When the cat lady moved I swore I wasn’t going take over feeding feral cats but I soon gave in, making peace with two cats that meowed outside my window. I’ve invested in a big tub of dry cat food and answer the plaintive meows morning and night with a bowl of meow mix.
The problem: A family of chickens (hen, rooster and offspring) has moved to my half acre of tropical Eden. Chickens trump cats. They’re bossier, bigger and peck the cats away. I started to shoo away the chickens so the cats could eat but they sneak back as soon as my back is turned.
I now slide the bowl of cat food way underneath my jeep. The slinky cats eat comfortably and the noisy birds can’t gain access. It’s amusing to watch them try, give up and go off to eat the vegetation. If the cats leave stuff in the bowl the chickens show up to finish the job.
If you’re flexible and able to crawl underneath a car you’re eligible for a meal of dry cat food under my jeep. I have identified my wildlife niche and created a eligibility hoop so I end up with the market I want – furry, hungry and appreciative (when they’re finished they stretch out in the sun below my deck looking sleek and well fed.) They like what I have to offer and how I offer it. They’re return visitors.
But so are the chickens! They too want what I’ve got. If they were paying I’d have a solid income stream.
It made me wonder who the chickens are in my world? Who are the people I’ve decided are not my ‘ideal clients’ who keep showing up? Am I turning a blind eye on people who are asking for what I have to offer because I am focused in another direction?
I’m digesting this food for thought and saying, ” Thank you cats. and chicken family for being the perfect teachers of important life lessons. I have a great photo I wanted to share, but am having technical challenges so will leave the scene to your imagination. Make it vivid and may it bring a smile to your face.
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