There are obvious differences between cats and dogs. Volumes have been written about those differences. People have been labeled either "dog people" or "cat people." For years I was strictly a "dog person" mainly because I did not have a cat. Now that I do, I can safely say I am neither. I think both species are crazy.
I am not an expert, but here are some of my observations about dogs and cats:
Dogs -
Will eat anything and everything. Case in point. When Jack was a puppy, unbeknownst to me, he was surreptitiously gnawing on my dining room furniture. When I discovered the damage one day, I nearly fainted and had to sit down on the floor to recover.
Then, while I was visiting family, Andy was left to care for both Jack and Rooney plus one cat. He did not hear Rooney munching away on what turned out to be a book light. Through x-rays, our vet solved the mystery. That turned out to be a very expensive light, let me assure you.
 |
| An astute vet tech took a look at all the pieces and determined Rooney had chewed up and swallowed a light just like this one. |
Currently, there are about twelve different types of cat food in the pantry. On any given day, one or all five will either like or despise whatever I serve up. I can never assume to find the ideal cat food. They have very discerning palates, but seem to find lizards a delicacy. Lizards can be hazardous to their health and watching them torture one is definitely hazardous to my psyche. However, I can say with certainty that if some manufacturer canned lizards and I served them up, they would turn up their cute little noses and look at me like I'm an idiot for serving up such trash.
Dogs -
Will love you unconditionally. Sadly, a dog will lick the hand that has abused it. I would never in a million years abuse anything, but they act like I have if I point out some infraction. Last week, Jack nearly went through the dining room window when a dog walked past the house. What sounded like two sonic booms were actually his body slams against the window. When I ran in to see what on Earth was happening, he knew he had gone a tad overboard. While I stood there asking him what the hell he was thinking, he moved his mouth like he was trying to talk. And he shuffled side to side like a little kid caught in the act. Jack punishes himself harder than I ever could. And then he really wants my forgiveness.
Rooney, on the other hand, acts like everything is her fault, and she literally does nothing wrong. Well, she does feign deafness if she doesn't want to come in from outside.
 |
| Did I do something wrong? I'm so sorry! |
Could not care less if they have done something to piss you off. As a matter of fact, if it upsets you, they will most likely do it again, so they can watch you pitch another fit. Take Eli. Our Eli is a mess. He is a grumpy, no-nonsense guy who must have his way. He is the one who screams, "Hull-ooOo?" at the top of his lungs every morning outside the bedroom door. He is also the one who knows how to open the porch door, releasing his brothers to the outdoors whether we want them there or not. I gave up telling him "no" years ago.
Then there's Chance. He knows I can't stand it when he pees outside of the litter box, but he does it anyway. If I protest, he just sits there blinking at me or calmly lifts his back leg to slowly groom it; never taking his eyes off mine. I can read his mind, "What's the big deal? Just clean it up. How do you expect me to use a box somebody else pooped in? That's disgusting." Then, he will give me the cold shoulder for being upset with him.
 |
| Don't even think about telling me what to do. |
Pretty much follow your schedule. They rise when you do and go to bed when you say it's time. They eat when you decide it's dinnertime and are fairly predictable when it comes to potty breaks.
Cats -
Seem to come alive precisely when you're nearly dead. They are early risers and must be fed as soon as they see you waddle zombie-like into the kitchen. A cat does not appreciate your need for coffee and will do everything to make your life miserable until you have met their desires.
They also become very active at bedtime. While you are trying desperately to go to bed, they demand a nighttime feeding or playtime. The last thing I want to do at midnight is play with a fishing pole toy, but if that is what a cat wants, by gum, you'd better come through.
And, no matter when they've eaten, a cat will decide to drop a smelly poop just when you are settled down, watching a good movie. I know they secretly giggle when they hear, "Oh no! Gross!! Turn on the fan!! For the love of God, do something!"
 |
| It is not bedtime! We're not tired! |
Don't get me wrong, I love my fur kids. They have provided me with lots of inspiration for my writing. You can love something that drives you batty - after all, I raised two kids. I just wish that once, we could all be on the same page. But that wouldn't be funny at all, now would it.
No comments:
Post a Comment