Cat Contract.

[icarus]

It 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 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.

Comments

[raveninthewind.livejournal.com]

You know, my cat was a feral kitten from the pound, and he takes months of regular contact with visitors before he'll tolerate them even touching them. (and he "forgets" them if they haven't visited for a while.)

He doesn't like one of my friends, and it's because she is a nervous type who approaches him in an overly enthusiastic way. I keep warning her not to, but she persists, and the cat hisses at her (and has even growled). All animals will bite when afraid enough. If they are giving the signs of stress, it's not a good idea to push it. The Puppy should just back off, and eventually (maybe longer than he would like), Monte will accept him.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Monte is not a skittish or feral cat, though he is a little high-strung.

He is unusually possessive of wildernessguru, demanding attention whenever WG's attention is focused on me (because WG has spoiled him so badly kitty is even a bit disruptive during our sex life). His behaviour is that of a shy kitty, I could deal with that. I think tartanshell hit the nail on the head.

Icarus

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I mean not that of a shy kitty. *sheesh, typos...*

Icarus