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Suitable cats for their people
Sun, 31 Dec 2006 00:33:54 -0000 rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
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Christina Websell...
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Sometimes I thinks, and sometimes I just sits and thinks!
Today I was thinking about how both my cats have fitted in so well with me and my lifestyle. I wasn't expecting to have any cats. After all my d*gs went to RB, first Kitty FC claimed a place by the fire, and then Boyfriend came. It was certainly a culture shock for me. I thought they were naughty for continually getting on the table after they were told not to - and all that stuff. At first I continually compared them with my dogs. "Why don't they eat all their food at once?" "Why don't they take any notice of anything I say?" I have learned such a lot from this group. What I wouldn't have wanted/needed was a cat that demanded attention all the time. What I call an "in yer face cat." That sort of cat is great for real cat lovers who like their cat to be central in their lives. Mine are ideal for me. Both having been strays (not ferals) they've had a taste of the great outdoors for longer than they wanted and learned to be a bit shy - or at least not to be pushy. I can pick up and handle them both if I need to, though. When all is quiet and the woodburner is on in the evening, they will creep on to my knee to snuggle and sleep. Last night they were both on my lap at once, which is a first. I could probably be a good fosterer for a feral or two as I have no expectations. There's plenty of room here, for ferals to mouse and rat around the chicken huts. I won't do it while KFC is here, she is frail now and when she ventures outside, which she does most days if it's not too cold and not raining I don't want a young smart feral to set upon her. In her youth and middle age she scared off any cats that dared come into her territory. That's how Boyfriend got his name. He must have been her boyfriend otherwise how would she have allowed him in her garden? Kitty has only allowed two cats in her garden, ever. One was a black cat. I saw them sleeping together in the toolshed on several occasions. They must have had words. I saw her box his ears and then he didn't come back. The other cat she allowed was Boyfriend. They live together fairly well. He gets his ears boxed maybe 3 times a week, seemingly for nothing. The thing is he is around 4-5 years old now and at the height of his power. His weight is now perhaps 9-10lbs. Kitty weighs 4lbs. He could knock her down very easily. He doesn't. He just lets her do it. After his ears have been thoroughly boxed he asks for the back door to be opened so he can go outside and look for ratties and mowsies. He's such a gentlecat. I really love this boy. He's amazing. Christina Websell...
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