CAT TALES

Do I want my cats brave or not?

Judy Conlin

My cats show a lot of bravado. They boss me around daily, insisting that I have their meals on time; that those meals consist of whatever they like on that particular day; that there are plenty of soft cushiony places for them to sleep; that their toy boxes are filled to the rim and conveniently placed; that they have plenty of places to climb on, that their litter box is cleaned to their satisfaction; that they not be forced to use that new huge electric monster in the corner; and that their pet door is never obstructed. I mostly conform to their wishes, but If I don’t ,they are sure to let me know. They are also quite brave outdoors. They try hard to keep their territory free from other critters. They chase the deer out of their yard. They keep the possums, the raccoons, the armadillos etc. at bay. They do allow turtles to stroll up from the lake and feed upon any leftover scraps of cat food that they have left. They allow no other cats to invade their territory except for the neighbor’s cat. They consider her a distant part of the family that they would rather not have anything to do with- They will chase her away sometimes, but mostly they try to ignore her as though she were someone’s crazy aunt. Therefore, for the most part, they strut around like kings of the castle. There are, however, a few things that terrify them. One is the sight of the dreaded cat carrier. That carrier takes them to a place where folks in white coats poke and jab at them and stick sharp needles into their bodies. How unacceptable is that in today’s society? They view those visits as being put in a medieval torture chamber. They view their new expensive litter box (yet unused) in much the same manner. When I try to set them inside to show them it is harmless, they fight me tooth and claw. It certainly resembles the dreaded cat carrier although there is no way I could lift it or load it into a car. They hate it. They hate me. The box sits alone like a giant robot they fear will devour them. They are also afraid of thunderstorms. The sound of thunder sends them flying into the house much as those in war=torn countries flee into bunkers when hearing a siren. . With no bunkers available, they seek shelter under a bed, a ruffled skirted chair or stool or under the couch. Thet stay hidden until all sounds of thunder. Lightning or pounding rain is gone. The last thing they’re afraid of is strangers. They have come to know a few of my friends and/or relatives and tolerate (even warm up to) them. Everyone else is a stranger. A stranger is a dangerous entity. There is no way to know what horrors a stranger could be capable of. The only thing to do is hide until such intruders leave the premises, Since I have usually led a quiet life, cats have also led a mostly carefree existence. The scary things were few and far between. This is no longer so. There have been thunderstorms every day. Whenever the rain stops, workmen are coming and going at all hours. I brought a robotic monster home and set it in their space. I seldom see them anymore. I worry about all this. I don’t want my cats to become so reclusive that they’re viewed as hermits. Besides, I miss them .Of course, things will settle down. All the things around the house that need to be repaired will be repaired. There will not be workmen here every day. This rain with its terrifying thunder and lightning has got to stop eventually. The sun will come out and so will the cats. I can’t figure out what will happen with the new litterbox. Either they’ll get used to it or they won’t, and I’ll have to drag it away. Somehow, things will get back to normal. I have another thought; Maybe I won’t hurry up the process. Let the workmen take their time. Keep the showers a little longer. I know you’re wondering why I’m having this change of heart, The answer is simple. When the cats slink out to eat now, they starve and gobble down whatever I give them as quickly as possible before going back into hiding. No more fussy finicky eaters to deal with. My carpets, chairs and sofas are free of cat hair. If they’re losing hair now, it’s where no one can see it. Best of all, when everyone is gone at night and the rain has stopped those cats just love me. Momau, who has never been a lap cat, crawls onto my lap and sleeps until there is a clap of thunder. Beebe won’t let me out of his sight. I love it. Let the frightening period last a bit longer, please.More later, www.nursejudyinfo.com

CAT TALES

1 killed, 2 injured in Havana crash

Gadsden County Extension Column

Gadsden County Extension Column

Recommended

From the Editor’s Desk: It’s about more than hotdogs and parades

Gadsden County Times Legals – 4/21

Popular News

Divided Gadsden County Commission Approves Budget Amendments, Increases Pay for Armed Security

Havana man convicted of first-degree murder in 2023 internet café killing

All Pro Dad program brings families together at West Gadsden Middle School

Opponents push to stop bear hunt

THE DIRT ROAD WONDER

Newsletter

Category

Site Links

About Us

Welcome Back!

Create New Account!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

​CAT TALES

Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Gadsden County Times.

Subscribe

1 killed, 2 injured in Havana crash

Gadsden County Extension Column

Recommended

Popular News

Newsletter

Category

Site Links

About Us

Welcome Back!

Create New Account!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

CAT TALES