(PANDEMIC PART 3)
If a man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but deteriorate the cat.
Mark Twain
We learned many things during the 2020-2021 Covid avoidance period. Perhaps chief among these was a new appreciation of cats. To whit, the following:
Cats will drink out of a water glass.
Cats will drink from a running faucet.
Cats will avoid drinking out of a waterbowl to the extent that they will develop a UTI. Better to purchase an electric waterfall cat bowl immediately than to risk the inevitable.
Some cats will sleep on a sunny windowsill until their fur becomes too hot to touch and then go lie by the front door to cool off. Other cats prefer to bake in front of the fireplace.
Some cats will assist with quilting piecing.
Some cats discover that parts are broken and in need of repair. But they soon sort themselves out and return to normal. And then display themselves full length to show that there’s absolutely nothing amiss.
Some cats will eat butter. Or at least leave paw prints in the butter. Put your butter in the fridge.
Some cats eat plastic. Some will eat tape. Both kinds will throw up the plastic or tape and whatever else is contained in their stomach. Hide the scotch tape. And anything made of plastic.
A treat jar may not be left out on the counter. Ever.
Cats whether visiting or permanently residing with you will kindly check on you when you’re napping to verify that you’re still alive.
Some cats will groom their less than fastidious brethren. Indy once scrubbed the space between Barry’s ears for a full five minutes. Barry did not resist until Indy moved on to Barry’s face and that was too much for Barry to bear.
Cats who have never seen window screens can be in for a horrific experience. Imagine a cat stuck up vertically to a window screen by all four paws. We wish we had a photo of this. But we were too busy trying to get the paws unstuck.
A cat concerned about feeding time will actually move (we have no idea how) a can of cat food up several steps to remind you that cats prefer to be fed. Often.
Some cats will eat bits of chicken you kindly drop on the floor in front of them. But some cats must have their diet guarded constantly. Some cats can never be fed salmon. Never.
Some cats want to help you with your computer work. Really, they can be quite helpful in avoiding eye strain.
Mostly though, cats love the warmth of your presence. And your flannel.
August 2021
Forced Perspective 