August 7, 2026
Summertime With My Cats
How are my precious “puddy tats?” I’m always happy to share photos of my pets since so many of you ask how they’re doing. I’m pleased to report my lovable cats are thriving.
I currently have seven feline companions here at the farm. Four live in my Winter House: Magnolia, my silver shaded Persian; Dahlia, my dilute calico Persian; Lilium, my brown Persian longhair, and my chocolate Persian, Chrysanthemum. Down at the stable are my two barn cats, Cinco and Mayo. And, in the greenhouse is Blackie, my only male.
Enjoy these photos.
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- This is Magnolia. She’s been with me since January of 2025. She has beautiful golden-copper eyes and a friendly disposition.
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- Here is Magnolia lounging in my sitting room. Persians are known for being laid-back, charming, and affectionate. Magnolia loves people and greets all those she sees.
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- But she’s also very curious and is often seen roaming from room to room, upstairs and downstairs, keeping an eye on everything.
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- Here she is looking at Dahlia, the youngest of my Persians.
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- I think Dahlia wants to play…
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- And there they go… Chasing is a natural instinct for cats – scanning, stalking, pouncing, and even “capturing.” This kind of play keeps reflexes sharp and muscles toned.
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- Dahlia has captured everyone’s hearts here at the farm. She is also a Persian. The breed is well loved for its regal appearance and Persian cats are often referred to as the “aristocrats of the cat world.”
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- Dahlia also loves company and attention. Here she is waiting on my stairs and hoping for a rub.
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- Lilium is about three and a half years old with beautiful facial expressions and markings.
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- Of my Persians, Lilium is the largest. Males and females are medium-to-large-sized cats with round, flat faces, known as brachycephalic, and long, flowing coats. Lilium traveled all the way from Doha, the capital city of Qatar in the Middle East. I adopted Lilium, Magnolia, and Chrysanthemum through Rock ‘N Rescue.
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- Lilium is playful, confident, and very friendly. And she definitely loves a good stretch.
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- Persian cats with long hair require daily combing and brushing to prevent their fur from matting. All my Persians are brushed every day.
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- And this is Chrysanthemum, the latest Persian to join my clowder. Here she is in the enclosed porch where the “kitty buffet” is kept for all the cats in my Winter House.
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- Her gorgeous coat is chocolate to smoky brown.
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- She’s a follower – she loves following guests and sitting with them.
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- And many of you know this handsome feline – Blackie, my Greenhouse cat.
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- Every day he makes his rounds, saying hi to everyone he sees.
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- At night he’s back indoors guarding the greenhouse from any and all small furred intruders.
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- This is Cinco, the Calico. Cinco and her sister, Mayo, stay around the stable complex under the watchful eye of my stable manager, Helen Peparo, and her crew.
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- Here’s Mayo, or as she is affectionately called, “May-May.” She will always roll over hoping for a belly rub.
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- I am so happy these cats feel safe and comfortable in my home. They’re all happy, healthy, and thriving. How are all your “puddy tats” doing this summer?
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
