I grew catnip in my little deck-top herb garden this summer, and though it is long dead, it still attracts kitties from across the neighborhood.

Our little ones are very territorial though. They hate all other kitty visitors. I am usually alerted to a friend at the back door by crying, screaming, or even occasionally a hiss.

This just makes the whole thing more entertaining for me, of course.

If our small, furry guest looks friendly, I go out to give it a few pats, and maybe even let everyone share a treat (which definitely helps to calm the kitty anxiety – I think this tactic works well for small, furry children as well).