We love it here. Lots of things for kitties to explore – multiple rooms and although it is still a little confusing, we have much to do!

Wart is our self-appointed protector. He sits at the front window and fends off the outdoor cats who are just curious and I am sure would like to get to know us.
Others have come around, or so he says:

Do you believe him?

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Friends,

I am supposed to be the calm one here. My main job is to keep Wart out of the boxes so he does not get himself taped in and moved before we cats get our royal introduction to the new place. We have listened in to all the “moving talk” for the last 3 months.

This is where it all started and what it has come to:

1. A bigger condo – now a house!
2. Terrace with a water view – now a yard!
3. “you will love it” – “you will love it”
4. Out of the city – West side of the city
5. “you will love it” – “you will love it!”

My office is slowly disappearing through the door and down the elevator. Internet will close down soon, but I am trusting it will come back up.

My people are acting all happy, so I must believe them. It has been a long time since I have lived on the ground. But, yes, I will get calm and enjoy the ride. I always do.

As for little brother Wart, I am here for you buddy. Not right now, but pretty soon.

Any suggestions for helping Wart?

Your friend,
Fisher

Another reason why I love my email buddies….

Norbert Rosing ' s striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada ' s Hudson Bay

The photographer was sure that he was going to see the end of his dogs when the polar bear wandered in

It ' s hard to believe that this polar bear only needed to hug someone!

The Polar Bear returned every night that week to play with the dogs

Rosing is a wildlife photographer whose photos have been featured in National Geographic. Visit his gallery.

May you always have love to share,
Health to spare and friends that care.

Your friend,
Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I have wonderful humans who my sister and I live with. We have been living with them for 1 year. Before our current owners, we lived with a family that had to get rid of us because they were moving to a new place that wouldn’t allow cats. They give us lots of loving and we are happy we found each other. My owners are huge fans of your column and they suggested I contact you. My sister and I are very happy now and love our home, but I am such a curious cat that sometimes when my owners open the front door I run out. I usually get scared and come back inside quickly. My owners try to control it and watch me as they open the door but sometimes I escape. My owners are worried that one time I might get out and not come back due to my curiosity. Fisher what would you recommend to keep me safe and inside?

Puppy

P.S. My previous owner had a three year old they allowed to name me. My current owners didn’t want to change my name.

Dear Puppy,

After some hesitation, I decided to cite the old adage, “curiosity killed the cat.” That is a little harsh, I know, but it is an old adage for a reason. I am concerned that one day your people will not see you slip out. They may unwittingly close the door behind you, and there you are in a whole new dimension. The world out there is not always safe or friendly to scared little cats.

You really have two options here. Plan A: mind your manners and not scare your humans by running outside. Plan B is that if you continue this errant behavior, you must have a back-up in case you end up outside on the wrong side of a closed door.

Now, Plan B is extremely tricky and depends on how fast you run out the door. Is it fast enough to smuggle out treats, water bowl, and a fuzzy blanket? These are absolute necessities to keep you safe while you wait for the door to re-open. If they do not know you slipped out, you need to be prepared.

Some ideas for your people to try:
1.Hang a rope of bells on the door knob so it makes a clatter when opening the door.
2.Put cat in another room with door slightly ajar, then rush out the front door.
3.If cat greets you at the door when you get home, do not acknowledge cat until you are well into the house. A treat will reinforce this new practice. Reverse when leaving.
4.Create wicked door – see the video.

Many do not know cats can be trained, but we all know it. Help them think they trained you.

Your friend,
Fisher