The ‘Prop Engineering’ Phase Pays Off

If you’ve been following along with our outdoor sanctuary project, you might remember how it all began back in [Part 1 Gardening With The Cats: Spring Fever in Cat Paradise] and how things started to take shape in [Part 2 Gardening With The Cats: Cats and Blooms].

Remember last year when this project was just getting started? It was nothing more than a dream, a couple of heavy posts secured into the ground, and a whole lot of temporary “prop engineering” to make things work in the meantime.

Well, fast forward through a spectacular spring bloom, and we are finally ready to move forward. Summer is in full swing, the plants have completely exploded into a lush green backdrop, and that initial groundwork has paved the way for something amazing. The foundation is set, the jungle is thick, and the outdoor playground has officially taken on a life of its own.

A Tour of the Jungle: The Herd in Action

Words can only do so much justice to a backyard transformation this lush, so I put together a quick video tour of the playground in full swing.

Clocking in at just over three and a half minutes, this clip is packed with pure feline joy. You’ll catch a glimpse of the thick green jungle that has taken over the yard, watch a couple of brave adventurers literally climbing trees, and see the crew navigating the new space. A couple of major highlights to watch out for: Hammond has officially mastered the art of catching treats right out of the air with his mouth, and Pops has claimed a majestic, grassy throne where he likes to survey his kingdom.

The Great Magpie Rescue

Of course, life in a cat jungle is never without a little drama! We recently had a massive commotion when a fledgling baby magpie accidentally landed right inside cat territory. I am incredibly glad I was outside when it happened, because the poor bird was instantly surrounded by four curious cats.

Betty was absolutely thrilled by the unexpected visitor, getting right on top of it trying to play! Luckily, I was able to step in, get the cats to distance themselves, and give the little guy some breathing room. After a tense moment, the baby magpie managed to weave himself safely out through the fence. Playground safety protocols: approved!

Moving Forward: The Next Phase

The hard work is done for a bit! We will be enjoying the summer break, soaking up the sunshine, and relaxing in our colorful paradise. Stay tuned!