Living Toys Are Lots of Fun

Summary

The author, visiting family in Central Alberta, Canada, discovers and enjoys playing with a friendly kitten named Latte, one of 13 kittens born to farm cats, and reflects on the concept of pets as toys, particularly in response to the August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: "Toys."

Abstract

During a visit to their partner's parents in Central Alberta, the author encounters a litter of 13 kittens, with one particularly friendly kitten named Latte capturing their attention. The kittens are the offspring of farm cats that have transitioned from a rural to a semi-urban environment. The author muses on the idea that pets, especially playful ones like Latte, can be considered toys, contributing to the August challenge themed "Toys." The article also includes a call to action for readers to subscribe to Medium through the author's referral link and to follow the author's journey on various social media platforms.

Opinions

The author finds great joy and entertainment in interacting with the kittens, especially Latte, indicating a fondness for animals as companions.
There is an implied concern about the breeding of farm cats when relocating closer to an urban area, hinting at the potential for pet overpopulation.
The author seems to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment and its inhabitants, as evidenced by the admiration for Latte's ice-blue eyes.
A sense of gratitude is expressed towards Mary Chang Story Writer and Vidya Sury for the inspiration provided by the Six Word Photo Story Challenge.
The author values community engagement and encourages readers to participate in the challenge and to support their work through subscriptions and tips.

Adorable kitten makes a great toy.

My partner and I are currently visiting his mom and stepdad in Central Alberta, Canada. They are both farm people and have always had a lot of cats that live near their house in their own small shed. These cats get fed, but other than that, they are left to fend for themselves. Although they are treated well and are petted when they allow it, they aren’t necessarily pets. They are here to keep the rodents at bay — that is their primary role on the property.

Last March, they moved from a sprawling farm plot a few kilometers away to a small acreage that is located on the outskirts of town. The male cats where they were located before were neutered, but the females were never dealt with. Out in the middle of nowhere, it wasn’t a problem because there were no other cats around. But here, close to town, it is a different scenario.

It didn’t take long before they started to notice the bumps of pregnancy on the female cats. There is a golf course nearby, and they were always galavanting in the woods. They knew that it was only a matter of time.

Arriving to visit them in the new location a few days ago, we were thrilled to find 13 kittens bouncing about. Only one, though, is really friendly with us. We have named it Latte. Don’t you love those beautiful ice-blue eyes? She is a real stunner.

Most days, you will find us spending some time outside and playing with Latte. As this is our playtime, I have decided that kittens make good toys as well. In fact, all pets could be considered a toy.

Fluffy and adorable ones, at that!

A special thanks to Mary Chang Story Writer, and her publication Six Word Photo Story Challenge. ‘Toys’ is the August challenge created by Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles. Jump on board:

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Living Toys Are Lots of Fun

August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Toys”

Adorable kitten makes a great toy.

Toys: August Prompt

August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Toys”