We’ve heard lots about darling Thistle but, it’s time that felines were added as one of our other loves.
Do you have a mark on your door that signals to all cats
“FOOD, SHELTER & TRAINABLE STAFF”
Nemo
Most cat owners that have more than one, seem to have mostly ‘strays.’ You will hear many stories about how the cat just “showed up” one day. Perhaps you’ll be the one telling the story.
Here’s mine;
Beasley
I was working in my studio in October, on a pouring rain, cold day when 2 paws grabbed the outside window sill, then a wet cat head, with a desperate loud “meow”, rose up at the window. What could I do but rescue her? I dried her, fed her and she was ours.
“STRAY”- I think this is a total misnomer, cats are purposeful, extremely intelligent creatures and they only appear to be lost when they are really looking for the right place. They are on the hunt for a specific ambiance. You may not qualify or you may be awarded the Most Prestigious Cat World status, THE 10 STAR MARK, visible only to cats (and very few, very special dogs).
First Mark-Will you allow them to come in & eat? Some of them will want to really test your willingness, to see if you are the least bit trainable. When you find yourself bringing food OUT TO THEM, you are a good prospect. You have just received an EXCELLENT rating & a Mark on your home. Some never get over the thrill of being served “al fresco”, they will become your “outdoor cat.”
Second Mark-IF the cat decides it is willing for you to serve it inside, do you have a special place? Preferably with a place-mat on the floor so that everyone knows this is the cat schmorgesborg area. …. 2 flavors of CRUNCHIES (because you forgot what kind they liked last time & bought another flavor/brand), lots of very fresh water & a place for the ‘wet’ food. Another EXCELLENT rating & your 2nd Mark.
Tully
Third Mark- Another test is the famous “Cat Joke”. The cat stares at the ceiling & you wonder ‘whats’s up there?’ You look up, searching. You look at your cat & it’s now looking at you or some middle ground. Actually it can hardly contain itself and is saying “YES! Got’em! -high five! This is a good place to live!” During your relationship you will be tested many times. You must learn the difference between a Cat Joke, the Cat God speaking (the cat is really listening) or a giant spider rappelling down to your head. Few owners can master the difference, we all look up. Cat has a great time and is reassured you are not slipping in obedience training. If you have any sense of humor, you too will think it’s hilarious that you are so stupid.
Oreo
A black female has been showing up because of the marks on my door. She easily found the kitchen and the fabulous array of foods. It has been 9 months and the only time she lets me near her is when I take some cream out (she can read, of course) and give her some in a saucer. Then she is right there, next to me, as I squat down to pour it. I can usually sneak in a stroke or two & some chin scratches. See how she has reinforced my behavior? How can anyone think these are aloof animals? They are just always thinking. She also spends the day on a chair but leaves when I come home & then returns for dinner. The times when she does spend the night, she comes into the bedroom, paws at the blinds to wake me up so that I can let her out. It is usually around 2:30 a.m.
Cody
There is another ‘stray’ at home. He had been fixed, declawed and arrived with a loving, wonderful personality. Even the vet said he would take Cody home. Yes, you did hear the “V” word. Cody was obviously dumped for medical issues because I can’t disclose the dollars he has cost us, you might be shocked. Maybe not, been there have you?
And that is the Fourth Mark put on your Home -Willingness to spend as much as it takes for lab work, x-rays, teeth cleaning, shots, spaying, flea meds, any meds, toys & more toys. Will you get down on the floor & play longer than 20 seconds? Will you deny yourself some planned pleasure (like electricity) because of your vet bills. You will get the 4th Mark and that is why you will continue to get cats that require immediate medical care. They need it and you have the Mark.
Munchkin
The Fifth Mark- Will you rearrange your house, your love life, your daily life, not go on vacation, never be gone too long, try to anticipate their every need and fall asleep with that purring sound in your ear?. You get the 5th mark. It’s like being awarded a Michelin 5 Star rating.
Sixth Mark-Sleeping accommodations are vital to a cat. They must keep an eye out, like looking over the Serengeti, so it’s got to be high. Forget the cat beds you bought, they will only use them when you are out of the house. It has to be the sofa, better yet, the BACK of the sofa or the dinning room table, no matter what you say. You cannot fight this. Your cat is not a dog who will sleep on the ground. An especially favored spot is your front, while you are napping, because it shows true camaraderie with your leader. Your cat MUST sleep with you. They want to make sure you don’t dissappear before breakfast and are so happy that you have finally settled down in bed. They might be on you head because they can SEE that the head goes on the pillow & they can’t help it that their body is shorter than yours. Cody can’t wait for me to get into bed, I lay on my side and read for a while. He actually jumps up on my side, puts his head on my shoulder, purrs very loudly & stares at me lovingly. It seems to be the highlight of his day! Who can resist that kind of companionship?
Food (a MAJOR Mark after they have adopted you as staff and your common failings), Toys & Play, Special Places, Training you how to pet, the
Elf
Things they have made us do for them, there are really at least 10 more “Marks.”
Here is an example; Mickey LOVES to ride in the car. This was not an easy thing to interpret, as you can imagine, but his staff finally caught on. His staff has a real full time job though to Mickey it’s just time away from serving him. So his custodian takes him for a ride everyday. Sometimes it’s just around the neighborhood, though he would prefer a longer ride. He sits in either the backseat & looks out the window or on the dashboard. This attitude gets her a special Mark on her door. She now has 3 strays.
Please share what you do for your cats. Have any special Marks on your home?
