Since Tuesday October 29th is National Cat Day I thought I would write my blog post and introduce the behind the scenes staff who really make this place run as well as it does.
At Hideaway Tiny Acres, we believe in creating a warm, inviting, and unique experience for everyone who visits. And while the natural beauty of Curtis, Michigan, plays a huge role in the charm of our tiny home getaway, the true heart of our operation comes from some unexpected team members—our cats!
Meet the Feline Team
Orange Blossom
Orange Blossom is our Orange Tabby and has been with us 18 years. She was a rescue from Eva Burrell Animal Shelter in Manistique MI. When our cat Pumpkin passed away he left a giant void in our home and lives that we knew we had to fill. Don had seen Orange Blossom advertised in the local paper for a few months and found out she had been at the shelter for over 6 months. We knew we had to go get her and give her a forever home. She’s a very shy and reserved girl and her name fit her perfectly so we didn’t change it. She was almost 2 years old when she first came to live with us. She’s going to 20 next month and although she’s deaf and doesn’t have her teeth anymore, her job as personal private secretary and emotional support staff to me has been a life saver. She’s our “show cat” because since she’s now retired, most of the time she likes to lay there and do nothing but look beautiful which is ok with us.
Janey
Janey’s presence here on Hideaway Tiny Acres started out much different than Orange Blossom’s. She’s a beautiful calico cat and was actually born here unbeknown to us initially. There was a feral mother cat who continued to have litters of cats in our garage and we would trap them and take them to the animal shelter. Janey was one who never got caught but we didn’t even know she existed! The third litter was discovered and Janey was with them. At first we thought she was the baby mother but she was only 6 months old we guessed but our vet confirmed she was not the mother. We decided to keep her as an outdoor cat but when the weather got cold she made her way into the house and in our hearts. We call her our guard cat because she alerts us whenever someone is on the property and she keeps us on our daily schedule by alerting us when it’s time to get up, time to get fed, time to go to bed, etc. She’s also our house acrobat because she zooms around the house chanting a “war cry” and loves to perform stunts in her kitty condo. She’s been a welcome addition to our home.
Our cats aren’t just pets; they are part of the soul of Hideaway Tiny Acres. Each of them has their own personality, but collectively, they contribute to the smooth running of our business in ways you might not expect. Here’s how they help us day in and day out:
- Welcome Committee Extraordinaire As soon as guests arrive at Hideaway Tiny Acres, our cats alert us on their arrival by Janey standing on her hind legs and looking out the window and giving a soft meow. Many guests have remarked how comforting it is to see our cats lounging in the sun in the window or on the screened porch in the summer as they are indoor cats and not allowed outside our home for safety reasons.
- Natural Pest Control One of the unexpected but essential roles our cats play is keeping our home free from unwanted critters. They naturally help with pest control by keeping the mouse population in check, ensuring that our home remains pest free. Sometimes they proudly display their catch unashamedly in the middle of the floor in a room. But we have to admit – it’s a sustainable, chemical-free method that blends perfectly with our organic living style.
- Stress Relievers We all know the calming effects that pets can have, and our cats are no exception. Whether we’re relaxing after a full day or work and our cats make it their responsibility to either join us or entertain us by watching them play, these moments help us disconnect from our busy lives and unwind.
- Content Creators Our feline friends also play a big role in our online presence. Their adorable antics and serene moments have provided us with plenty of social media content. Whether it’s a photo of them lounging in the cabin window or playfully chasing their tail, they help us connect with our audience in an authentic and engaging way. People love seeing the real, unscripted life on the farm—cats and all!
- Inspiration for Tiny Living Cats are naturally minimalists. They don’t need much to be happy—just a cozy spot in the sun, fresh air, and the occasional snack. In a way, they embody the philosophy of tiny living that we promote at Hideaway Tiny Acres. Their simple, contented lives inspire us and our guests to embrace the concept of living with less while enjoying more of what really matters.
- Ambassadors of the Hideaway Spirit Our cats truly capture the essence of what Hideaway Tiny Acres is all about—peaceful, natural living in harmony with the environment. Their presence reinforces the atmosphere we aim to cultivate: relaxed, friendly, and full of personality.
- Cats and the Business: A Partnership That Works Our cats aren’t just silent bystanders; they are integral to how we operate our business. Their presence on the farm adds a layer of charm and authenticity that guests have come to love. They help us keep things running smoothly in more ways than one, whether it’s through practical help (like keeping the pests at bay) or by giving Don and me emotional support and comfort when we need it.
At Hideaway Tiny Acres, we cherish the small details that make each stay special. From the cozy charm of our tiny cabin to the warm greetings from our cats, we aim to provide an unforgettable, unique experience. Orange Blossom and Janey are as much a part of this place as the trees, the stars, and the cabin itself. Book your stay today.
More Later
Nancy and Don