March 20, 2004

Relationships

It is a curious truth that many cats enjoy warmer, more convivial, even affectionate relationships with humans than they could ever do with fellow felines.

-- Bruce Fogle, DVM, "The Cat's Mind", 1991

Well, cats are curious critters, but in this case, I think the "truth" is self-evident. Wouldn't you like an affectionate relationship with someone who could hardly walk past you without reaching out to rub your ears? Someone who can't let a day go by without holding you and telling you how special you are? Someone who makes it clear they love you more than anything?

Bebop says

I'm very happy that I have furbrothers and a fursister, but I love my hoomans too! Squirrel is fun for wrestling matches and games of Stalk and Pounce. Mezzaluna likes to wrap her tail around me. Raven is silly but that's OK. It's great to have other cats around; we speak the same language and we can watch birds and squirrels together. And I like to have company when the hoomans go out (why do they do that?).

Hoomans are really good to have around though. They bring in the best food. And they make laps in the evening. I'm in charge, but still it's good to have Mom or Dad at home when that bong bong thing goes off. Then Mom or Dad opens the door and makes sure everything is OK. I watch from the stairs 'cause I'm supposed to know everything that goes on but its good to know the hoomans will be there to watch out for monsters. They're a lot bigger than I am!

Squirrel says

Cat family is the bestest thing, although I wish Raven would stop pouncing me. Mama says I should just sit on him. I'm glad I have Mama 'cause she tells Raven to knock it off.

I like to wrestle with my brother Bebop and I like to play chase with Raven, sometimes. And Mezzaluna is a good sister and I lick her head sometimes and then we play a little.

Mama knows where the crunchies are and she's pretty good about feeding me on time although sometimes I have to remind her. And she's really good for snuggling with for naps! Hoomans need some practice at first but if you train them well they get really good at things like feeding, and scratching the best spots on my head, and napping.

Mezzaluna says

My hoomans say I am beautiful and call me their princess. They know just how to scruffle my neck ruff and pet me just right so that I purrrrrrr. I like to walk on them. They're big and soft and comfortable and they know how to treat a kitty right.

I like my brothers too, even Raven. He's getting better at not pouncing me and he's fun to play with if he doesn't pounce. When he pounces, I hiss or growl at him. Squirrel licks my head in all the right spots and Bebop is handsome and a good friend.

Raven says

I am a cat so I think its just wonderful to have cat family. I'm the baby so efurrybody loves me! I chase efurrybody and sometimes they chase me and I can jump on Squirrel and then chase him. I think hoomans are just the greatest thing a cat could have too. Every cat should have one or two hoomans. Hoomans are big and strong and they like to pick up cats and hold them! They give me rides and chase me when I ask and they like to rub my tummy which is the best thing in the whole world. Hoomans are really good at playing games too. They can be clumsy though and might trip over me sometimes but they always pick me up after and hug me and rub my ears. I think what I like best is the hugs. I could never have too many hugs.

Relationships - posted by Vicki at Sat, 20 Mar, 11:48 Pacific | «e»