Dream on….the cat village in three pictures. These were inspired by Ruth’s (Kattaddorra) idea of creating a cat village. It is fun thinking about it, even though it will remain a dream. Although, I did have the idea of turning the concept into an internet community-style game. You know what I mean, one of those reality games where you adopt a persona or even become a cat ;).
The Entrance
The first picture is what the entrance to the cat village might look like; very classy and special and even a tourist attraction because it would be unique in the world and the first of its kind.
Inside
Inside, there would be paths, lots of wild nature, meadow-like areas and some roads (for deliveries) but no cars. There would be parking outside the complex. The village would have zoned areas, one of which is called the “Calico Community”. These are the fiery, opinionated ailurophiles.
The Ambiance
The ambiance is one of calm enhanced by the scent of honeysuckle with a whiff of catnip, both of which grow in copious quantities. Honeysuckle acts a bit like catnip and catnip is multipurpose. There is also matatabi, silvervine and valerian in large numbers. All of these make cats feel nice. If the cats feel nice so do the human inhabitants.
Catnip
Catnip is a central feature in the cat village because not only is it fun for the cats, catnip tea can be bought at the café that is a part of the complex. Catnip tea is very good for people as it helps to keep the village harmonious despite the shenanigans of the calico community who like to get their own way on everything. You know what they say about calico cats.
The chemical in catnip called nepetalactone produces a sedative-like affects in humans. It is good for insomnia and headaches and to calm the nerves before telling a visitor/tourist to move her car, please, as cars are out of bounds in the cat village.
One enlightened day, there just maybe something like a cat village. It would be popular. There would be an over-subscription from outsiders who wanted to live in the village. Of course there would because it would be so beautiful and harmonious.
Kattaddorra would be the chief vetting agent. Only the very best could get in. There would be weekly get-togethers in the village café on cat welfare and how to change the world. There would also be an onsite veterinarian serving the community and those outside it. Dream on…
Note: the photoshopped pictures show Beverly Hills, USA. They were the most suitable and available. It looks like a nice place.
Yes there usually turns out to be a serpent in every Garden of Eden thanks to us, the human race 🙁
Nice. The way you say it, you make it possible. Something modest and organic rather than a development. That is probably the way to make it work.
In the right place with the right basic infrastructure that requires a bit of fine tuning, it could work.
I am up for it….. 😉
Thanks Ruth. It is a bit of fun. Dreaming of something better. The people would probably mess it up unless catnip stopped them 😉
Michael I love your pictures and your thoughts on our Cat Village and yes only the best people would get in. They would have to pass the Kattaddorra test (first question…do you adore cats?)to prove they really do love cats, I think we could easily make up a panel of expert interviewers from PoC lol
Go for it Marc while you are young enough, don’t let the years go by while you dream of doing something like most of us do…DO IT…
I dreamed all my life of a Cat Rescue Shelter but fate and lack of money got in the way.
Now at 65 all I have left is dreams because at my age I know I never will be able to afford it and anyway I wouldn’t have the physical stamina to do the job properly and it’s no good starting what you can’t finish.
There will be someone who will share your dream and you can make it become reality together.
Babz and I share our dream now of when she can retire in 6 years time, finding a nice little bungalow to rent in a peaceful cat friendly village, that’s all we ask for now.
Good luck 🙂
I think the grass should be left to grow longer and have wildflower seeds thrown in each year. People and cats would make paths. I don’t like the thought that it’s an unobtainable dream. I’m only 36, I have time, maybe I can do something. I made a comment on the first article about this suggesting people who like cats – say a few, couples or whatever, could decide to buy an old farm together or somehow buy houses next to eachother with nice big gardens and agree to put a cat proof fence around the combined properties. Not exactly a village but a really nice little paradise where cats could go where they please and from house to house within the compound/ranch/house/cul-de-sac or whatever it is. If I met a person like me I would totally do it. There must be people up for it in most areas. Maybe near me I could find at least another person… I just love the idea. It’s nicer for the cats to have more people. Even cats who can go outdoors when they want tend to want people alot if they can get them. I remember Red was always out and about but nothing made him happier than if I came outside with him and we played in the garden together. He would give up all his duties and perimeter checks if I was outside.
The last day of June will be one year. I am dreading it. It’s amazing how much I still miss him. I guess I put so much of myself into him and he spent so much time playing with me, I guess putting himself into me therefore, that we were connected very strongly. It’s amazing the size of the hole that is left and it’s still very hard to accept that it is for good and he is not coming back.
Something like a cat village or cat safe place, a little paradise for cats, is something I want that comes directly from Red. He showed me what a happy cat needs and wants and I know I need to make it happen in my life so other cats can have the freedom and happiness he had. But it’s also selfish because there’s nothing that would make me happier than to be a part of that happy fun time playing outside together.
IF there are others like me I’d love to join forces and get the land and place set up. It’s a dream for now. But I am saving up for it so it’s slightly real.