Kizmet’s First Outdoor Adventure
There are certain first moments in life that are so precious to behold that they beg to be bottled in time. One such moment is the utter awe and amazement that radiates from that pure and innocent child who believes in Santa Claus and wakes up to find a spectacular array of presents under the tree that surely came from the North Pole, magically made by Elves. The mind’s eye of how that that child perceives the moment is a gift to witness and a memory that stays in your heart forevermore etched in time. For Kizmet, that moment occurred a few days ago when we brought him outside for the first time.
We will bring the kitties outside on occasion to enjoy some fresh air, prowling, hunting, and exploring. It’s all rather ordinary to us now – they are supervised and the yard is fenced – but to them, it is an extraordinary glimpse into a world of a wild cat as their inner feline comes to life and every sense is on high alert and they never tire of it.
Until now, poor little Kizmet was not allowed outside with us and he would peer from the window longing to be part of that forbidden “something,” but not sure what it was. All he knew was that when he looked at the other kitties, he would see them running to and fro in the yard and when they came back inside, they had new, intoxicating, and irresistible smells on them. So, when the kids visited for Christmas and we had an extra set of hands to help out, we decided the timing was right and I got the leash and harness that used to belong to Rolz out of that “special” drawer where all things magical to the cats reside.
Kizmet was not sure what to make of it all – what the heck was this thing we were wrapping all around him? He wiggled and squirmed but the loud meows of his other cat-mates at the door signaled to him that something exciting was about to happen and he was going to be part of it this time. Once he was secure in his harness we opened the door and the other cats bolted out, already knowing what to expect. Kizmet took a few steps and peered out the door, both intrigued and scared and began his adventure with cautious reserve.
Kizmet is struggling with the concept of a harness while looking at a brand new world that awaits him outdoors…
He takes his first tentative steps, not quite sure yet what to expect.
Not one to dwell on fear, he quickly assessed the situation to the possibility of a world filled with bold adventure and instantly held his tail high, tall, and proud as if he had been accustomed to this treat all along. He bolted from each glorious new sight and sound he encountered with abandon, occasionally interrupted by a random midair jump when he would remember he had a leash and harness on him.
Kizmet stands by the safety of the flower pot near the door as he takes it all in…
Kizmet says “Hello new world! I’m not scared of you!!”
The longer we stayed outside, the more confident he became as he instinctively assumed the role of a great hunter, posturing himself to walk at a low prowl to stalk everything in his sight. He did this as he introduced himself to the pool pump, assorted leaves, lizards, and even some coconuts that had fallen to the ground. After all that, it’s no wonder when we finally brought him back in, he settled down to a long, deep, and content nap!
Kizmet looks ever the wild cat as he investigates a new noise he hears (the pool pump).
Kizmet braves his way even closer to the edge of the pool to see what all the fuss is about…
Kizmet is looking up in wonder at the world above him. Next to him on the ground are fallen coconuts from a palm tree that must seem like a giant to him!
Completely confident now, Kizmet the Conqueror is the definition of “bright eyed and bushy tailed!”
Back inside… Sweet dreams precious Kizmet!
Kizmet looks like he took well to the harness! A very successful milestone – and outing – indeed!
Lisa – he took to the harness much better than I had imagined!! The hardest part was getting it on him!
How lucky that you get to go outside, Kismet! I get to go out sometimes…but only when it’s warm…and right now it’s not…at least not here on our island! I’ll have to wait until summer to go out. Have fun, Kismet!!
Wally
Island Cats – we hope it warms up soon for you!!
Kizmet is so cute! He seems to have adapted to the harness and to outside quickly!!
The Florida Furkids
Thanks Florida Furkids – Kizmet loves to be called cute!!
Kizmet is a natural outdoorskit!
WOW…he has grown up so much too!!!
Loved seeing all the great photos…
Katie’s asking if I can send Waffles Too outdoors. I don’t think her intentions are quite as noble.
; )
Umm… hmmm… Glogirly, I think you are wise to question Katie’s intentions!!
Wowwzers! What a wonderful world!
Kizmet will soon be dragging yous hither and yon!
Kisses
Nellie
It sure is a wonderful world, Nellie!! Especially for a curious little kitty!
Kizmet is growing fast too! The pictures are beautiful. He sometimes looks like a wild feline. Beautiful!
The last picture is priceless =^.^=
Purrs
He is growing too fast, Texas… sigh… were do the days go!?
Went out in the snow today, so much scary fun! Sure was happy to come in to the warm house.
Snow…. oh dear… that does sound scary, Tiki!!
Your photos are fantastic – I could definitely feel Kizmet’s reactions to the outside.
So glad that you enjoyed the photos, Fisher!
I love Kizmet – he inspires me! 🙂
Happy New Year to all of you from all of us at Create With Joy! 🙂
Happy New Year to you too, Create With Joy. I have to admit that Kizmet inspires me too!
Mew are the cutest kit Kizmet! Purrrrrrr!!!!!!
Awww…. thanks Ms. Phoebe!
whoa…dood… R ewe takin miracle grow ore sumthin!!!!!!
hay;
A perch in everee pocket
A salmon in everee sock
Hope yur new yeerz eve
Trooly doez rock
A whitefish in everee wagon
A bass in everee bowl
Hope yur new yeerz day
Trooly doez roll
A herring N everee hammick
A trout in everee tanx
High pawz N headbonkz
For yur friendship we due thanx
We hope everee one haza pawsum
awesum soooper grate happee healthee
2013; may yur lives bee enriched with
loves N thanx for putting up with all
R burd non cents de live long yeer
LOL!! Miracle grow!! You sure are funny, tabbies… but you could be on to something… he is getting REALLY BIG!!
Oh, what a joy to behold Kizmet’s first outside adventure! THANK YOU for sharing it with us. 🙂
Happy New Year, dear friends. We love ya!
Absolutely enchanting!! Happy New Year to you all !! 🙂
Thank you CATachresis!! Happy New Year to you as well!
You are so very right on target with you words. You are an inspiration to the rest of us. Happy New Year friends.
Thank you Mariodacat – you have a wonderful New Year as well and I am grateful that you find me to be an inspiration!
How you gonna keep them in the house once they’ve seen the yard? Some of our kitties were in the house for one or two years before they got to go out, but now that we have the screened-in deck, no kitty has to wait and our little Calista Josette is already addicted. Kismet is adorable exploring.