Curious Cat Cravings

You know, one challenge that I never thought about when I decided to start exploring the world of fermentation was...cats.

There are two such beings who share my home with me.  Two young guys who are friendly, active, curious and almost completely recalcitrant.

They always take an interest in where I am and what I'm doing, including when I'm in the kitchen.  Most often, I can convince them that their help is not needed while I'm cooking or baking.  It might take a couple of rapid elevator rides from the counter to the floor, but they are bright fellows, and can take a hint—eventually.

But any cooperation with my desires that they might be willing to entertain is as nothing when compared to their desire to consume ferments.  Let me but take the top off of a jar of developing sauerkraut to press it back down beneath the brine and there is no keeping the cats away, short of locking them out of the kitchen.

Even worse is sourdough starter.  It is, to hear them tell it, the most delicious substance in the universe, manna from heaven, their very life's blood.  Usually when they find themselves locked on the other side of a door from me they might complain briefly, but will quickly settle down.  Not if the smell of sourdough starter is in the air.  In that case, it's meowing, howling, and banging against the door until I let them out.

And the complaints do not stop when I release them—unless, that is, I present each with a smear of sourdough starter on a saucer.  Then, all is forgiven.  They lap it up greedily, then switch saucers, each hoping the other missed a bacterium or two.  I guess that probiotics are good for kitties, too.

These are two of the most affectionate cats I have ever known.  Unlike some who share their homes with cats, I never fear that they will kill me in my sleep.  I know, however, that if I ever deprive them of sourdough, all bets are off.