Cat Contract.
Oct. 7th, 2005 06:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
icarusIt is my understanding that upon acquiring a cat one has engendered certain responsibilities in exchange for certain attentions. I have held up my end of the bargain. The cat is:
- fed with reasonable regularity
- given a clean kitty litter box
- fondled and generally coddled
- entertained for exercise and play-time
We have even gone above and beyond the call of duty with:
- two carpeted cat-trees (one five-foot and one seven-foot) for, yes, one cat
- numerous catnip toys, bells, balls and baubles
- a regular supply of the much-relished wheat grass
- an array of carboard boxes and paper bags
- special cat treats, dried shrimp in particular
- cat-shaped toy companions for wrestling
- the regular sampling (sniffing, licking) of human food
- occasional leniency regarding the "no cats on coffee table" clause
The cat's end of this bargain is simple: he is a pet, therefore must be available for petting.
While our cat has maintained his petting responsibilities with regards to us, he seems to be under the impression that our friends -- namely![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
wildernessguru's buddy The Puppy -- are exempt. Whenever The Puppy reaches out a hand, the aforementioned cat cries as if being tormented and, if pressed, flicks his tail in preparation to bite. But his contract clearly states that petting is to be provided for all and sundry (The Puppy being sundry).
Now the chastened (and hurt) Puppy is on his way home to his girlfriend. Said cat is stretched out happily on the couch, satisfied that he has evaded his responsibilities during yet another visit.
My case is pending before the Cat Magistrate, and until then, kitty gets no treats.
- fed with reasonable regularity
- given a clean kitty litter box
- fondled and generally coddled
- entertained for exercise and play-time
We have even gone above and beyond the call of duty with:
- two carpeted cat-trees (one five-foot and one seven-foot) for, yes, one cat
- numerous catnip toys, bells, balls and baubles
- a regular supply of the much-relished wheat grass
- an array of carboard boxes and paper bags
- special cat treats, dried shrimp in particular
- cat-shaped toy companions for wrestling
- the regular sampling (sniffing, licking) of human food
- occasional leniency regarding the "no cats on coffee table" clause
The cat's end of this bargain is simple: he is a pet, therefore must be available for petting.
While our cat has maintained his petting responsibilities with regards to us, he seems to be under the impression that our friends -- namely
wildernessguru's buddy The Puppy -- are exempt. Whenever The Puppy reaches out a hand, the aforementioned cat cries as if being tormented and, if pressed, flicks his tail in preparation to bite. But his contract clearly states that petting is to be provided for all and sundry (The Puppy being sundry). Now the chastened (and hurt) Puppy is on his way home to his girlfriend. Said cat is stretched out happily on the couch, satisfied that he has evaded his responsibilities during yet another visit.
My case is pending before the Cat Magistrate, and until then, kitty gets no treats.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-10-08 03:31 am (UTC)Icarus
no subject
Date: 2005-10-08 03:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-08 04:05 am (UTC)He yowls like he's in pain when The Puppy even reaches in his direction. This morning Monte hovered by the faucet in the bathroom (as he will when he wants water) and when The Puppy reached over just to turn on the faucet for him, Monte gave a warning yowl.
Our friend loves cats and is really hurt by the consistent and melodramatic rejection.
I know you're being playful in response to a playful post but enough's enough: I was joking about a real problem. Monte doesn't act this way with anyone but The Puppy, who is
Icarus
no subject
Date: 2005-10-08 04:12 am (UTC)I saw that you said that Monte is content to sit on The Puppy when The Puppy is snoozing and/or relaxed. Is this the only time that Monte will come to him?
Cat's are funny creatures at the best of times and as an owner of a really skittish cat, I feel for him (and for you).
no subject
Date: 2005-10-08 04:35 am (UTC)Yep. But he seems to be doing it less and less. From my perspective the two of them are solidifying into a silent mutual dislike.
If The Puppy would look at this situation from Monte's point of view, the disruption to his life and usual attention from WG, he might radiate enough understanding for Monte to warm up to him when The Puppy is calmer.
Unfortunately, The Puppy thinks Monte is a spoiled little shit.
The "spoiled" part is definitely accurate. WG lets Monte get away with shit I've never allowed my cats to pull. Being pretty spoiled has caused Monte to be a bit brittle when it comes to getting his way and being the centre of attention. Not much I can do about WG's choices in Monte's upbringing I'm afraid.
Icarus