Thank you for the generous "welcome back" following Wednesday's post. I am touched to the core–or coeur–by your encouraging words and warm reception! These flowers are for you, en vous remerciant! Picture taken in Ile Saint Louis, Paris.
: miaowing (or le cri du chat)
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word: Download MP3 or Wav file
Depuis le couloir, j'ai entendu le miaulement des chatons.
From the hallway, I heard the miaowing of kittens.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
"The Scoop"
Before I tell you what happened during my one-month sabbatical, I should tell you what happened just before it.
Cat litter. Cat litter happened.
Three days before my one-month departure we were a family of 6: four humans, two dogs. But in the early hours of November 4th–when the moon was high over the Mediterranean Sea and all the valley lay sleeping–our son smuggled home a kitty.
As I lie there in bed oblivious to the goings-on, Max came into my room. Speaking in hushed tones he informed me he had a Christmas present for Papa.
"But it's November, Max! Noël is next month."
"Yes, but they'll be out of stock by the holidays…" With that our 18-year-old motioned for me to follow him up to his sister's room.
Opening the bedroom door I saw my daughter's tousled hair. The rest of her was hiding behind a sheet. As Jackie lowered the drap I saw a second outline: that of a perky-eared interloper.
"You guys, no! No, no, no!" This was no time to take on a cat–not even an especially cute one with its natural bow-tie and white socks. No…. But the miaulement of the fragile creature had my heart saying YES.
Meantime, three precious days remained in which to check off my To-Do list. There were a lot of loose ends to tie up before my one month absence. Already I fretted about household management–how would the kids and the dogs fare while we were away? And now a 6-week-old kitten!
True, Jean-Marc would return the week after the Seine to Normandy cruise—but I would be away for the month. Sure, my husband could take over on his return, but would everything run smoothly without the woman with the measuring stick? (Who would correctly measure the dog–and cat–food? Who would verify water bowl level? "You know," I kept reminding everyone. "An animal can go without food–but NOT without water!" I said this just to drive home the point–of course an animal needed la nourriture, too!)
"Look, I think it is best that we take the kitten when Papa and I return from our trip. Besides, it is only 6 weeks old–it needs another two weeks of mother's milk!"
Alas, it was too late. The kitten's mom had washed her paws of the responsibility. She was already out hustling on the streets again. And this was out of my control–but I could take responsibility for a kitten. It would need to be neutered, for one….
My pre-sabbatical To-Do list grew. Only now priorities were re-arranged: instead of a suitcase belt (sorely needed for my torn valise), "kitty milk" now topped the chart. As count-down to departure loomed, I could be found whiling away the minutes in the supermarket Pets aisle. We needed infant formula for chatons and kitty litter. But which kind of each? (There were several to choose from!) It was easy to linger among pet paraphernalia when my eyes caught on non-essentials like the jingle-bell collar (the green one or the red one?), or the jouets (the felt mouse or the plastic jingle ball). I didn't dare consider the cat skyscraper. Gosh no!). I grabbed the inexpensive toys. Tossing them in my caddy, I told myself I would deal with my husband's reaction later!
Though I wanted our kitty to feel comfortable and to meet all its needs, I had my doubts about how this would all work out. Sure, the kids were motivated now. But would they really keep up their end of the kitty-litter/feeding agreement? And what about family vacations–already a tricky situation when it comes to pet care.
Mostly I wondered if we were capable of giving another living, breathing soul the attention and care it deserved. And what about the little creature's safety? After posting a photo of our adoptee on Facebook, a commenter wrote in: Please make sure he's an in-door cat. You will triple his life-span.
Could we make sure? Were we willing and able to watch all the doors and windows… when in summertime we live les portes ouverts, or "doors open"? Besides, did I really agree with indoor cat philosophy? It had a kind of Stepford Wives feel about it: eerie and unnatural. To never feel growing grass beneath one's paws–to live in a contained world–that's no life for a cat!
But what do I know? Inexperienced, I would have to develop my cat philosophy and opinions along the way.
And it looks like there will be plenty of experience to be had. Returning home from my sabbatical, groggy from jetlag, I tripped over a basket.
"Oh, hello you!" I said, greeting our little minou.
That's when I heard not one miaulament…. but two!
(To be continued)
Do you have any cat tips for me? Any ideas for a waste management system for those kitty crottes? How to control litterbox odor? Is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Declawed or not? Homemade cat toy ideas? Click here to answer or to see other cat tips.
Everyone loves this holiday CD! Listen to A French Christmas and "Mon Beau Sapin", "Saint Nuit", "La Marche des Rois", "Petite Ville Bethléem", "Il est né Le Divin Enfant". Order CD here.
If you liked the LOVE YOU MORE pillow, pictured with above, you can order one here (great gift!)
French Vocabulary
le coeur = heart
la nourriture = food
la valise = bag, suitcase
le chaton = kitty
le jouet = toy
le minou = kitty
More photos of Paris, where our cruise began. This is the entrance to Ile Saint Louis.
I took my friend Linda to a favorite Paris haunt.
You don't have to be fancy or elegant to fit in in Paris. You'll still look charming.
Something about this soft-spoken bouquet, set on a modest table with its own cloth. Can the eyes ever tire of these scenes? To comment on this post, click here.
What to Do in Paris? I don't want to forget this latest tip by Lanier. This one's going on my bucket list!
They are now offering a guided tour of the kitchen gardens at Versailles which are run by the national School of horticulture. There aren't nearly the crowds you find at Versailles and you will see possibly every form of espallier known to mankind. It really is a worthwhile outing made even better by the lovely folks at la Cuisine Paris. Posted by: Lanier Cordell
Thanks, Lanier! And for more tips on what to do in Paris, click here. (There are two pages of comments, so when you get to the end of the first page, click the link beneath the last tip to get to the next page.)
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Dear Kristen
Welcome back and I too have been looking forward to your return. Please, please do not ruin your cats’ lives and declaw them. That is simply inhumane like taking away a dog’s bark. Cats need their claws and you can buy a good scratching post and keep it in the kitchen .. they will use that. There is also no reason to keep your cats inside particularly when you live in the country. Your cats will learn to look after themselves. Install a cat flap, feed them regularly and you can put a bell around their neck if you are
worried about the birds. However not all cats catch birds
and hunters and roadkill are a far bigger threat to birds in
France. You wiill also find that they will stop needing a litter tray when they get used to being outside or they will use it a lot less so don’t worry too much about it. Enjoy, respect, and love your animals and you will be repaid with all the happiness they will bring. You are lucky to have them.
Dear Kristen
Welcome back and I too have been looking forward to your return. Please, please do not ruin your cats’ lives and declaw them. That is simply inhumane like taking away a dog’s bark. Cats need their claws and you can buy a good scratching post and keep it in the kitchen .. they will use that. There is also no reason to keep your cats inside particularly when you live in the country. Your cats will learn to look after themselves. Install a cat flap, feed them regularly and you can put a bell around their neck if you are
worried about the birds. However not all cats catch birds
and hunters and roadkill are a far bigger threat to birds in
France. You wiill also find that they will stop needing a litter tray when they get used to being outside or they will use it a lot less so don’t worry too much about it. Enjoy, respect, and love your animals and you will be repaid with all the happiness they will bring. You are lucky to have them.
Our dear Kristin,
Your post today once again wrapped itself around my heart!
My dear maman used to say it’s the biggest compliment and good luck if an animal(s) choses yoou and your home!These babies knew you would love and care for them!!
love
Natalia. xo
Our dear Kristin,
Your post today once again wrapped itself around my heart!
My dear maman used to say it’s the biggest compliment and good luck if an animal(s) choses yoou and your home!These babies knew you would love and care for them!!
love
Natalia. xo
Well, Vivent les cbats! You have really touched a soft spot in many hearts with the news of the new arrivals. I had 7 cats one time but my mother cracked and took most of them to the Humane Society one day while I was at school. Quel dommage! With luck they will be around for years and you have many readers available to answer any questions about their care and feeding. Enjoy these precious additions but don’t forget to keep us supplied with pix of Braise and Smokey. Great to have your blog to look forward to again. Vivent les chiens, les chats et la famille Espinasse!
Well, Vivent les cbats! You have really touched a soft spot in many hearts with the news of the new arrivals. I had 7 cats one time but my mother cracked and took most of them to the Humane Society one day while I was at school. Quel dommage! With luck they will be around for years and you have many readers available to answer any questions about their care and feeding. Enjoy these precious additions but don’t forget to keep us supplied with pix of Braise and Smokey. Great to have your blog to look forward to again. Vivent les chiens, les chats et la famille Espinasse!
Glad to have you back, Kristi.
Sweet kitties – we just had to put down our beloved 17-yr.-old (indoor only) cat from myriad old-age problems. I strongly advocate for keeping them indoors only – if you care for birds (many nest on the ground) and other useful native creatures (frogs, lizards, etc.). A bell around the cat’s neck is totally useless in warning birds of the cat’s presence; cats learn how to sneak up without jingling the bells. Other respondents have mentioned the disease problem; cats can also catch feline AIDS from infected outdoor neighbor cats. Cars also mow cats down. Outdoor house (and feral) cats are responsible for killing literally millions of birds in the USA every year (check with the National Audubon Society for details). If you want your kitties to have an “outdoor experience”, chief Grape can build an outdoor fenced-in and -over kitty patio in your yard with a flap to let them go out when they want. There are books showing how to do this. Re. litter box odors – an easy fix is to sprinkle baking soda daily or whenever needed. Good luck with the darling kittens. (And DON’T get them de-clawed! It’s cruel.) Best wishes.
Glad to have you back, Kristi.
Sweet kitties – we just had to put down our beloved 17-yr.-old (indoor only) cat from myriad old-age problems. I strongly advocate for keeping them indoors only – if you care for birds (many nest on the ground) and other useful native creatures (frogs, lizards, etc.). A bell around the cat’s neck is totally useless in warning birds of the cat’s presence; cats learn how to sneak up without jingling the bells. Other respondents have mentioned the disease problem; cats can also catch feline AIDS from infected outdoor neighbor cats. Cars also mow cats down. Outdoor house (and feral) cats are responsible for killing literally millions of birds in the USA every year (check with the National Audubon Society for details). If you want your kitties to have an “outdoor experience”, chief Grape can build an outdoor fenced-in and -over kitty patio in your yard with a flap to let them go out when they want. There are books showing how to do this. Re. litter box odors – an easy fix is to sprinkle baking soda daily or whenever needed. Good luck with the darling kittens. (And DON’T get them de-clawed! It’s cruel.) Best wishes.
It is not cruel at all to keep cats indoors…I have 4 rescue cats and they are healthy and happy, especially since I buy interactive toys like Da Bird and play with them often. And they love to look out a window from their ceiling-high cat trees…but trust me, as I feed a small feral community also, the cruel thing is let them outside where fleas, fights, diseases, cars, cruel people and many other dangers reside. Pancho est adorable! S’il vous plaît garder en sécurité à la maison!
It is not cruel at all to keep cats indoors…I have 4 rescue cats and they are healthy and happy, especially since I buy interactive toys like Da Bird and play with them often. And they love to look out a window from their ceiling-high cat trees…but trust me, as I feed a small feral community also, the cruel thing is let them outside where fleas, fights, diseases, cars, cruel people and many other dangers reside. Pancho est adorable! S’il vous plaît garder en sécurité à la maison!
Ah!!! Lily II, or is the number higher? Is that your name for female calico cats? Wishing them both a long & healthy life. On that subject I agree with you. My cats have been indoor/outdoor cats & have lived to ripe old age.
Ah!!! Lily II, or is the number higher? Is that your name for female calico cats? Wishing them both a long & healthy life. On that subject I agree with you. My cats have been indoor/outdoor cats & have lived to ripe old age.
I love this story – I am a cat idolizer. Can’t wait for part 2.
I love this story – I am a cat idolizer. Can’t wait for part 2.
Kristin, How adorable. . . I am in love with cats (well all animals really) I totally agree with you, about letting them be both indoor and outdoors cats. I bet Smokey will watch over them and vice-versa. I always let my cats roam the outdoors and scratch out their domain and territory. Sure they will have to learn to be careful and select what trees to climb to get out of harm’s way — but what a rich and lovely life!! Get the ladder ready for helping them down when they cannot go backwards down a tree. Kittens bring so much joyful shenanigans to home and mine keep down the mice population as well.
Kristin, How adorable. . . I am in love with cats (well all animals really) I totally agree with you, about letting them be both indoor and outdoors cats. I bet Smokey will watch over them and vice-versa. I always let my cats roam the outdoors and scratch out their domain and territory. Sure they will have to learn to be careful and select what trees to climb to get out of harm’s way — but what a rich and lovely life!! Get the ladder ready for helping them down when they cannot go backwards down a tree. Kittens bring so much joyful shenanigans to home and mine keep down the mice population as well.
Chère Kristin – Your trip must have been fabulous! – I wish we had been able to join you. – Anyway, the kittens are adorable! They reminded me of our cat Kitzel who lived almost 20 years. He was an indoor cat, except for an occasional foray on the second floor deck as we followed a veterinarian friend’s advice. He was neutered but still had his claws. (Declawing seems cruel to me.) Kitzel seemed perfectly content indoors. We used regular cat litter and clumping; I prefer the regular kind. It’s always good to scoop during the day to keep the box tidy – cats are fastidious that way. Seeing your kittens makes me yearn for one again. – Amicalement, Lorena
Chère Kristin – Your trip must have been fabulous! – I wish we had been able to join you. – Anyway, the kittens are adorable! They reminded me of our cat Kitzel who lived almost 20 years. He was an indoor cat, except for an occasional foray on the second floor deck as we followed a veterinarian friend’s advice. He was neutered but still had his claws. (Declawing seems cruel to me.) Kitzel seemed perfectly content indoors. We used regular cat litter and clumping; I prefer the regular kind. It’s always good to scoop during the day to keep the box tidy – cats are fastidious that way. Seeing your kittens makes me yearn for one again. – Amicalement, Lorena
Wow, so much advice, lots of differing opinions and all good depending on what you think best. I order Georgia’s scentless, clumping litter from Amazon and can get 20 kg for a good price ( better than in retail shops). It might be best to keep such young kittens indoors until they are a little wiser in the ways of the world, but I think they would appreciate discovering nature’s wonders once they’re older. They’re precious and I know you will love sharing your lives with them!
Wow, so much advice, lots of differing opinions and all good depending on what you think best. I order Georgia’s scentless, clumping litter from Amazon and can get 20 kg for a good price ( better than in retail shops). It might be best to keep such young kittens indoors until they are a little wiser in the ways of the world, but I think they would appreciate discovering nature’s wonders once they’re older. They’re precious and I know you will love sharing your lives with them!
Chere Kristi,
So happy that you are home and writing once again. Now my Christmas season can truly begin with your pictures and stories that warm my heart and make me feel like I’m a part of a large worldwide family. You’re a blessing in my life Kristin and I look forward to enjoying this season with you…
Sending love to you, your family, the doggies and new kitties (I pray they’ll all love each other) and the warmest, most peaceful holiday season…..xxoo
Caro
Chere Kristi,
So happy that you are home and writing once again. Now my Christmas season can truly begin with your pictures and stories that warm my heart and make me feel like I’m a part of a large worldwide family. You’re a blessing in my life Kristin and I look forward to enjoying this season with you…
Sending love to you, your family, the doggies and new kitties (I pray they’ll all love each other) and the warmest, most peaceful holiday season…..xxoo
Caro
Oh Kristin, I so love this story. My sister, brother and I used to do the same thing to my parents. We always hit up my mother first because she was such an old softy. We even managed to bring home stray kids! (Friends who needed a place to hang their hat in times of strife) Devil got its due though, my kids did the same thing to me, including kids. It was alarming how many kids were kicked out of their homes as teens. I had several rules of responsibility, but the most important one was that they call their parents and let them know where they were. At least there is an advantage in being a human they were assured a warm place with a friend. I can’t wait until it happens to them! My daughter in law is a softy as well…
Hugs, bj
Oh Kristin, I so love this story. My sister, brother and I used to do the same thing to my parents. We always hit up my mother first because she was such an old softy. We even managed to bring home stray kids! (Friends who needed a place to hang their hat in times of strife) Devil got its due though, my kids did the same thing to me, including kids. It was alarming how many kids were kicked out of their homes as teens. I had several rules of responsibility, but the most important one was that they call their parents and let them know where they were. At least there is an advantage in being a human they were assured a warm place with a friend. I can’t wait until it happens to them! My daughter in law is a softy as well…
Hugs, bj
Bonjour! I volunteer at an animal shelter and I know how tempting it is to take in every single kitty! When my husband and I had a cat, we bought a “self-cleaning” cat litter box. Perfect for even the laziest cat owner! It’s too big for your babies right now, but when they’re bigger it’s brilliant.
http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Pewter/dp/B005E2S77C/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1386705373&sr=1-3&keywords=flip+litter+box
Also, when they’re a bit older, make sure there is one litter box per cat.
As for indoor vs. outdoor, my parents’ cats were always both and they lived quite a long time. If you live set back from the road and have a decent amount of acreage, I say let the cat roam free. However, cats being cats they sometimes go off on their own for a couple of days, so if that would be too stressful for you, then perhaps indoors is best. Cat toys, scratching posts and oodles of playtime and your kitties won’t mind at all! And a window near a birdhouse or bird-favored tree is the best cat “TV” you can get!
Bonjour! I volunteer at an animal shelter and I know how tempting it is to take in every single kitty! When my husband and I had a cat, we bought a “self-cleaning” cat litter box. Perfect for even the laziest cat owner! It’s too big for your babies right now, but when they’re bigger it’s brilliant.
http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Pewter/dp/B005E2S77C/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1386705373&sr=1-3&keywords=flip+litter+box
Also, when they’re a bit older, make sure there is one litter box per cat.
As for indoor vs. outdoor, my parents’ cats were always both and they lived quite a long time. If you live set back from the road and have a decent amount of acreage, I say let the cat roam free. However, cats being cats they sometimes go off on their own for a couple of days, so if that would be too stressful for you, then perhaps indoors is best. Cat toys, scratching posts and oodles of playtime and your kitties won’t mind at all! And a window near a birdhouse or bird-favored tree is the best cat “TV” you can get!