Ever wondered what you call a group of cats? It’s a “clowder,” and in our home, we have a very special one indeed. This week is a bit of a milestone as our eldest cat turns seven, and it also marks a little pause for me, your amateur botanist. While you’re used to hearing about plants, today, I want to introduce you to the furry members of our family – the Clowder Of Cats that share our plant-filled life and provide endless joy and companionship. My world is a blend of #allplantsallofthetime and #plantsandcats, and these feline friends are a huge part of it.
Our four cats are primarily indoor companions, enjoying the safety and comfort of our home. They experience the outdoors in a controlled way: only during daylight hours when we’re home, and they have access to our roof, which we’ve turned into a secure “catio.” It’s too high for them to jump from, ensuring their safety. When I’m home, whether inside or tending to my plants outside, they might venture out for a few hours, or stay in the cozy Seed Studio for a nap. They truly are part of every aspect of our lives.
LuLu the cat, with green plants blurred in the background, showcasing her presence amidst the indoor garden.
Felix the cat, a handsome ginger, confidently sits on an outdoor step, displaying his curious and adventurous nature.
Oliver the cat, a fluffy Norwegian Forest cat, lounges comfortably indoors, highlighting his gentle and snuggly personality.
The Clowder Members: A Cat-by-Cat Introduction
Let me introduce you to each member of our unique clowder of cats. Each has a distinct personality and role within our feline family.
LuLu (aka Piggy, Ms. Pickles): The Queen Bee
LuLu reigns supreme. She’s our only female cat currently and definitely the alpha. Don’t let her initial shyness fool you; this farm-born feline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s a serious cat with a queenly demeanor, but beneath the tough exterior, there’s a hint of farm cat timidity. Respect the Pickles, or you might just feel her displeasure!
LuLu is mostly a homebody, preferring the indoors. However, on warmer days, she might grace the outside world to locate her beloved catnip, letting me know with a polite (or not-so-polite) whine that she requires a fresh supply.
LuLu the cat, a serious looking feline, observes her surroundings from an indoor setting, highlighting her queenly and observant nature.
LuLu the cat, in a moment of feline grace, delicately walks across a wooden surface, showcasing her elegant movements even when outdoors.
LuLu the cat, captured in a close-up, reveals her striking facial features and intense gaze, emphasizing her strong personality.
Felix (aka Handsome Pants, Bubby): The Charmer
It’s hard to believe our Felix will be six soon; time really does fly. He’s quite the character and holds a special place in our hearts. Felix is my shadow, my “hand-fed wonder,” and a sensitive soul. This intelligent cat is a true people-person, enjoying car rides and meeting new faces. He’s remarkably smart, knowing the names of at least ten of his human friends and over ten familiar locations. With his trainable nature and love for human food, Felix seems destined for the spotlight – perhaps he missed his calling as a film star!
Felix is an occasional outdoor adventurer. He takes his neighborhood watch duties seriously, keeping dogs away from “his” sidewalk and even venturing into neighbors’ homes, where he’s a beloved guest. His curiosity is endearing, but we do need to keep an eye on his explorations!
Felix the cat, a ginger cat, playfully interacts with a hand, showcasing his affectionate and people-loving personality.
Felix the cat, with striking green eyes, gazes directly at the camera, highlighting his intelligence and captivating presence.
Felix the cat, comfortably resting indoors, with soft lighting enhancing his ginger fur, emphasizing his relaxed and charming demeanor.
Oliver (aka Yoda Bear, Snuggy): The Sweetheart
Where do I even begin with Oliver? He is, without a doubt, the sweetest, most affectionate, and cuddliest cat I’ve ever had. His Norwegian Forest Cat lineage truly makes him extra special. Oliver loves heights, enjoys a high-speed chase to deter any perceived feline intruders from his territory, but is also a bit of a shy guy at heart.
Oliver does venture outside but isn’t a wanderer like his adored friend, Felix. (Yes, Oliver has a definite soft spot for Felix.) He prefers to stay close to home, often hiding under bushes, ready to playfully chase away any passing cats. On quieter days, he might zoom past us as we take out the garbage, a fleeting furry shadow. He’ll be turning five soon.
Oliver the cat, a fluffy Norwegian Forest cat, perched on a high shelf, exemplifying his love for heights and observing his domain.
Oliver the cat, with his soft, long fur, is seen in a relaxed pose, highlighting his snuggly nature and gentle temperament.
Oliver the cat, displaying his majestic Norwegian Forest Cat features, is captured in a moment of calm observation, showcasing his regal yet sweet personality.
Alfie (aka Booger Butt, Kitten Man): The Playful One
Alfie, like Felix, is a real character, and like LuLu, he has farm cat roots. Similar to Oliver, he’s incredibly sweet. The most amusing thing about Alfie is his burning desire to be the alpha cat. Naming him Alfie – often jokingly misspelled “Alphie” – turned out to be perfect. Our only minor complaints about this energetic youngster involve his playful pestering of Oliver and his habit of enthusiastically interacting with our plants, sometimes a little too enthusiastically. He’s wonderfully clumsy and loves to throw his still-kittenish weight around. For a while, nicknames like “no-neck potato,” “linebacker,” or just “bully” were common. But even when I playfully scolded him, picking him up for a mock lecture, he’d respond with a little fart and a sweet, innocent look from those big eyes. Alfie is a cuddlebug, purring more than all the other cats combined, and uniquely, he’s the only one in our clowder who isn’t anxious.
Alfie the cat, a playful and energetic feline, is captured mid-action, possibly jumping or playing, showcasing his youthful exuberance.
Alfie the cat, with a curious expression, is seen exploring a plant, highlighting his playful interaction with the botanical elements of his environment.
Alfie the cat, in a relaxed and endearing pose, looks directly at the viewer, showcasing his sweet nature and captivating kitten-like charm.
Part of the Clowder
So, there you have it – our clowder. While I often write about my work with plants and horticulture, these furry companions are integral to my life, both inside and outside the house. They are my constant companions, working alongside me (or perhaps more accurately, supervising!) in the Seed Studio and around the house. When I come home exhausted after a day of gardening and am doing my physical therapy exercises, they are there, offering purrs and cuddles of support. And when I finally go to sleep, I’m often enveloped in a warm, furry cat pile. Perhaps that makes me an honorary member of the clowder too.
A collection of cat images, showcasing the clowder of cats in various poses and locations, summarizing their diverse personalities and activities.
A close-up of cat paws, likely belonging to the clowder, resting gently, symbolizing the quiet companionship and comfort they provide.
A heartwarming image of multiple cats, possibly the clowder, gathered together, reinforcing the theme of feline family and togetherness.
A cat, part of the clowder, is seen in a playful stance, possibly reaching for a toy, emphasizing the joy and entertainment they bring to the household.
