Hover Mother

I think you've met Esther before in other posts. She is my daughter's cat. Literally. She discovered her. (Well, she and I). She paid for her (well, half).
And talk about a Hover Mother (you know...hu-hum...kinda like me...the mom who won't let their kids out of their site)

I knew Sophie would be a great mother. She is an organized child and very responsible. But I didn't count on this "hover-ness" factor.

She never, hardly ever, lets Esther out of her room. And her room is probably the only room in the house without a return air vent (if you get my drift).

Now, don't get me wrong. Esther lives in the lap of luxury in Sophie's room.



She has all kinds of toys and perches




But recently, we've tried to encourage Sophie to cut the umbilical cord so to speak. Let Esther venture out more. Let her see the world. After all, all birds leave the nest some day.




One factor that plays into all this is that we have one or two (OK....five) other cats. All of whom can come and go as they please. Can you imagine how poor Esther feels watching her big sisters going where they want, when they want, without being hovered over constantly by their mother? (I know how she feels....I'm the youngest, too). There's a big world out there - she needs to experience it - explore!

So, with much encouragement, harassment (OK, some threats in there too), Sophie has decided to introduce Esther to the world beyond her bedroom....

But only on a leash...



And only with a sweater on to keep warm. It's cold out there...







Notice how Sophie has a coat on her baby, but doesn't have one on herself? Who is that girl's mother? It's in the teens out there!

Baby steps, Esther....baby steps......