Cats

I must admit that one of the rather selfish reasons that I decided to add cats to the house this year was a reaction to last summer when between DS1 practically living at his girlfriend’s, DS2 on his trip, and SP out of town for almost 2 weeks in China on business, I was totally alone in the house for the longest time span ever. Now, for those who love to stereotype only children, I know you are thinking that I would love that time alone. And I do love and need small chunks of it, sure. But I have also reached an age when I have been Not Alone longer than I was an only child at home. I’ve been a mom for almost 22 years. So I long ago moved past the totally self centered only child mentality. Those 10 days of coming home to a completely quiet house gave me a glimpse of the empty nest. This year, I have the cats. And let me tell you, they are doing a fine job! Sure, DS1 is home and SP is not traveling, but still it is awesome to have them. A few notes from this weekend:

Chip is really developing his personality. Since being fixed he is much more affectionate and playful, though still tentative and sensitive to noises. No more ‘spraying’ at all! He is now the first one in my bed to wake me up each morning and seems to just *need* cuddles first thing every morning. Oddly though, he does not respond to catnip at all! No interest.

Amber though – man, it she fun to get on the catnip! Saturday since she was so good about being brushed, I treated her to some catnip fun after dinner and she is a hoot. Rolls around in it, attacks any toy that comes in contact with it, then flops down in exhaustion when she is done.

Another way to amuse yourself and your cats – put a couple of ice cubes in their water bowl and just watch: Bat at the ice cube in the water to make it move – oh, but that is wet! – oh, but the moving thing, must paw at it – oh, but it’s wet! ew ew, shake paw, step back – oh, but the moving thing….. ;->

I remember when many of my mom friend’s would talk about never being ever to use the bathroom in peace or alone while their kids were under about age 4. I never had that problem with my boys, so I would nod in sympathy, but then be very thankful that I didn’t have that issue! Hah. Payback is happening. The cats sit on the other side of the door and talk and slide their paws under the door – unless they get in ahead of me that is. Last night as I was shutting down everything downstairs, they ran ahead and were positioned in my shower! I was too tired to shoo them out. Chip hung back in the shower, but Amber had to be poised right on the edge and paid close attention to everything – lovely. I can totally picture her being one of those cats who flushes the toilet for her own amusement. I am actually surprised that she has not yet figured out how to open the doors around the house on her own yet since they are all those long push down handles. Maybe I should just shut up now ;->