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New Year’s Resolution – Cats I’ve never had just one cat. All my life I’ve had multiple cats, up to 4 at a time. But, with the passing of Spice this last year I am left with only Tuli. And, because Tuli is a “mere” twelve-years-old, and since my cats tend to live well into their late teens and early twenties, I can see Tuli as being an only cat for many, many, years. I don’t plan on getting Tuli another cat as a playmate. I think she really relishes being an only cat. She deserves to be happy and I won’t burden her at her age with a competitor for lap time. Some cats really enjoy the company of other cats and some do not. Some, like Tuli, act as if there are no other cats in the house even if surrounded by them. It’s been her game-plan since she arrived on the ranch as a pregnant, feral youngster 12 years ago. The resident cats accepted her because she never challenged them. I have a feeling she never challenged them because, in her mind, they were never there. I don’t know if this makes her delusional, or just brilliant, but whatever, she has never acknowledged another cat in my presence and I’m not going to force her to do so now. My New Year’s resolution this time around is to spend more quality time with Tuli. This means interacting with her by playing prey-games. I have a miniature fly rod with a string and piece of rolled up tissue paper tied to it. Tuli sits in my chair and I drag that string over her, around her, and past her and she tries to grab it and run. It’s a game she absolutely loves. It’s a fun, easy, game to play and I encourage anyone with a cat – any age cat – to play it. But, word of caution: If you devote time to your cat at the same hour everyday be prepared for an unhappy cat if you find yourself unable to perform at the usual time. Cat’s are creatures of habit. If you set up a routine with them and are consistent, you’ll be rewarded with a happy cat. But, the first time you miss the deadline, you’ll be sorry. When cats are displeased, they miss the litter box, shred furniture, knock things off shelves. Or, as Tuli has shown me, they steal paper clips off of your desk and scatter your papers. As Tuli has made abundantly clear, I do lack in certain areas of her care. It is something I’m trying to rectify with this resolution but I know I am sometimes not in control of my schedule. So, be creative and do play with your cat. But try not to be predictable. Do not set your cat up for disappointment. In the long run, you’ll be doing your cat and yourself, a favor. |
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