Trials of a Cat Owner

I've never had a cat before. Wait, I take that back. When we were kids we had three outdoor cats; a mother cat and two of her offspring. The youngest of the three was a calico named Gypsy, who was technically my cat. In name only. Gypsy had no idea she belonged to me or anyone. I don't even think she knew I existed.

Today I have another cat, his name is Spooky. Unlike Gypsy, this cat is mine. Or perhaps, I belong to him. Not sure how all that works with cats. But he definitely knows I exist. I know this because each night, around three a.m. he likes to wake me up with a loud purr, get as close to my face as is physically possible, and drool all over me. I know he is getting too close when his whiskers go up my nose.

Sometimes I just want to sleep, and I politely toss him off the bed. But, other times I am charmed by his affection. Because he is a cat, his affection is not always available, which is one reason I tolerate his late night snuggle and drool fest.

Spooky is also fascinated with the drain in the bathroom. Whenever I take I shower I announce where I am going, and my cat faithfully follows. He then sits by the shower curtain, and watches the water run down the drain. It is either the drain he's interested in, or that cat was a guy in his last life, and he is just sneaking a peek.

I have always had an aversion to a cat's sharp little teeth. When my grandmother was a young woman she was cat sitting for a close friend. The cat decided to attack my grandmother, which included several nasty cat bites on her legs. I've heard that story for most of my life, which makes me view kitty teeth with respect.

Spooky gets playful with my mother and husband, sometimes giving them gentle bites. Once he bit my sister, when she, a cat lover, foolishly petted Spooky's plump underbelly. My cat is sensitive about his protruding belly, and obviously did not appreciate the attention. He didn't bite hard, but it was a good pinch. He has also given my future son-in-law and daughter-in-law nips. Nothing serious, but a warning that they were getting too forward.

So far, Spooky has kept his teeth to himself, when it comes to me. It is as if he knows our special bond will be broken should he use those teeth on me. Of course, I leave his belly alone, never rough house with him, and keep a watchful eye on his little Dracula fangs.