular, my boy kitties Stormy and Sunny.  I know some of you might think me heartless to consider giving them up, but there is so much more involved when living in such a small space.

Stormy was purchased as a kitten over 9 years ago from the Sheena Foundation and this cute little gray and white fur ball stole our hearts in minutes.  It wasn't long before we tired of this lone kitten attacking our feet in play and soon we found Sunny, an orange tabby, at the local shelter to join our home as his playmate.

Both cats are hugely affectionate and loyal.  When I found we were moving into the 5th wheel, I realized I would now be dealing with a litter box, cat hair galore, and any other lovely things that accompany pet ownership; but now confined to 400 square feet.  I spoke to people of my predicament and even had a possible home for Sunny, but in the end my love for my furry friends won out and they were packed along for our journey to Texas.

Sunny wouldn't let me finish making the bed.

There were some adjustments I had to make once we arrived.  The cats hadn't used a litter box in a while due to the fact that in Idaho they had access to the outdoors and therefore found their own places to go.  But they took to the adjustment quickly and I found the pine pellet litter essential to the small space living to prevent dust and particles from being spread throughout the home.  The cat hair will always have to be managed so I've made it a routine to brush the cats a few times a week and vacuum all corners of the house just as often.

Stormy had a few upset tummies (which made me swear never again will I have an indoor cat) and Sunny made it clear that the litter box must be completely clean or else he will find his own place to go. Sometimes in the middle of night Stormy decides Sunny must get groomed and a cat fight ensues.  I curse the cats at those moments but those times are followed by a head bump of love, a purring roll over to get a belly rub, or kitty-paws on my chest as I wake in the morning.  Then there's seeing our daughter poke and prod her cats in every sort of childish play as they acquiesce with immeasurable tolerance and I know I've made the right choice.

Our plans for the future still call into question how much longer we will enjoy the company of our friends.  Costs of importing them into new countries and the dangers (even death) that such a foreign environment may bring to them, lend us to sadly consider parting with them in the future. As of now we will tackle the challenges and enjoy the rewards of having two well adjusted feline companions in our tiny home.