Walking On The Wild Side

As independent and instinct driven as any wild African big cat, my rural neighbourhood's tom cats are dynamic entities. These resourceful animals make a living by their wits. Their lives are shorter than those of our pampered, sterilized pets, many who are the progeny of these wild toms. As I watch them hunting on my grounds, they seem completely comfortable in the snow. Siberian tigers in clever disguise. Sometimes I hear them singing intimidation songs to each other. They all have at least some battle scars. Younger and stronger players will eventually end their reign. Future feral warriors will carry on the quest to make a living and pass on their genes.

I've named this tom 'Chico'. He seems to be the current dominant male.

This older looking gentleman is Gray Owl. He looks a bit like my adopted Ellie Mae.

This guy is 'Thomas', my favourite. He's been around the longest.

Using abusive cat language, bad boy Chico threatens a cowering Ellie Mae.