Our Cat Grape
Grape is one of a few volunteers on the farm.
Her skill hunting rodents is unmatched. And we appreciate her service.
The sheds that store our feed provide the necessary conditions for an affluent rodent community.
Left unchecked resident rodents would be a problem for our other animals. Apart from spreading disease, a hungry rat can maim a goose and kill a gosling.
Ever on the prowl, Grape acts as all cats do. She kills rodents and eats them -- most of the time.
Once in a while she makes a ceremonial kill. Offered to us in thanks or concern, who knows?
Her part on the farm is essential. Apart from when Grape is tearing them apart, I don't see many rats and mice.
Whether I don't see them because she is reducing their population so much or she is exposing a problem that would otherwise be hidden -- I don't know.
If we could motivate our other cat to help us we might have a better idea. Bobo, however, is above farm labor.
