Monday 23 April 2012

Am I Going Soft?

I’m not really a domestic pet person.  Not for myself that is.  Apart from anything else my lifestyle makes it a completely impractical option.

I used to have a cat. I inherited him.  I called him BP:  stood for Big Puss.  I never have been able to recall what his proper name was.  I loved him dearly though.

He loved to be in the room where I was.  That was usually only a problem if he was in the kitchen where, if I was cooking, he would curl up in the middle of the floor when I wasn’t looking.  Invariably when I turned round I stood on him.  It never stopped him doing it.  There were rules though.  He was not allowed in the bedroom.  He would sit at the door but never come over the threshold.

The Family were at The Cottage for dinner last Thursday before I went to Mahunga (Mahia) for the weekend.  When the Family come down the dog, Misty, and the cat, Comet, invariably come too.

When I came to go to bed there was Comet on my bed and settled in for the night.  All commands to leave were met by a slightly contemptuous and very slight opening of one eye.  

Comet
I must have been in an extraordinarily mellow mood that evening because I decided, as she wasn’t on my side of the bed, she could just stay there.  Next morning after going out for a while she returned and settled down on the couch for yet another sleep.  She was most indignant when, on leaving for my weekend away, she was ejected.

I must be going really soft!

21 comments:

  1. Hello Graham:
    We should not have been able to resist Comet either, and certainly would not have had the heart to remove her. She reminds us so much of the two black and white cats, Cat and Pussy, who we used to have and who, even though they have been dead now for two or three years, we still greatly miss.

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    1. It came as quite a surprise to me Jane and Lance. I'm not usually that soft with animals in my bedroom.

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  2. Being allergic, I have to keep myself hard-hearted and don't allow pets in my own home. Some day when we've eventually sold the family house outside town, no doubt this will cause problems (my brother having a dog!) but for now we keep pushing the problem ahead...

    I first became aware of my allergy to cats in my teens when staying over at a friend's house and her cat insisted on spending the night in my bed curled up under my chin! I didn't mind - until in the morning I found myself all red and swollen and itching...

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    1. Allergies are most unpleasant and I sympathise Monica.

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  3. Cat (or any pet) hair in one's own bed is not greatly appreciated by everyone, and as much as I was sad when my old cat died about 5 weeks ago, I must admit it is a relief not having to clean up behind her constantly anymore. One day, I suppose, the right cat will find me and I'll live with a pet again, but for the time being, I am not making any effort towards that direction.

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    1. Sorry to hear about your cat Librarian. As you say I'm sure the right cat will find you at some point in the future.

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    2. Yes. I am always having to de-hair my sofa when she decides to have a nap.

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  4. Huh! I always knew you were a big softy underneath! If you hadn't been, the lovely Briagha would not have attached herself to you so much when you visit. She is waiting to pounce for a game as soon as you come through the gate. I bet you cannot wait!

    I remember BP with affection. He was such a large cat. I remember walking around your garden with him in my arms - a real ton weight he was too.

    See you very soon. xx

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    1. Not long now and I promise that I won't wear black lycra!!!

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  5. I'm a bit like Librarian... Am enjoying the birds for the moment, and don't want another cat just yet.

    In fact, I'm turning into a real curmudgeon. The first thing I did this morning (which I've NEVER done before) was turn the hose on the neighbour's marmalade which was sleeping peacefully under my 'birdie' tree. I think you must have 'caught' all my softness Geeb! :-)

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    1. Well, that doesn't make you a curmudgeon, rather someone who wants to make sure the birds are relatively safe in your garden :-)

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    2. Birds before cats. B before C. It's a no-brainer in my book. I'm with Meike on this one.

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  6. PS. Lovely image, by the way. The epitome of soft.

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  7. Knew you were marshmallow man.

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    1. I've never been called that before, Viv. Well not to my face!

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  8. Ahh, cats have a radar for people like you! And that one has you well and truly figured out. I'm happy to get my cat dose by cat sitting occasionally, then giving them back.

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    1. Hello Pauline, that is what I am going to do next month; my downstairs neighbours have asked me to feed their cat when they are away for a week. I'll enjoy that little task, feed Lucky, give him a cuddle (if he'll let me) and then go back upstairs.

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    2. I don't mind looking after a dog occasionally but cats are so demanding!

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  9. One place my cat does not go is my bedroom. Easily done, the door stays shut. I hate cat hair and the work they create. But she has been part of the family for years. I won't be going soft when she finally goes ~ though that could be years from now. She has a very good life.

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    1. Carol my bedroom is such an integral part of life in The Cottage that I'd feel quite claustrophobic if the door was usually closed. I'm usually quite strict with animals in the bedroom though and I must have been feeling particularly soft that day.

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