Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CAT (11/08/18)
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TITLE: Walk Softly and Carry a Small Cat | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
11/15/18 -
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“What possibly can be so interesting from your point of view?”
She turns her head in my direction, never moving her cute little white mitten paws from their tucked under position. For a second, she seems to consider sending me a clue but quickly makes an executive decision to keep certain secrets to herself. I am dismissed.
Having been owned by a few exceptionally bright kitties over the years, I have often wondered if we are overlooking some pretty basic non-verbal life advice from these mysterious creatures. If domestic animals have no appreciable skills to assist humans, or play no significant role in the ecological balance of nature, then what is the reason to live with them as pets?
For one thing, they can make us laugh. That raises our endorphin levels which can bring down blood pressure and give a delightful sense of wellbeing.
A good cat tutorial would instruct us to yell when hungry, take more than one bath a day, and get very grumpy if the restroom is not spotless for every visit. It would teach us that hiding under the bed is not always a bad idea when life feels a little dicey or fleeing to the top of a tree when danger threatens.
Like cats, sometimes we don’t particularly feel like being hugged. Then again, at other times, a pat on the head and some baby talk can work wonders. Is it wrong to gently convey that to a world of determined embracers who rush in our direction with arms outstretched?
Arthritically speaking, many times just before it rains, unsolicited touching is more than a nuisance; it’s uncomfortable. What a relief it would be when confronted with dreaded human contact to dive under that bed or zip up that tree!
As for the independence thing, what’s wrong with that?
Without a doubt, cats are wired to take care of themselves when necessary. Their instinct is to hunt, protect their offspring, avoid scary stuff, and make a show of pretending indifference. Those are great gifts for any species to have if dumped in the woods or even abandoned on the street.
And then there’s the parenting tutorial.
Mama delivers her own multiples, cleans then beautifully, and then lies quietly while they dive bomb her for frequent feedings. Her patience is a wonder to behold. In a few weeks, she allows a little rough and tumble play, but is not shy about knocking them gently back in line. She’s the Mother-Superior in charge.
When it’s time to launch them on their own, she refuses to supply any more food and distances herself for short periods so they can practice their own brand of independence. You never hear of them returning home to live in her basement.
After window time is up, my soft little nine-pound roomie stretches and moves to the floor. I most likely would go clunk on landing, but her tiny feet leap effortlessly through the air like a well-trained dancer to a new position.
After rounds for whatever errands she has, she returns to make the dearest little sound. I know exactly what she means. She stands on tippy-toe, over-dosing on cute, in an appeal for me to fix the plaid blanket across my lap.
Even at fourteen, her muscle command is unbelievable.
Swoop…here she is…ready for some silly nonsense words and the reassurance that our routine will continue in the order to which she has become accustomed.
Aren’t humans like that? We have favorite pillows, snacks, and end-of-the-day habits before it’s time to settle down.
“You’ve been such a good girl today,” I coo. She purrs softly. Maybe she’s telling me I did okay as well.
In a while, after her short pre-sleep nap, I test her one more time to prove that she absolutely knows a few English words.
I say the obligatory, “Time to go night-night.”
She dashes down the hall and turns right. In one more graceful grand jeté (horizontal leap, in ballet) she settles down near the foot of the bed, on the warm electric blanket.
She sleeps all night until her internal breakfast bell rings. A loud meow-alarm catapults me into action.
The sun is up, so we begin the next dance to learn this and that from one another in two-part harmony.
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Proverbs 12:10 (NLT)
The godly care for their animals but the wicked are always cruel.
Psalm 36:6 (NLT)
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord
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