[Stardate 2023]
Although having been around animals, from farm to domesticated animals, since childhood, I had not owned a pet in several years.
My introduction to William and Marcel, then led to the adoption of Maurice.
So, after experiencing the death of three pets, the most recent death and mourning being that of Marssie, we have adopted a new pair of kittens, Gilean and Rosie.
Welcome to the jungle!
At this point, I find myself engaged in a comparison of animal and human behavior, socialisation. Thinking about how humans (The masters) have become servants in our relationship with cats, for example. I, of course, how this has developed.
I have gone from thinking of the previous cats as ‘my wife’s’ and now think of the current kittens as Ours. I now think about how with Gilean and Rosie there now seem to be a shared sense of connectivity between my wife and myself.
A symbiosis of needs? Who knows? But it does feel like parental responsibilities. You did the deed? Then you own the result(s). It takes two to tango; but just 1 to ‘dance by yourself‘.
I have often been told that I ‘take life a tad too seriously. That I was born old. Perhaps.
‘This‘, Cat-Tales represents my less serious outlook on’ ‘things‘. A Pet Project©‘ It is like love bites and bee stings: both give perspectives. Cogitate on that awhile.
Meanwhile, thinking about the state of the world today, the dogs of wars are all around us. The doves of peace, love and brotherhood are being devoured. And, amidst it all there is a sense of calmness about the swirl of time’s passage – as I think about our cats.
Yes, it is a Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today). An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Vote for me and I’ll set you free. Rap on, brother, rap on. Evolution, revolution, gun control …
Cat-Tales, then, is a lighter look at Life – weighed against the frequent narratives that dwell on disappointments.
Our two adorable, endearing balls of fur show love and affection (projecting, of course). They are better indulgences than the perpetual stream of twitterers (formerly known as yappers and yakkers) who overwhelm, formerly, open and friendly ‘public spaces online. Now, I must remind myself to …. (quote) …
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself – Desiderata
And there is the realisation that cats, really, ask so little of us. So, what does your cat(s) or pet(s) do for you? What is it about your pets that is fulfilling? (I’m not talking fishes or snails in your life. Grow up!).
Some hear voices. Others speak in ‘tongues’ when the spirits or muses move them as jokers, jesters or clowns.
And, in the beginning was The Word. Or was that a Big Bang? One is a belief and the other theory. Faith or Conviction requires demonstrations of both. The difference is? If we assume that there is none, cats like children, are observers, imitators, reflectors or reflections of their environments, care-giver(s) or owner(s).
QED – The proof is in the pudding.
Observation: It is interesting to stand aside and observe that, as with humans, our relationships and interactions with domesticated animals (on the surface) are alike; and border on being the same with our off-springs or siblings.
When Willie and Massie were alive, I did not realise just how laid-back they both were. They were playful but not actively scampering or playing with each other. Now with Gilean and Rosie the dynamics between them both is something to witness and enjoy.
Since their adoption there have been so many instances where simple things laying about can draw their attention – like foil-paper or other crinkly materials, pieces of velcro strips. Store-bought toys work as well but why spend when you can just use an empty toilet-paper tube, a piece of wool. (Reuse, Recycle or Replace?)
Sure, I knew that cats can be playful and are curious. What I did not realise was just curious they can be. The little things laying around can be used to get their attention stimulate the playfulness in them. But it is their inter-play I find entertaining and interesting to observe. They are, at times, like the average exuberant children, siblings in this instance. in their behaviour.
They charge and tussle with each other, hide around corners and then ambushes the other as they go by. And they have their moments where it becomes obvious that one is pissed at the other. Rosie’s usual chirpy-purrrs becomes an aggressive snarl! Gilean then backs down. Or he growls and Rosie backs off. I have interceded just once, so far – in Rosie’s defense. Next time I may have to have ‘The Talk‘ with them. We all know, it is all fun and games until something breaks or someone gets hurt.
Kids!.
Why is there this, seemingly, natural instinct or inclination to think of human off-springs as ‘Children of’; yet we informalise that relationship by referring to our children as kids. Of course animals do not ‘Think‘. They, however, communicate. Thinking is merely a Human concept. If cats did think as we do, what are the chances that they would refer to their off-springs as Humans?
This is not a public forum. Content and views expressed here are solely my own; and meant for anyone who randomly comes across the site and waste time scrolling through. There’s no commercial motive or content involved. Literally, it is A Pet Project©.
Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved
[Year of The Cats – 2023]
Accredited Member of The International Sarcasm Society (Pin # 112856)