Liese, that's a weird space, isn't it?

It truly is. And right now, their particular authority figures I wouldn't trust as far as I can throw them, so as long as I don't know about anything more illegal than pot, I'm totally on the kids' side in this one. We were talking with (yet another) one of their staff members who is about to quit this weekend. And it's amazing, but we, the transient music teachers, are the most consistent presence in their lives. The school's staff has ridiculous turnover (they lost 15 out of 25 members this year alone) and this current iteration is particularly problematic.

I got up at 4:45 for no apparent reason today,

I woke up at 4:00ish because that's when the dog's whining to go out woke me up.

Today is the first day I left the dog and cats alone together, with only the babygate to act as a barrier, on the theory that a) Bubba and Charlie are fine together, b) Dita won't leave the bedroom, and c) both cats are faster than the dog in case I am wrong about a or b. eta: I really hope I am not wrong about enough of that for it to be a problem.

Also, for those of you who walk your cats, how did you start the process? I think I want to try with Bubba, who managed to open the garage door while I was out in the yard with Charlie. He was so shocked at being outside that I managed to scoop him up easily, but I can tell it's going to be a thing.

First, see if he'll tolerate a harness.

First, see if he'll tolerate a harness.

Yeah. You might have to wait awhile for him to get used to it.

I can do that! Thanks

Lee, I have only successfully walked one of three cats I've had. Clio wouldn't tolerate the harness for a minute. (She ran around as if she were on fire when it was on.) And Oz was too fat for one, and repeatedly escaped from the bigger one. Pico never went far on the leash, but far enough that he could eat some grass and go back in.

My neighbor's cat hangs outside on a leash for hours, but he's a retired show cat and super mellow about everything.

I'm lucky that Clio and Oz are content not to wander too far. Neither goes farther than my next door neighbor's yard. If they try to cross the street, outdoor privileges are suspended. They are only allowed out when I am home, and unless I am outside with them, are only outside for short periods of time.

I've fantasized more than once about roofing over my backyard with chickenwire, or at least building a catatorium with an enclosed scamperway out to it.

Being me, I can actually see myself building a corridor and play area outside for the cats someday (or maybe a slide from the guest room window into a play area), but the harness and walking seems cheaper.

(or maybe a slide from the guest room window into a play area)

THIS.

We had the bedroom open for the first time this spring last night. So of course Shadow decided my stomach was the best springboard in the world to get up to the shelf next to the window. I knew better than to go completely back to sleep before he came back down, and he courteously gave me time to protect my squishy bits before he jumped back down.