Cats are at their best when simply being themselves
Guide's Note: Although this feature attempts to give cats human-like attributes, as we humans are prone to do, please read it with a grain of salt. We all know that cats are at their very best when they are being themselves: wonderful, furry individuals, mysterious, elusive, and ever-changing. Here then are examples of proof that cats are sentient beings, surely as smart as humans, while retaining their catlike superiority:
Cats reason and scheme.
Several years ago, we had two cats rescued from the local shelter, named Tiger and Figero. One evening, Hubby (heretofore to be known as "Asa") and Tiger were enjoying a little after-dinner reparteé; as they watched television, Tiger was curled up on Hub's lap, blissfully enjoying a little ear-scratching. Figero watched this scene sulkily for a few moments, her turned-back ears and lashing tail signalling her annoyance. Finally, she visably relaxed and gave a provocative little cry, a sort of "chirrup". Tiger's ears perked (he was always game for a little play), and Figero (the hussy),winked and "chirirupped" again.
In a flash, Tiger was off Hub's lap, racing to the bait. They nearly collided mid-path, as Figuero raced past him toward the prize, thelap.
In those days, Asa and I had not yet learned to respect our cats' dignity, and our raucous laughter laid back the ears of a very embarrassed Tiger, as he washed in an effort to compose himself. Figuero, the vixen, just smiled and purred, as she enjoyed the comfort of the lap.
A few conclusions are apparent from this small vignette:
- Figuero expressed emotion: Jealousy.
- Figuero demonstrated reasoning: She knew the lap would hold only *one* cat.
- Figuero schemed to trick Tiger off Asa's lap, and successfully carried it through.
- Tiger was extremely embarrassed by the entire episode.
- Tiger learned from this lesson: The next time Figero pulled this trick he ignored her.
Cats seek revenge.
When I was a teenager, our home was enriched by the presence of a gray-striped Manx, Bobby. My step-father, Bud, a Texan, was a "dog" man and had not much use for cats. However,Bobby, with his strong hind-quarters, masculine build and independent air, won Bud over quickly,and Bobby became the "family dog".
Mom and Bud were avid hunters and fisher-people. They took Bobby along with them on short trips, tying a long rope to his harness and staking him in camp. Bobby loved these trips, andenthusiastically joined in when a new one was afoot.
The day came when a three-week hunting trip in the wilds of Idaho precluded taking Bobby along. The Manx followed them back and forth from house to station wagon, eagerly watching the packing of guns and fishing rods. His whiskers twitched and tail quivered with anticipation. They had made arrangements for a neighbor to come in and feed Bobby in their absence and he had a "cat door", so they felt safe in leaving him. They petted Bobby, said "Goodbye" and left. (I was at summer camp and can only repeat the following as hearsay from my Mother):
They returned to find the food dish overturned, poop in the middle of their bed, a dead rat in the toilet, and a dead bird and feathers strewn around the living room. Bobby was gone and never returned. I can't imagine a more eloquent and emphatic statement of anger and revenge, from one very ticked-off cat!
(Read on for more examples of Cats Being Cats.)
