Saturday, June 7, 2008

My Favorite (and Least Favorite) Things

Every cat has her preferences. Some cats find great joy in unrolling all your toilet paper. Some think that the perfect spot to nap is right on your face. And others are entertained by watching you search for some missing item which they have stealthily hidden under the bed. Well, I am none of these cats. But I've got my own quirks!

Things I Like:
  • Love, love, love. All you need is love - that could be my theme song. If you petted me 24/7 I don't think that would be enough. If you're busy and forget to give me some attention, I'll just sit at your feet and stare at you adoringly.
  • Pant legs. To you, it's just a piece of fabric. To me, it's fast-moving prey! So don't be surprised to find me wrapped around your ankle in my efforts to keep it from escaping.
  • Good conversation. I'm a talker. This does not mean that I'll keep you up all night with incessant meowing. It means that I have lots to tell you - such as "Good morning, I've come to join you in the bathroom!" or "Oh no, I've fallen over and can only be revived by petting!" I like to deliver these important messages in the most comical manner possible, usually involving an array of noises that you didn't even know cats could make.

Things I Don't Like:
  • The carrier. Maybe it reminds me of being abandoned on the doorstep of the shelter. Maybe I've spent too much time in a little cage. Whatever the reason, I am really terrified of that thing. I've learned to go inside it without much trouble, but I will let you know that I'm not happy about it.
--Side note: Despite being afraid of the carrier, I'm actually a great traveler. Once I'm in the car, I don't make a peep for the whole trip - even on rides of more than an hour!
  • Belly rubs. I know, I know. Here I am lying upside down, practically begging for one. But what I really want is my chin scratched. I don't know why this is not obvious.
  • Nintendo Wii. I'm sure that the Wii is lots of fun for you. However, I don't understand why you need to flail around like a crazy person while playing it. Quite frankly it freaks me out a little. So have fun with that, but don't expect me to stick around and watch.

Things I'm Not Quite Sure About:
  • Laps. I can be a lap cat, but I need a little encouragement. I probably won't come and jump in your lap. However, I will jump on the sofa or bed and snuggle up next to you. And if you put me in your lap, I will usually stay and purr contentedly. I like laps, but I'm not like some cats who seem to be magnetically attracted to them.
  • Being held. Like many cats, this depends on my mood. Sometimes I'll purr and put my paws on your arm while you walk around holding me. Other times, I just want you to put me down.
  • Kisses. I am a little wary of being kissed on the head. I try to duck out of the way sometimes. However, after being subjected to this by my foster mom on a daily basis, I am getting more used to it.
  • Being brushed. I'll tolerate brushing - I know it's important for us longhaired kitties. I'll even let you brush my stomach if you're gentle, and I'll flip over so you can get both of my sides. But after a while, I get squirmy and try to attack the brush. I guess I'd rather play than be groomed.
I could go on and on, but if you really want to see what a character I am, maybe you should come meet me!

~Chloe