Kingdom of the cats

It was clean-up day yesterday after the rain on Thursday. Keith and I were given the duty of hosing down the main steps and visitor reception area - not all the work is exciting or cat related! It was pretty wet going, but thankfully the sun came out and it ended up being very enjoyable. A couple of cats watched our antics with great interest. After that it was a tour of the archaeological area to re-fill the food and water stations for the outside cats [ some guys don't mix with human and are happy to spend the time in the ruins]. We also did litter duty whilst out there. One of the ruling cats from the site is currently in the nursery, recovering from an eye infection. His position as head honcho has now been taken by a 3-legged ginger & white cat. The cat followed us around as we worked, meowing for attention, but a little too nervous to actually come close enough to be petted. Not sure what will happen when the other guy come backs out....

Later in the day we went back out snail hunting. Keith says the snails hide near the feeding stations and get into the food and water and can spread disease to the cats out there... they tried to hide but couldn't escape! We found a bunch on them under a sly rock/slab encampment and cleared them out! Job done!! We also had to sweep out some of the storage areas with dirt floors. Sounds like and exercise in futility, but makes some sense when you understand that keep he loose dirt down stops it blowing up and into the water containers. Must say, it is the first time I have swept up dirt, from a dirt floor.....

Cat-wise no real news yesterday, it was a busy day for visitors so most of the cats got lots of attention and petty which everyone seemed to like. A new cat came into the nursery from the recovery area. He's [?] had half his ear removed and a few scars on his back. He looks pretty forlorn, but appreciates a stroke and a kind word. Baloo is a sad little fellow, skinny and ginger with scruffy fur. He needs to be stroked/petted to encourage him to eat.

Friday night is pub night! Everyone goes out for a drink after work to unwind. If you have the impression it's all grey-haired little old ladies, think again! There are people from across the social strata and there's artists, students, computer guys, the works. Yes, some are retired, some have relocated to Rome from Australia, England and America, but they all have one thing in common... a love of cats.