Friday, January 22, 2010

Water Woes

Dear Sammy,

I’m worried about my person. Every day she gets into this box, and plays in the WATER. I have to stand outside and make sure she’s alright. So far, nothing bad has happened, but what happens if one time I’m not around to make sure? I can’t understand why she does this. I know she’s not a dog, she’s much to smart. How can I make her stop this dangerous behavior. Though, I do have to admit, she’s smells nice when she’s done.

Worried in Washington

Dear Worried,

Worry no more. People have some strange habits, and this is one of them. Experts disagree on why they have to cover themselves with water periodically, and why girls have to do it more than boys, but it seems to do them no harm. Some catsperts think it has to do with the fact that people tongues are remarkable inefficient. Most people can’t even lick their toes with them.

Still, it’s nothing to lose sleep over. Water doesn’t seem to hurt them, and unlike dogs, they know when to get out. If it makes you feel better, keep on watching over your person. They seem to like it.

Sammy

Friday, January 15, 2010

Finicky - Not!

Dear Sammy,

I know a proper cat should be finicky about his food, but I’m just so hungry at mealtime, I can help wolfing down every bite. I only get fed twice a day, and not matter how much I beg, I don’t get those lovely scraps from the table. Now my person, thinks he can buy anything on sale and I’ll eat it. The sad thing is, he’s right. How can I control my hunger and at least appear finicky.

Starving in Soledad

Dear Starving,

You are absolutely correct. Any respectable cat is required to put on a show of being finicky. I’ll let you in on a secret though. Most cats really will eat anything. We have developed the finicky tradition in order to get the good stuff.

Here are some tips to make your person think you’re finicky. Do you have any siblings? When you human isn’t looking, eat out of their dish. That way you can leave food in yours. Unless of course, they get the hint and eat your food. This can also work if you know where your neighbors keep their food. (Most cats have an outdoor food dish). Sneak over there for a snack, but be quick and don’t get caught. This doesn’t work so well for indoor cats, unless you know where your person keeps his secret snack stash. As a last resort, paper makes a good filler, chow down on some right before mealtime. I’ve found that library books are actually quite tasty.

Cheow,

Sammy

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Starved for Attention

Dear Sammy,

My person works at home, and you would think that she does this so she can spend more time with me. But no. She either on her computer or talking on the phone all day long. When I rub against her legs, she might scratch my ears for a nano second, but that's it. I've even tried the plaintive meow with no luck. How can I get her attention?

Ignored in Idaho

Dear Ignored,

This calls for drastic measures. Your person is entirely too focused on boring work if the leg rub and plaintive meow don't work. You're going to have to take matters into your own paws. You must be committed to the project and willing to risk making her mad to get what you need. First, try jumping in her lap. Not many people can resist a purring cat in the lap. If cute doesn't work, go for annoying. When she's on the phone meow loudly. She'll have to explain the noise and this will get her talking about her adorable pet. When she's working on the computer, sit on the keyboard or in front of the screen. She'll probably move you, but keep doing it until she puts you on her lap. I've found that once you make it to the lap, your person can both work and pay attention to you. Be warned, however, you may wind up shut out of the office completely. In that case, find something to destroy, so she'll want to keep you in her sights.

Good luck!

Sammy

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Getting Enough Sleep

Dear Sammy,

How is a cat to get enough sleep when her person is forever waking her up to "put her to bed?" I'll be curled comfortably in my basket in front of the fire when my person will rudely drag me out and cart me up the stairs to another basket. Everytime this happens, it takes me at least five minutes to get back to sleep. Her only reason for this outrage is she doesn't want me bothering the bird at night. Oh come on. I've only jumped on the cage in the middle of the night once or twice, or maybe three times, and the precious bird was never in any danger, well not much. The key thing here is I'm missing out on much needed beauty sleep. I'm down to 15 hours a day. I'm sure there are bags under my eyes, under all that fur. What can I do?

Sleepless in Auburn

Dear Sleepless in Auburn,

Why don't you try sleeping in your person's lap? I've found that people will sit for hours without moving just to avoid disturbing the cat. It helps if you do something cute, like move your paws or twitch. Your person will think you're dreaming of chasing rabbits. Once you get really good at cute sleeping, you can make your person sit downstairs all night long.

Good luck and happy dreams.

Sammy