When thinking about a perch, we normally envision a roost for a bird. But a perch is also a resting place or vantage point. Our furry felines, being the curious creatures that they are, are constantly seeking perches which give them a clear view of the area around them and make them feel safe. Just this week Bonnie, one of our outside furry visitors, walked right past me after breakfast in the basement, jumped up a series of boxes of books and perched on the very top of the bookshelf to wash herself. We have been observing other furry visitors stopping in throughout the day to check on the availability of food. So obviously she decided this perch would allow her a clear view of any visitors and still offer a safe place to wash and nap. Our trail camera also revealed that she slept on this perch several times this week. 
Bonnie and her sibling Clyde, also have several favorite outside perches--places where they love to sit to soak in the sun, spots where they always stop to wash after a feeding, and partially hidden locations where they can pounce on a tasty meal that might happen by. Clyde seems to prefer lower perches. Bonnie likes to be higher off the ground.
Outside perches change with the weather. On some of the warmer days we having been having this week, Bonnie and Clyde spent most of the day outdoors. They particularly like the bales of straw that we stacked around one of the outside shelters. The afternoon sun warms the straw and they often wait for their evening meal there. But on a rainy day and overnight when the temperatures drop, they abandon their patio chairs or birdbath perches for the warmth and comfort of an old recliner and boxes in the basement.
Inside, Paddy, the youngest and still very curious, has the most perches. While they are in numerous places around the house, they are still favorites and always the first spots we check when we want to find her. Some of her favorites are the cat steps in front of the French doors and the circle condo next to the bedroom window--both of which offer clear vantage points of the yards outside. (That was the condo for her and her siblings and she's outgrowing it!)
She occasionally jumps to the top of the chest of drawers and perches in front of the TV--a spot which allows her to survey the room or find a nasty bug which has invaded her space. Usually some human intervention is required to dispose of the bug and remove Paddy from her high perch. 
She also enjoys sitting on the towel rack in the bathroom. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the warm air coming from the heat vent! 
Anything new or out of the ordinary immediately captures her attention. A gift box or a new throw on the back of a recliner become instant perches until the spot appropriately carries her scent. 
Zoie Joy and Halo can usually be found sleeping on the bed, but occasionally they change course and enjoy some scenery from a different perch. They both enjoy spots on the condo by the kitchen window, especially when the midday sunshine streams through and warms the carpet. And occasionally they share the recliner in the bedroom--if they can both agree on which part of the chair they will perch on. 
Like humans, our furry friends seek out spaces where they can control their surroundings, yet feel safe. Sometimes their perches are just spots where they regroup, then move on. Other times, when they feel safe and comfortable in the spaces, they close their eyes and fall into a peaceful sleep. May you always have a place to perch where you feel comfortable, safe and at peace.
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The holidays are growing nearer and shopping, decorating and choosing or crafting gifts will be our focus for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special ebook lover on your Christmas list.
NOW AVAILABLE!
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
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Karen and Paddy
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Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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©2016 Karen Rose Smith
My daughter had two cats that had different ideas of perching. Bailey had to be INSIDE a box while Isabelle had to be ON TOP of the box. No exceptions!
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