Have you ever seen a cat ooze? That's right, ooze. Smoky, my puppy kitten, was lying on the coffee table and suddenly decided to Ooooze onto the floor.
This is accomplished by the simple maneuver of purposely pushing himself off and falling, or flowing, head first, very slowly, almost in a snake-like slithering motion onto the floor where he lies in a feline puddle of cat skin covered all over with a thick layer of happy colored purring.
Vociferous, the bull cat, is the alpha puppy cat, affectionately and benevolently enduring my presence. He is very dignified. (I believe that is an act.) He has a most endearing personality, a 'Morris' cat in appearance and weighing approximately fourteen pounds.
Smoky on the other hand is yet a kitten, with all of the vim and slinky energy that the title demands. Of somewhat doubtful heritage (his father could very well have been a garbage can), he now weighs about twelve pounds, and if he grows into his ears, he will, at maturity, weigh about the same as a very small whale. Personality-wise he is definitely, lovingly manic 'expressive'.
I find that most cats are bipolar. High highs and low lows are the order of the day. The ability to instantly spring from sleep to hyper action in time of threat has enabled the cat to survive in what could be called 'hostile' environments around the world.
If a person slept as much as cats sleep, roughly 14 to 18 hours a day, we would say the individual was suffering from deep depression, but this is normal for our delightful companions and in no way detrimental.
I love to watch my two feline friends play. Either one initiates it and usually begins with a sneak attack.
Vociferous is lying on the coffee table, sleeping. His tail is hanging over the edge of the table, in no way bothering anybody or anything. It is simply being 'his tail'.
Smoky enters the room. He sees the tail. The problem is the tail is no longer a tail. It is now, to Smoky, a twitching mouse. Following generations of instinctual training, Smoky drops into 'attack mode!'
-- Brigitte Bardot
We now, in the background, hear the theme music from the movie "Jaws".
He lowers his head, his chin almost to the floor. Tail straight out behind, the tip twitching in anticipation while his ears fold back, almost against his head, he is sure of a kill. The tail/mouse is his! His forepaws seek purchase, claws digging into the carpet while his hind legs are gathered under him, ready to catapult him towards his prey.
The charge is instantaneous.
Vociferous, who senses the attack, meets it head-on. They clash, stop, and Vociferous begins grooming Smoky, who is lying innocently on the floor and has completely forgotten the tail/mouse. Vociferous industriously licks the younger cat's face, neck, and ears. After a few grooming moments, they might decide to go into 'chase', 'wrestle', or, 'sleep' mode.
Whatever they decide, you can be sure that it will be cattish in its execution. Yeah, I guess that you could say I like cats.
Have a beautiful day, and may your cat teach you.
Remember to send your true, exceptional pet stories, to this column, in care of the editor for possible inclusion in a future issue.
Lord, we are so thankful that you gifted us with an appreciation and love for our pets because I think that through. Them we can learn to love our fellow man all the more. Praise you, Father, in Jesus' name, amen.
Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.
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