
So at last the kittens get to go outside! The adventurous one, Lily, took to it immediately, but the other two were terrified, squeaking, their tiny hearts pounding … for all of five minutes. Within ten, they started exploring, and within twenty, they were actively playing.

For now, we’ve turned this courtyard into a catio, because these kittens have never been outside, have almost no experience other animals other than friendly humans and our scared indoor cats, and still are pretty tiny. Our property, on the other hand, is crisscrossed by other cats, occasionally aggressive turkeys, and a fox willing to take on prey twice its size. There’s also a hawk, which my wife is concerned might carry off the cats; as they get larger, I am skeptical, but there’s no need to risk it until they get more street-smart.

Be patient, Lilipadski. Your time will come.
-the Centaur
Pictured: Cats in the catio, AKA the courtyard we call “The French Quarter.”