A Cat’s Tale

I haven’t always been a cat person. I think of it more as an animal person. A lover of all things animal. In recent years, tho, the Feline Revolution around me has wielded its mighty paw – I am surrounded and outnumbered.

I’m hard pressed to think of a time I didn’t want to be in the company of animals, or most of them, anyway. My mom was born on a ranch; immersed in raw country and its wildlife, and was the same.  Her influential spirit and DNA likely seeded the animal appreciation in me. She was, however, very allergic to cats.  And, so, growing up in our home, we had dogs.

It felt right to consider myself a dog person for that, I’m sure, but also how easy they are to relate to. Their loyalty, affection, and playful bonding is a magnetic charge to my heart. Cats had my interest and appreciation – beautiful, sassy, clever (mostly) and enormously independent – but they had rules, that changed with the wind and which, in their sly manipulation, automatically vetted their roster of followers. Cat allegiance required me (and all candidates) to step into and comply with the doctrines of their world, because, well, that’s just the way it is.  For cats. You know: Dogs come when you call; cats take a message. Yeah. Loving them was easy.  Understanding them required a translator.

Until I finally got owned by one.

The first cat claimed me when I was in college, sharing the home with a dog. It was pretty much like that for the next few decades. Dogs and cats together, along with a spattering of humans. (We’ll save the discussion about the horses, and chickens, and rabbits for another day…)  In recent years, it has settled into just me with the feline royalty having no competition for the sofa, the bed, the treats, the generous affections demanded, or any other divine wish they may have. A sultan’s delight of indoor living. These two leaders (Olivia and Urie) own this domain, twirling their wands of adventure and privilege freely within its castle walls, doors, and windows.  They do not suffer, I assure you.

Beyond the walls, doors, and windows, tho, have flocked three stray feline adventurers to this apparent cat mecca.    In contrast to the indoor royals of calico and tawny orange, these interloping newbies bring fresh flavor and charm (as if we needed it??) with varying tones of gray in their coats but certainly not their personalities.

They converged within a few weeks of each other, laying claim to the perimeter as mighty sentries (sort of, I mean, in signature aloof -hey, dude-what’s-for-dinner kinda way).  Their cool presence did not slip by the resident indoor CEO/HRH team, especially as I and my heart were reeled into the snare of the handsome, hungry traps beyond the door.  Indeed, its unfolding warranted a certain territorial dynamic of diplomacy – Olivia and Urie flaunting the comfort of air conditioning before the windows in enviously impossible yoga poses (and baths) on fluffy, soft cat cushions, while beyond the glass the three musketeers tease of their wall-less, squirrel-rich freedom. They know a good thing when they find it, all of them, and make happy lives around the services I am clearly here to provide.

(I will add that all three of these musketeers have joined the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) club, warranting the end of the line in reproductive contributions – and fewer scuffles – by their handiwork and hormones.)

In time, they will all have their showcase here in these stories. Today, however, I introduce Aries – mighty warrior of the heart (and neighborhood). He’s chatty, bold, affectionate, smart, and totally has my number – offering the covets of enlightenment to us mere mortals by his spirited laissez faire teachings.  If, by chance, your good fortune brings you to his company, no bowing or groveling is needed.  A humble and generous petting to his head and ears, tho – along with some fresh tuna – could change your life.