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!
Oh goodness, this is such a great post. Kizmet is the best. Love all the pictures. He sure got used to the harness really fast. He must be such a brave boy. What fun to see him enjoying the great outdoors. I am a firm believer that it is so good for cats to get outside.
Have a great week end and Happy New year.
Marg – I could not agree more – Kizmet is the best and I am happy you enjoyed this post so much!
Such a great adventure! That must have been some mighty fine whiffin’ out there!
Oh yes, Brian, some serious whiffs in the backyard!
Loved the story and the pictures! Thank you for brightening my day!
Rosemary – it makes me so happy to know I was able to brighten your day! 🙂
Yay Kizmet – he’s just fearless, isn’t he? I’ve never had much success with the harness and leash. KC loves to go outside, but he flips out when he realizes that something is attached to him! I should have leash-trained in the house when he was younger. Now whenever I open the door, he tries to dart out behind me. My neighbors know me as the crazy lady, who walks around outside carrying cat treats and calling for her cat!
LOL Vicki! I can just picture you calling your cat!
Looks like he having a wonderful time. Aww so tired afterwards.
Sue… he was completely tuckered out!
Thank you for sharing this great event with us! He is growing more beautiful everyday! We particularly love the coconut pic with the tiny palm tree which captures ALL the AWE! love love love! Happy Mew Year Deb, Kiz and crew! *sharing with meow.com fans now!*
Oh yes, Ana… awe indeed. It was so incredible to get to share this first with him!
there is something precious about that sleep of contentment isn’t there?
Oh Dog! What a fantastic adventure! That’s just how I go outside!
Aw, Kismet you’re getting BIG! These milestones are precious! And those eyes and tail tell all 🙂
Awww…. so freakin’ cute! I love how the series of pictures tells the story. You can see every emotion on his face as he journeys from trepidation to excitement to wonder and finally, to sheer contentment. How wonderful! Here’s to many more lovely moments for him in the great outdoors.
I love seeing pictures of brave Kizmet! He looks like such a brave adventurer with his harness and ears pricked up. You always take such great photos, I love your posts, they always make me smile.
Oh enjoy the outdoors. I have decided never to go outside. I do not like it. Did you know that wet stuff sometimes falls from the sky out there? And people think it’s funny when we hate it.
this was SUPERB!! Kizmet’s expression and your description of the photos and what he was thinking are just fabulous. I love the last photo where he is actually sleeping with a SMILE on his face! Complete kitty bliss! Wonderful Deb!
Thank you Caren – I am glad I was able to translate the magic of this moment through Dan’s pictures and my words!! 🙂
This was a great post. Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures and descriptions.
You are so very welcome, Dorothy – glad you enjoyed!
he he – reminds me of my first excursion outside. I didn’t like the harness either until I got outside and learned it gave me the freedom to be outside. Now I know it’s the only way I get outside, so I really don’t mind it. But, the humans better get it off of me pronto when I come in the house or I act like a wile cat!
We know what you mean, Mariodacat. Zoey has to wear a harness too, and she is a wild devil inside until we get it off her!
I LOVE this story post! Cats are such wild animals at heart but love us more than freedom, I hope.
Alice – much as they do love the wild outdoors, I think they do love us more!
Me and mom love this post. We can see Kismet built up confidence !
Eyes are shining, Tail up happily !
Well done, Kismet : )
We are happy you enjoyed the post Mr. Puddy!! He sure did build up confidence quick!
LOVED to see how Kismet built up his confidence during his first outing experience 😀
Glad we could share the adventure with you, Kjelle Bus!
Isn’t it pawesome Kizmet? You are such a good kitty for being so brave. The world has a lot to offer, make sure to enjoy it !
He sure is a good kitty, Cherry City Kitties – we are amazed at how well adjusted he has been from the first day we adopted him!
Wow, this is mind blowing! He is so gorgeous, smart and loving. You are so lucky.
Something about this post makes it to the top of your list of beautiful posts!
I think it’s his eyes. So intelligent! I could gush forever!!
By the way I wouldn’t miss a snowy Christmas with the scenery you have.
Connie
Oh my goodness, Connie!! Thank you so much – this was one of my favorite posts too!!