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.

Watchcats on break XVIII

Watchcat Rusty was typically a talkative cat.  The only time I remember him singing, however, was when I practiced the double bass.  During the '80s, Rusty would sit on the table behind me as I played.and fill in extended rests in the music with his sung meows.  His singing didn't always fit the rhythm of the piece I was playing, but I chalked that up to his desire to improvise.  If improvisation isn't a cat-like quality, what is?

Watchcats on break XVII

Just about every cat owner has likely said some variation of, "(Cat's name,) we've talked about this.  I've asked you before not to bite my feet, sharpen your claws on the back door, or try to eat my food."

If Watchcat Collette spoke English, I have no doubt she'd reply, "Yes, but I never agreed to stop doing any of those things.  Wasn't it my independent spirit that made you adopt me?"

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.