How to Torment the Cat

We bought a bird feeder from Lee Valley that attaches to the outside of a window, appropriately named, the ‘Window Cafe’. 

At the time we thought it would be interesting to see the pine siskins (Carduelis pinus) up close as they munch away on the nyger seed – as  you can see in the photo. 

We hadn’t actually thought about how our cat, Comet, might react to birds in his face.  Interestingly, from outside there is such a reflection on the window that it’s hard to see inside.  So, you can actually get quite close to the window from inside the house before the birds are aware of your presence.  Same thing with the cat.  When the birds didn’t fly away as he stalked them from the arm of the sofa, then on the end table, he launched himself at the window with all fours, only to be met by a pane of glass.  And, of course, the birds flying off the feeder added to the excitement.

After a few weeks now Comet is getting more accustomed to the siskins being there.  He still paws at them from inside the window, but has concluded they’re not within his grasp.  Likewise the birds seem to know he can’t get at them, so they continue to munch away as he paws at them.  Will try to post a picture with Comet in it.

Here it is – he seems to be OK with this bird having breakfast, so long as he stays on the far side of the feeder.