Blue's Outdoor Adventures: End of Summer Update

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

I blogged about Blue’s experience outdoors at the beginning of summer. There may have been a determination to venture past the back steps, but she lacked the gusto to take the plunge. It felt fitting to give an end-of-summer update to recap her progress and continuing journey for those following along.

Excursions Are Weather Permitted

Before we get to the goods, the weather was pertinent to Blue’s ability to be outside this summer. Alberta is known for its broad spectrum of temperatures no matter the season, and this summer has proven to be one for the books. From damaging hail storms and tornado-like winds to thunderstorms that shook our home, sweltering heat waves felt far beyond our city. I learned from the news that it has been the hottest summer ever recorded globally, so certainly, the conditions we experienced were relative to many others. Our prairie region was hit with many devastating wildfires that diminished our air quality and kept us indoors. Sprinkled between the forecast blunders and impenetrable haze, there were still many moments of summer bliss but not as many as we’d hoped for. These were the days Blue waited by the door.

Getting Comfortable

Porch sitting and sunbathing is where we started. Once or twice a week she’d sit with me on the top step while I drank my coffee and Subi did her business. Comfortability set in and down the three steps she’d go. They get direct sunlight most of the day where the pavement at the bottom is shaded by our fence. I imagine the incentive was to cool down.

A few times I'd wandered away to find her missing when I’d come back to check on her. The cement stairs are slightly suspended and hollow, so she’d occasionally camp out underneath if something spooked her. She’d come out looking feral and dirty as ever. Nothing a good brush couldn’t handle though.

Blues escaped the yard a handful of times now, too. Our house has what looks like an “outdoor crawl space” for visuals, so the fence only meets the top half of the house. We installed a flexible panel that deterred our dog but not Blue. She powers through it like a bulldozer on steroids and meows at the front door when she's over being a runaway. Worrisome? Yes. We’re looking into installing something a little more permanent for next year and vowed to keep an eye on her from now on. Safety first, y’all.

The End Game

Fast forward to where we're at today and I'm proud to say Blue is thriving. There is still plenty of backyard for her to explore, and she is not quite comfortable enough to lay out and relax but with time and encouragement, she’ll get there. Our goal is not to create an outdoor cat but one that likes to be social both indoors and outdoors. We spend so much of our downtime outside during the summer that we wanted her to feel included and welcome to join our sunny day lounging. Once the yard is properly barricaded, I think we’ll be on the right track.