Watchcats on break XVI

For years, when I've been about to sleep or work from home at night, I've told Watchcat Sylvia or Watchcat Collette, "See you later with breakfast."

I'm not sure what response I expect, but it just feels right to say it.

Watchcats on break XV

Watchcat Sylvia's tactic for getting me to stay curled up on the sofa longer was to purr like a steam engine. Typically, our routine went like this:

Me: OK, Sylvia, I've enjoyed our quality cat time, but I need to go take care of some things.

Sylvia: Purr, purr, purr, purr!

Me: I know.  I'd rather stay here, but I've got to get some things done before it gets too late.

Sylvia: Purr, purr, purr, purr!!!

Me: I'm sorry, but I've had enough sleep for the time being.  I really need to get up now.

Sylvia (while extending a paw to block me from getting up:) PURR, PURR, PURR, PURR!!!!!

Me: Well, I guess 15 or 20 more minutes of sleep won't hurt...

Sylvia: PURR, PURR, PURR, PURR!!!!!!!

Me: ...Or 30 minutes...

Sylvia: PURR, PURR, PURR, PURR!!!!!!!!!

Me: ...Or another hour...I can spare that, I think...

What can I say?  It's flattering when your cat wants you around.

Watchcats on break XIV

I wish Watchcat Collette would understand that when I'm unhooking her claws from the sofa's throw cover, I'm trying to help her.  More often than not, she attempts to bite me.

You'd think she'd welcome not being stuck in one place.

Watchcats on break XIII

As Watchcat Collette reminded me recently, the 15-second rule when dancing one's cat around always applies, even when the music is as catchy as "American Top 40"'s mid '70s to early '80s closing theme, "Shuckatoom," or the Aragorn Ballroom Orchestra's "Theme From 'The Lord Of The Rings.'"

Fair enough.  That's Collette's prerogative. 

Watchcats on break XII

One day last year, after getting home from work, Watchcat Collette rubbed her face against my feet contentedly--and then bit each foot once.

That, in a nutshell, is her duality.  She'll show you happy she is that you've returned and how cross she is that you went away in the first place.

Watchcats on break XI

When dancing a cat around, it's wise to respect her limitations.  After 15 seconds of moving Watchcat Collette around in time to music, I know that's when the fidgeting--and possibly biting--will start, so all cat dances must be abbreviated ones.  It's only right.

Watchcats on break X

I've been under the weather for several days, and when feeling sluggish, it's comforting to slumber on the couch with Watchcat Collette nearby, slumbering away and purring.

After hours of this, I start to envy Watchcat Collette, as I remember that sleeping peacefully for hours is customary for cats.

What a pleasant life Collette has--and, by attempting to rest, I can capture some of that blissful life for myself.