Category: Lessons from My Kitties

I have a bedtime ritual with my cats: when I’m ready to close down, I offer them treats – to get them out of my room for the night. Zoey can’t be bothered: she doesn’t like “treats” and my command is enough. But Hunter is all about a bedtime snack. He typically gets his on…

Hunter and Zoey needed their teeth cleaned. This means fasting, vets and anesthesia. How do you tell a cat that these unpleasant things are necessary? All they know is: * They are hungry but have no food* They are forced into hated carriers* They are loaded into the car* They are handed over to strangers*…

This may be a difficult week: the cats are going to the vet. My cats are 18+ pounds, hate the carrier and can-and will – inflict serious damage on anyone who tries to put them in a one. Once in, Hunter but won’t get out … or back in. Then, when we get back home,…

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes. Luke 18:1 Living Bible ********** Right after Christmas my cat, Hunter, began crying outside my bedroom door at 5:30 every morning. No matter how often I mumble,…

It is our practice to give Hunter 5 or 6 cat “treats” as a way to entice him out of my room at bedtime. Recently though, we noticed that Hunter was reluctant to head for the “eating place” where his treats awaited him. Even coaxing wasn’t working. We started to worry about his health. Then…

Fur, bewhiskered, liquid eyes,Vibrant purr on silent feet.Angel in feline disguise,Upon my lap she takes her seat. Though full of independent grace,Her pleasure is to be with me.Looking up to seek my face, Before she curls herself for sleep. I wrote that poem years ago for a writing seminar. The cat was Missy. Now I…

“Hisssss! Growl! Mrowrowrow! MROWROWROWROW!” Hunter was furious and wanted everyone to know it. Despite pre-visit medication, Hunter came home from the vet “loaded for bear.” And he believed Zoey, who had been to the vet too, was responsible. So he attacked her. And Zoey, no fool, ran away. I’m no fool, either. I set up…

Our cats were mostly indoor-cats, but we did let them out in our fenced, escape-proofed yard with collars, tags and a human in attendance. This was good for me: it got me out of the house.  But I wondered: what trouble could the cats get into in such a protected place?  Do I really need…

The cats love winter weather: water trickles in the bathroom! Water that’s alive, fresh and very cold. They take turns lapping from tub or sink. Except, of course, at night, when my door is closed. So, early in the morning they scratch and call at the door. When I open it, they take a hard…

(From my journal dated 8 7 2002) Missy tried to get over the fence again yesterday. Frustrated, I complained, “Lord, why does she have to do this? Why can’t she be happy with all she has?” He answered, “Why can’t you?” It’s true. “The lines have fallen to me in a pleasant place.” (Psalm 16:6a…