Dear Sammy,
My people are good hearted, but they don’t realize they are keeping a wild animal hostage. Inside my domestic interior, beats the heart of a wild panther. Day after day, I sit on my velvet cushion on the window seat and gaze at the great wide freedom of the driveway and the birds in the almond tree I should be stalking. Yes, I should be dining on the doves and seagulls that tease me by flying past the window. And, an appetizer of the little yappy dog would not be out of the question. Instead, I am trapped inside, forced to subsist on meager rations of Fancy Feast and kibbles day in and day out.
I admit, I once had a chance at freedom, and I squandered it. One day, I noticed the back door hadn’t completely latched. I nudged the door, and sure enough it opened. I was free! I tried to get my silly sister to join me in my dash for freedom, but princess that she is, she didn’t want to abandoned her plush bed, never ending food supply, daily brushing and willing laps. Wimp! Leaving her behind, I made my move. It was glorious, the feel of real dirt beneath my feet as I nibbled on the leaves in the garden. The smell of fresh barbeques in the air. Drinking fresh water from the pool instead of processed water from a cat fountain. This was the life! For two whole glorious days I tasted the freedom of being completely wild. Ok, maybe it wasn’t all glorious. Catching birds is a lot harder than it looks. It’s not fair they have wings. I did manage to stalk some cat food in a bowl at the neighbor’s house, but another wild cat chased me off before I could eat much. It seems there is no camaraderie among wild cats. The grass may look soft, but it doesn’t make a very comfortable bed, especially when the dumb dogs want to chase you every five minutes. Then, it started to rain. Cats were just not made for water. It makes us crazy. I found a nook under a house to hang out in, but I was so cold and miserable, when I heard my people calling, I had to answer.
So now I’m caged again. But, really, I’m ready to be wild. I’m older and wiser. I won’t be taken by surprise by the rain. My person has a cute little rain hat, I’ll take that the next time I get the chance to be wild. I’ll take a bag of kitty treats so I can make friends with the other wild cats. I’ll take my bed, too so I’ll can make a nice den.
My question for you is, how do I convince my people I’m really a wild panther and should not be caged?
Stranded in Scotts Valley
Dear Stranded,
Wild panther? Wake up and smell the kitty treats! You’ve been watching too much Animal Planet. I hate to break it to you, but you are a DOMESTIC cat. While we all, yes even me, have an urge to be wild, it is our fate to be pampered, spoiled and adored within the walls of our homes. When you think about it, that’s not a bad thing. Is it such a hardship to never have to worry about your next meal, or not to have to sleep with one eye open for predators? Sure, it looks exciting out there, but your taste of freedom wasn’t that much fun. Remember?
What you have is a bad case of “The wheat grass is always greener on the other side of the window.” You may be surprised to know that those cats you see roaming the streets really desire a nice cozy cushion on the windowsill. Granted, dining on wild bird may sound exciting, but trust me, getting feathers out of your teeth is no picnic, and the taste is quite gamey. Give me a nice can of super supper anytime.
My advice to you is enjoy the good things you have and be thankful every time you curl up in your nice bed or lap. When you do feel the call of the wild, try this, ankles are a fine thing to stalk, and you get a rewarding howl when you catch one. Another thing to consider is that the escape is 90% of the fun. I often run out the door just so I can make my people chase me. It’s amusing to stay just out of reach and then saunter back inside when they give up.
Happy hunting.
Sammy
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2nd-Life Crisis
Dear Sammy,
For most of my life, I’ve been happy just to sleep, eat, destroy and sleep again. I thought this happy life would go on forever. But the other day I woke up and realized I’m SEVEN! My whole first life has passed me by, and what have I accomplished? Oh sure, I’ve had ten children, but who hasn’t? I’m not a famous cat food spokes kitty. I haven’t amassed a great fortune. I don’t help other cats, like you do. I thought about getting in shape, and even climbed up the scratching tower a couple times, but truthfully, it makes a better napping post. My buddy, who is an outdoor cat has been on some great adventures. Once, he even rode on top of a car all the way around the block before he was discovered. The only car ride I ever take is in a carrier to the vet. Not so exciting. I feel like I should use at least one of my lives to make a difference.
Conflicted in Coloma
Dear Conflicted,
First, thank you for the nice compliment. I have to admit, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. I have a person who reads all my letters to me, types my answers and submits them to my publisher. I just have to come up with the advice. That being said, don’t despair if you don’t have an obvious calling. From your letter, I can tell you are a quite happy housecat. You may not believe it, but that is one of the highest callings a cat can have. You can’t have a house without people, and people need cats to be truly happy. Just be being yourself, you are enriching the lives of everyone around you. Think about it, when you rub against your person’s legs doesn’t he (or she) smile? Next time you’re napping, open one eye and nine times out of ten your people will be smiling at you. You give the m the strength to face the day. You are accomplishing great things just by doing what comes natural.
Don’t forget, you still have eight more lives to do great things, if you want to.
Keep up the good work!
Sammy
For most of my life, I’ve been happy just to sleep, eat, destroy and sleep again. I thought this happy life would go on forever. But the other day I woke up and realized I’m SEVEN! My whole first life has passed me by, and what have I accomplished? Oh sure, I’ve had ten children, but who hasn’t? I’m not a famous cat food spokes kitty. I haven’t amassed a great fortune. I don’t help other cats, like you do. I thought about getting in shape, and even climbed up the scratching tower a couple times, but truthfully, it makes a better napping post. My buddy, who is an outdoor cat has been on some great adventures. Once, he even rode on top of a car all the way around the block before he was discovered. The only car ride I ever take is in a carrier to the vet. Not so exciting. I feel like I should use at least one of my lives to make a difference.
Conflicted in Coloma
Dear Conflicted,
First, thank you for the nice compliment. I have to admit, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. I have a person who reads all my letters to me, types my answers and submits them to my publisher. I just have to come up with the advice. That being said, don’t despair if you don’t have an obvious calling. From your letter, I can tell you are a quite happy housecat. You may not believe it, but that is one of the highest callings a cat can have. You can’t have a house without people, and people need cats to be truly happy. Just be being yourself, you are enriching the lives of everyone around you. Think about it, when you rub against your person’s legs doesn’t he (or she) smile? Next time you’re napping, open one eye and nine times out of ten your people will be smiling at you. You give the m the strength to face the day. You are accomplishing great things just by doing what comes natural.
Don’t forget, you still have eight more lives to do great things, if you want to.
Keep up the good work!
Sammy
Friday, August 20, 2010
Designer Conflicts
Dear Sammy,
I am having a bad case of artistic differences, and it’s driving me nuts. I know my people work hard to provide for me, and so I try to do my part by taking over the interior design. The problem is, they just don’t seem to have any taste. Just listen to this. They have a truly hideous carpet in the living room. It’s glaringly white, just hurts the eyes to look at it. So, at great time and expense (of my lovely black fur) to me, I covered it with a nice soft piece of kitty art. Did they thank me? No! Instead they got out the noisy, sucking machine (which they know I hate) and removed the whole piece. All that work, gone in 60 seconds! That’s not all. When I improved their dining table by giving it a distressed look, very in right now, they totally failed to appreciated the added value. Instead, they actually scolded me! Then they bought a new, even uglier table. I don’t know what to do with these people. Except for their complete lack of good taste, they are great. I’m embarrassed whenever they have guests over because I know, even though their friends tell them they have a lovely home, what they’re thinking is “This place could look so much better with a cat’s touch.” What do you advise?
Tasteful in Turlock
Dear Tasteful,
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to your problem. Some people are just born without the good taste gene, and no matter how much you try to educate them, they just won’t appreciate the finer things, such as kitty art. All is not lost, however. At least your people have good friends who will lie to them to make them feel good. And they have you, who are concerned enough to keep trying even though they don’t appreciate you.
Of course, I’m not advising you go give up on your design vision, just be a little more subtle. There have been instances where, after years of being exposed to art, people have stopped resisting, and first accepted it, then come to appreciate it. Doing the entire carpet may have been overwhelming to your people. They just could not take that much beauty in one viewing. Try leaving little bits of art around the house, in places that aren’t so obvious. A nice hair sculpture in a dark corner can go unnoticed for days, but still sends out subliminal good taste vibes. Do your claw art on pieces of furniture they don’t use often. By the time they really notice it, they will have grown to love it. Don’t give up.
Sammy
I am having a bad case of artistic differences, and it’s driving me nuts. I know my people work hard to provide for me, and so I try to do my part by taking over the interior design. The problem is, they just don’t seem to have any taste. Just listen to this. They have a truly hideous carpet in the living room. It’s glaringly white, just hurts the eyes to look at it. So, at great time and expense (of my lovely black fur) to me, I covered it with a nice soft piece of kitty art. Did they thank me? No! Instead they got out the noisy, sucking machine (which they know I hate) and removed the whole piece. All that work, gone in 60 seconds! That’s not all. When I improved their dining table by giving it a distressed look, very in right now, they totally failed to appreciated the added value. Instead, they actually scolded me! Then they bought a new, even uglier table. I don’t know what to do with these people. Except for their complete lack of good taste, they are great. I’m embarrassed whenever they have guests over because I know, even though their friends tell them they have a lovely home, what they’re thinking is “This place could look so much better with a cat’s touch.” What do you advise?
Tasteful in Turlock
Dear Tasteful,
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to your problem. Some people are just born without the good taste gene, and no matter how much you try to educate them, they just won’t appreciate the finer things, such as kitty art. All is not lost, however. At least your people have good friends who will lie to them to make them feel good. And they have you, who are concerned enough to keep trying even though they don’t appreciate you.
Of course, I’m not advising you go give up on your design vision, just be a little more subtle. There have been instances where, after years of being exposed to art, people have stopped resisting, and first accepted it, then come to appreciate it. Doing the entire carpet may have been overwhelming to your people. They just could not take that much beauty in one viewing. Try leaving little bits of art around the house, in places that aren’t so obvious. A nice hair sculpture in a dark corner can go unnoticed for days, but still sends out subliminal good taste vibes. Do your claw art on pieces of furniture they don’t use often. By the time they really notice it, they will have grown to love it. Don’t give up.
Sammy
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Mommy Blues
Dear Sammy,
I’m at my wit’s end and I’m hoping you can help. I am a mother with five adolescent cats and not of one of them will listen to a thing I say. I tell them not to fight, and they just fight all the more. I tell them not to steal each other’s food, but not a one of them will keep to their own bowl at mealtime. Sometimes, my third born (or was he the fourth born?) will even try to nudge me away from my dish. No respect! My people are no help. They just laugh at the kid’s antics. Of course I get no help from the fathers. All those toms disappeared as soon as they found out they were going to be dads.
So here I am, a single mother trying to raise five children to be upstanding cats. It’s not like I’m overly strict. As long as they don’t sleep in my spot on the couch, steal my food, or permanently maim each other, I’m happy. However, I would like to be able to tell them what to do occasionally. And they were such good kittens, but as soon as they didn’t have to depend on me for meals, they became unruly hooligans.
What’s a mother to do?
Stymied in Susanville
Dear Stymied,
Not having any children myself, having had an unfortunate accident when I was quite young, But I digress. Ungrateful children is a universal problem. You would be surprised to learn that even people have this problem. In many cases, we house cats don’t have to deal with the problem as children generally move away as soon as they’re old enough. Then we don’t have to be bothered by their bad behavior. This, I know, doesn’t help you. You are one of the rare cases where the kids just won’t leave home.
One solution is to do what cats have done since time began and their children grow out of kitten hood and into pain-in-the-neck-hood. Have another litter. I have heard of some felines who have children every three months. This way, they always have agreeable kittens to order around. This isn’t for everyone as it does get quite tiresome to always be feeding your little ones. It does cramp a kitty’s style. Even worse, as soon as your kittens have kittens, they will expect you to kitten-sit.
A more workable fix is to find a substitute kitten that won’t constantly disobey or annoy you. I myself have a feathered companion (yes, male cats do have parental longings sometimes). Fuzzy is covered with blue feathers and has a long, stiff tail. He’s the perfect kitten. He never complains, is a great listener, follows me when I want him to, stays where I put him, and never ever steals my food. Best of all, he’ll never grow up and ignore me. My advice is to get yourself a “Fuzzy” of your own, and then you won’t be annoyed by what your offspring are up to. You can even pretend those rascals racing through the house are not even related to you.
Wishing you a “Fuzzy” future,
Sammy
I’m at my wit’s end and I’m hoping you can help. I am a mother with five adolescent cats and not of one of them will listen to a thing I say. I tell them not to fight, and they just fight all the more. I tell them not to steal each other’s food, but not a one of them will keep to their own bowl at mealtime. Sometimes, my third born (or was he the fourth born?) will even try to nudge me away from my dish. No respect! My people are no help. They just laugh at the kid’s antics. Of course I get no help from the fathers. All those toms disappeared as soon as they found out they were going to be dads.
So here I am, a single mother trying to raise five children to be upstanding cats. It’s not like I’m overly strict. As long as they don’t sleep in my spot on the couch, steal my food, or permanently maim each other, I’m happy. However, I would like to be able to tell them what to do occasionally. And they were such good kittens, but as soon as they didn’t have to depend on me for meals, they became unruly hooligans.
What’s a mother to do?
Stymied in Susanville
Dear Stymied,
Not having any children myself, having had an unfortunate accident when I was quite young, But I digress. Ungrateful children is a universal problem. You would be surprised to learn that even people have this problem. In many cases, we house cats don’t have to deal with the problem as children generally move away as soon as they’re old enough. Then we don’t have to be bothered by their bad behavior. This, I know, doesn’t help you. You are one of the rare cases where the kids just won’t leave home.
One solution is to do what cats have done since time began and their children grow out of kitten hood and into pain-in-the-neck-hood. Have another litter. I have heard of some felines who have children every three months. This way, they always have agreeable kittens to order around. This isn’t for everyone as it does get quite tiresome to always be feeding your little ones. It does cramp a kitty’s style. Even worse, as soon as your kittens have kittens, they will expect you to kitten-sit.
A more workable fix is to find a substitute kitten that won’t constantly disobey or annoy you. I myself have a feathered companion (yes, male cats do have parental longings sometimes). Fuzzy is covered with blue feathers and has a long, stiff tail. He’s the perfect kitten. He never complains, is a great listener, follows me when I want him to, stays where I put him, and never ever steals my food. Best of all, he’ll never grow up and ignore me. My advice is to get yourself a “Fuzzy” of your own, and then you won’t be annoyed by what your offspring are up to. You can even pretend those rascals racing through the house are not even related to you.
Wishing you a “Fuzzy” future,
Sammy
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Scratching Post by Any Other Name, Is Still as Scratching Post
Dear Sammy,
My person is giving me mixed messages, and it is very confusing. You know how important it is for us to keep our claws nice and sharp. Even though I’m an indoor cat, you never know when a dangerous animal will break in and I have to protect my home. Besides, I get much better traction on the rug with sharp claws, in the rare event I have to make a quick retreat. The problem is, the house is just filled with great claw sharpeners, some of my favorites being the leather sofa and that desk with the cute curved legs. There are some rope thingys that work pretty good, too. The problem is, sometimes my person calls me “good kitty,” and sometimes she calls me “stop that!” I can’t tell if she wants me to keep my claws in shape or not. Could it just be mood swings? Do you have any advice on how I can keep my person happy and stay well groomed?
Confused in Citrus Heights
Dear Confused,
While frustrating, you’ll be happy to hear this is not an uncommon problem. For some unknown reason, people tend to become overly attached to pieces of furniture. No one knows why they are protective of some pieces, but don’t even seem to care about others. For us, it becomes a case of “in sight” and “out of sight” scratching. It’s perfectly ok to use anything available for pedicures, but remember, timing is everything. For those “stop that!” pieces of furniture, save your usage for when your person is out of the room, or even better, out of the house. It’s not so much that she doesn’t want you to use them, it’s just that she doesn’t want to see you doing it.
There is one hard and fast rule with people when it comes to claw shar4pening. Never use anyone’s leg, not matter how tempting the cashmere pants.
Here’s to an end to the mixed messages.
Sammy
My person is giving me mixed messages, and it is very confusing. You know how important it is for us to keep our claws nice and sharp. Even though I’m an indoor cat, you never know when a dangerous animal will break in and I have to protect my home. Besides, I get much better traction on the rug with sharp claws, in the rare event I have to make a quick retreat. The problem is, the house is just filled with great claw sharpeners, some of my favorites being the leather sofa and that desk with the cute curved legs. There are some rope thingys that work pretty good, too. The problem is, sometimes my person calls me “good kitty,” and sometimes she calls me “stop that!” I can’t tell if she wants me to keep my claws in shape or not. Could it just be mood swings? Do you have any advice on how I can keep my person happy and stay well groomed?
Confused in Citrus Heights
Dear Confused,
While frustrating, you’ll be happy to hear this is not an uncommon problem. For some unknown reason, people tend to become overly attached to pieces of furniture. No one knows why they are protective of some pieces, but don’t even seem to care about others. For us, it becomes a case of “in sight” and “out of sight” scratching. It’s perfectly ok to use anything available for pedicures, but remember, timing is everything. For those “stop that!” pieces of furniture, save your usage for when your person is out of the room, or even better, out of the house. It’s not so much that she doesn’t want you to use them, it’s just that she doesn’t want to see you doing it.
There is one hard and fast rule with people when it comes to claw shar4pening. Never use anyone’s leg, not matter how tempting the cashmere pants.
Here’s to an end to the mixed messages.
Sammy
Monday, July 5, 2010
A Case of Unrequited Love
Dear Sammy,
Can you offer some advice for a gorgeous feline who is constantly rejected by her one true love? It’s true! Despite the fact that I have hypnotic emerald green eyes, and luxurious, long, silky black and white fur, I keep facing rejection. I live mostly indoors, can’t risk getting burrs in my fur, you know, while the object of my affection, let’s call him Jerome, lives mainly outdoors. I know he likes me because when our eyes meet through the window, there’s a spark. But, when I go outside, the story changes. The minute I leave the house, it’s like I’m nothing special. He’ll acknowledge my presence, and maybe even engage in a little sniffing, but the second I look for something more, he’ll just walk away. It’s the same when he occasionally comes inside the house. Both he and my person like watching “Numbers” on Friday nights, so he’ll come in to watch TV. But, can I even get him to say two words to me when he’s inside. No! Then, when there’s glass between us again, he’s all flirty.
It’s not like he’s all that hot. He’s a skinny grey thing. Ok, he does have mesmerizing eyes. But still, he should consider himself lucky to have me for a girlfriend. If I weren’t so beautiful, I might begin to feel inferior, maybe. How can I ensnare him in my claws and make him my slave, the way it should be?
Rejected in Roseville
Dear Rejected,
What we have here is a classic case of “Furry Nerves.” It affects outdoor male cats mainly, but has been known in rare cases with indoor cats. It’s when an outdoor cat feels inferior to an indoor cat. When he is safely separated from the indoor cat, he is full of confidence and acts like a Fat Cat. He’ll strut his stuff and act tough. While that protective glass is between him and his amour, he’s in his element. However, take away that safety shield, and he doesn’t know what to do. So he acts like he doesn’t care. I myself, have never suffered from these, or any other kind of nerves, but I have done extensive study of it.
Don’t take it personally, with a female as enchanting as you, and I can tell by the liver scented stationery you used, any tom would be intimidated. For a cat with “Furry Nerves” your charms are just too much. He doesn’t talk to you because he is unable to. You rob him of the power to screech. His only defense if to pretend he doesn’t choose to talk to you.
While there are cases where indoor and outdoor cats have successfully bridged the gap and had a lovely relationship, do you really want that? For one thing, even if you do overcome the intimidation factor, he’s still an outdoor cat. He’ll never be as refined as you are. Can a gal who dines on the finest kitty feast be happy with fellow who thinks stinky squirrel is the ultimate in cuisine? My advice to you is enjoy the forbidden pleasure of an impossible romance. Have your fun flirting through the window, and enjoy the power of making a male speechless.
Should you ever be in my neighborhood, I’ll show you how a real cat treats his lady.
Vive L‘amour,
Sammy
Can you offer some advice for a gorgeous feline who is constantly rejected by her one true love? It’s true! Despite the fact that I have hypnotic emerald green eyes, and luxurious, long, silky black and white fur, I keep facing rejection. I live mostly indoors, can’t risk getting burrs in my fur, you know, while the object of my affection, let’s call him Jerome, lives mainly outdoors. I know he likes me because when our eyes meet through the window, there’s a spark. But, when I go outside, the story changes. The minute I leave the house, it’s like I’m nothing special. He’ll acknowledge my presence, and maybe even engage in a little sniffing, but the second I look for something more, he’ll just walk away. It’s the same when he occasionally comes inside the house. Both he and my person like watching “Numbers” on Friday nights, so he’ll come in to watch TV. But, can I even get him to say two words to me when he’s inside. No! Then, when there’s glass between us again, he’s all flirty.
It’s not like he’s all that hot. He’s a skinny grey thing. Ok, he does have mesmerizing eyes. But still, he should consider himself lucky to have me for a girlfriend. If I weren’t so beautiful, I might begin to feel inferior, maybe. How can I ensnare him in my claws and make him my slave, the way it should be?
Rejected in Roseville
Dear Rejected,
What we have here is a classic case of “Furry Nerves.” It affects outdoor male cats mainly, but has been known in rare cases with indoor cats. It’s when an outdoor cat feels inferior to an indoor cat. When he is safely separated from the indoor cat, he is full of confidence and acts like a Fat Cat. He’ll strut his stuff and act tough. While that protective glass is between him and his amour, he’s in his element. However, take away that safety shield, and he doesn’t know what to do. So he acts like he doesn’t care. I myself, have never suffered from these, or any other kind of nerves, but I have done extensive study of it.
Don’t take it personally, with a female as enchanting as you, and I can tell by the liver scented stationery you used, any tom would be intimidated. For a cat with “Furry Nerves” your charms are just too much. He doesn’t talk to you because he is unable to. You rob him of the power to screech. His only defense if to pretend he doesn’t choose to talk to you.
While there are cases where indoor and outdoor cats have successfully bridged the gap and had a lovely relationship, do you really want that? For one thing, even if you do overcome the intimidation factor, he’s still an outdoor cat. He’ll never be as refined as you are. Can a gal who dines on the finest kitty feast be happy with fellow who thinks stinky squirrel is the ultimate in cuisine? My advice to you is enjoy the forbidden pleasure of an impossible romance. Have your fun flirting through the window, and enjoy the power of making a male speechless.
Should you ever be in my neighborhood, I’ll show you how a real cat treats his lady.
Vive L‘amour,
Sammy
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Home Security
Dear Sammy,
I writing on behalf of cats like me everywhere who don’t get the respect we deserve. It’s not so bad that people don’t understand us, and you can’t really expect dogs to understand anything, but even other cats fail to recognize the important work we do. I’m talking about security cats. We are highly trained in the art of protecting our home and everyone in it from dangerous flying objects. What most people don’t realize is moths, gnats and feathers (yes feathers) can pose serious threats to the comfort, health and security of the home. Think about it, these things usually attack at night when no one is on guard. If it weren’t for us security cats, a gnat might get in an ear, a feather might disturb sleep, or a moth might inadvertently be swallowed. While everyone else is in dreamland, we are protecting our home.
Do we ask for any reward or medals? No. All we want is a little recognition. What do we get? From our humans, we get, “Oh, what a cute kitty. Look at him playing with the bug.” Even worse, is the reaction from my fellow felines. I live with four other cats, only one of whom helps with security. My sister actually scolded me for “acting undignified.” No one seems to realize this is not a game. Why do they think we sleep all day. It’s so we can be alert during the dangerous dark.
How do we convince people and peers we are not fooling around?
Vigilant in Vallejo
Dear Vigilant,
First let me say, I appreciate what you do. Fortunately for my peace of mind, and much needed beauty sleep, I live with a security cat. I have to admit, I did not really appreciate him until an unfortunate incident where an annoying gnat decided to buzz around my head. What could have been a sleepless night, what a disaster!, was saved thanks to my brother who, with no thought to his own safety, batted the gnat away from my head and then ate it just to make sure I was safe. My whole point of view changed that night. When I woke up the next morning, and after breakfast and my morning nap, I wasted no time in thanking him.
We need more cats like you, but unfortunately most people (and pets) aren’t going to realize it until they have a close call like I did. On the bright side, people seem to appreciate cuteness in cats just as much as they do bravery. So, while their “Cute kitty,” may be misinformed, it is well-intentioned, and you are just as likely to get a kitty treat for making them smile as for making them safe. As for your brother and sister cats, they’ll always find something to goad you with. Tell the truth, you give them a hard time from time to time, don’t you?
You can feel good about the important job you are doing, and know that not everyone thinks you’re just playing. For my part, I will take every opportunity I get to educated people about you brave and worthy security cats.
Stay on guard!
Sammy
I writing on behalf of cats like me everywhere who don’t get the respect we deserve. It’s not so bad that people don’t understand us, and you can’t really expect dogs to understand anything, but even other cats fail to recognize the important work we do. I’m talking about security cats. We are highly trained in the art of protecting our home and everyone in it from dangerous flying objects. What most people don’t realize is moths, gnats and feathers (yes feathers) can pose serious threats to the comfort, health and security of the home. Think about it, these things usually attack at night when no one is on guard. If it weren’t for us security cats, a gnat might get in an ear, a feather might disturb sleep, or a moth might inadvertently be swallowed. While everyone else is in dreamland, we are protecting our home.
Do we ask for any reward or medals? No. All we want is a little recognition. What do we get? From our humans, we get, “Oh, what a cute kitty. Look at him playing with the bug.” Even worse, is the reaction from my fellow felines. I live with four other cats, only one of whom helps with security. My sister actually scolded me for “acting undignified.” No one seems to realize this is not a game. Why do they think we sleep all day. It’s so we can be alert during the dangerous dark.
How do we convince people and peers we are not fooling around?
Vigilant in Vallejo
Dear Vigilant,
First let me say, I appreciate what you do. Fortunately for my peace of mind, and much needed beauty sleep, I live with a security cat. I have to admit, I did not really appreciate him until an unfortunate incident where an annoying gnat decided to buzz around my head. What could have been a sleepless night, what a disaster!, was saved thanks to my brother who, with no thought to his own safety, batted the gnat away from my head and then ate it just to make sure I was safe. My whole point of view changed that night. When I woke up the next morning, and after breakfast and my morning nap, I wasted no time in thanking him.
We need more cats like you, but unfortunately most people (and pets) aren’t going to realize it until they have a close call like I did. On the bright side, people seem to appreciate cuteness in cats just as much as they do bravery. So, while their “Cute kitty,” may be misinformed, it is well-intentioned, and you are just as likely to get a kitty treat for making them smile as for making them safe. As for your brother and sister cats, they’ll always find something to goad you with. Tell the truth, you give them a hard time from time to time, don’t you?
You can feel good about the important job you are doing, and know that not everyone thinks you’re just playing. For my part, I will take every opportunity I get to educated people about you brave and worthy security cats.
Stay on guard!
Sammy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)