Watchcats on break XXV

I've always liked it when I've gone to sleep on the couch, and Watchcat Sylvia or Watchcat Collette and I have drifted off to sleep around the same time while a warm, "pleasant dreams"-type tune is playing.  "Rhapsody And Blues" by The Crusaders and Chuck Mangione's "Chase The Clouds Away" fit the scene most appropriately, I think.

Watchcats on break XXIV

I know this scenario is logistically impossible, but I still like that it's a recurring dream.  I sometimes imagine myself back in college on my way to class.  Somewhere along the way, I encounter Watchcat Rosie saying to her brother, Watchcat Sammy, "Mew! Mew! Mew!"  Translated into English, she's telling him, "Hurry up, or we'll be late for class!"  After letting out a loud, "Meowwwwwwww," Sammy picks up a sudden burst of speed, and Rosie and he run off to class together.

I always wake up, however, before learning what class they're taking.  I still wonder about that.  I also wonder if they're the only cats in the class, and if not, how they cope with other members of their own species in the same auditorium.

Watchcats on break XXIII

It surprised me that for several years, Watchcat Sylvia would sit on top of or in her cat carrier.  Sometimes, she'd even sleep there.  That's not what I'd expect from most cats, given the association between the carrier and going to the vet.  Then again...

Watchcats on break XXII

In a tone so serious that surprised even me, I once said to Watchcat Collette, "Good evening, Collette.  How have you been today?"

I'm not sure what response I expected.  It would have impressed me, though, if Collette had given me a security rundown for the day, such as, "There was some rain earlier, but it was short-lived.  There was also a loud whooshing noise this afternoon, but I investigated, and it was just a train going by.  Also, two birds flew past the living room window rather urgently, but I learned that they have clearance to build a nest for their budding family in the stairwell window."

Collette just meowed in response, though, and I accepted that she was OK on a relatively ordinary day.

Watchcats on break XXI

Lately, I've been picking up Watchcat Collette and singing, "There's only one Collette cat!" to the tune of the Ozempic jingle.  To Collette's credit, she hasn't bitten me in response.  After all, who doesn't love having their individuality acknowledged?

Watchcats on break XX

Of all the cats with whom I'm lived, only Watchcat Simon and Watchcat Sylvia enjoyed being cradled while carried around.  It would be nice if every cat enjoyed it, but I understand why a lot of cats would find it disorienting.  They aren't newborn children, after all, and just being lifted into the air suddenly must be disconcerting enough.

Watchcats on break XIX

I felt sorry for Watchcat Sylvia during her first vet visit.  As we sat in the exam room waiting for the vet, Sylvia started panting like a dog.  I didn't blame her, as being in an unfamiliar environment is stressful, especially when you don't know why you're there.

She started to calm down as I petted her, and during the next visit, she panted less.  Eventually, she stopped panting altogether at vet visits, realizing that the vets and vet techs were there to help her.  During the two years and change when Sylvia had vet visits two or three times a week, I half-expected her to drive herself to the appointments and strut in casually, slapping high fives with the staff.

While I felt sorry that Sylvia needed so much veterinary care, I was glad that she came to see the vet's office as a safe space.