Inspired by bee guard-dog Lucky, Ealing Chairman Clare Vernon has kindly sent me photos of her cats Simba and LeoRex for our next Ealing newsletter and has also let me put them up here.
She says “Fame for the Boys!! I think they are very handsome but l am their Mum. They don’t seem to have any trouble with the bees and do seem to enjoy watching them.”
No robbing going on whilst Simba keeps watch…
Simba keeping watch @Clare Vernon
Is he sleeping, or just pretending? No doubt he is ready to leap into action if trouble occurs.
Simba pretending to be fast asleep @Clare Vernon
Meanwhile deputy guard cat LeoRex keeps an eye on Clare’s equipment. Making sure this nuc is suitably cosy for the bees is an important job.
LeoRex @Clare Vernon
Aren’t they gorgeous? I love Simba’s thick fluffy tail! Does anyone else have bee-guard pets?
Adventuresinbeeland's Blog 
Oh what beautiful majestic ‘bee guards’! I had a similar beauty who died, sadly, 3 years ago. She was a delightful Maine Coon and far too haughty for bee guarding!!
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Hi Nikki, glad you like my Boys and sorry to hear about your beauty – these boys are Maine Coons too. A lovely breed l think and soooo friendly. Clare
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Hi Clare, I thought they were MCs, mine was almost the same colour, but slightly paler. She was so majestic too, very loving and gentle. Miss her terribly, but still have little silver chincilla persian who is 15 and used to sit right in front of the hive just watching the bees! Nikki
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Love it and will be sharing on the More Bees less assholes facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/morebeeslessassholes) at 8:10 P.M. MDT this evening, a couple of hours from now. Thank you 🙂
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Fab, thanks!
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My cat once sat in front of a nuc set up to catch a swarm. He kept batting the bees – what great fun. He didn’t get stung which is a miracle. But he generally avoids the apiary. I don’t think the bees bother him, it’s just got nothing interesting going on. I posted with photos of him swatting here http://laurarittenhouse.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/watch-out-for-those-bees/
My dog is another story. He has been stung several times and avoids the apiary like the plague. When we suit up he follows but always sits well outside the bee flight path. I think he’s decided those bees don’t need him guarding them, they do a fine job all by themselves!
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Love those pics of Adler bee-swatting! He’ll get a sore paw if he’s not careful.
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Love your guard cats! I think I needs some of those, especially since some mice have moved into an empty hive. Although I have a dog, she’s no help at all in the apiary.
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Cats make the best mouse-guards 🙂
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Oh how cute! I have 2 Maine Coons, they are wonderful cats.
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They certainly are absolute beauties.
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This is one cool cat.
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