Oldest Cat Trick

2010-01-25T13:16:00.000-08:00

The attention span of cats is noteworthy. They can focus intently for what seems to be minutes on end without even blinking (it seems). This is remarkable to me. And... they never rush when they are just viewing their surroundings. They will slowly, deliberately pan from one item to the next that catches their (eye or ) interest, which usually doesn't take much. So they look (at something) and really focus on it and then just as easily, pan to the next item. This could go on for hours. That is a cat's life.
Do you suppose cats focus on their breathing when they are engaged in this intense observation process? Or do they like us, just rely on the autonomous system to handle the breathing. Perhaps their breathing is naturally synchronized to their body speed, that is, fast moving cat means fast breathing. And it follows; cat at rest - breathing is restful. Wow, that describes cat breathing pretty good - restful!
That's my point this time, when doing nothing else, spend just a little time thinking about breathing restfully. Appreciate your breathing and relax.

Nicknamed: The Clark Bar.

2009-12-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Clark, of our brother cats, his other brother being Otis, is a creature of habit. Every day as I sit for my second cup of coffee he will always make his way onto the dining room table and park in front of me. But, not before successfully getting my attention, gently at first, however, if necessary headbutting me to do so.

Seconds after being acknowledged by me stroking him down his sides, first one way and then repeatedly stroking him back length ways with the grain, returning his fur to more presentable cat liking. Frequently, he will close his eyes. He knows such petting is not a visual pleasure, but is a sensual one. When cats need attention, they know how to get it. Simple, find someone to give it and get it from them. It's not complicated to a cat! They don't care if that some one is a stranger. If they can get what they need, it doesn't matter.

Then, for most of the remainder of the day he is absent. Unless his mood is such and he finds me at the table again. He will come by just to say hello, seeing if I am willing to give away some attention, to him. It seems most of this unaccounted time is likely spent napping. He has his favorite perch on the cat credenza. Naps come easily there. He uses that spot to his advantage for both its comfort and its isolation from the normal foot traffic which certainly would interrupt his otherwise peaceful naps.

Then later, in mid-evening as I am watching TV, he doesn't have any particular favorite shows nor does he dislike my tastes for sports (hockey and football) and repeats of action features, he will come again and park in the prone position right up my midsection, where he does the big-feet for a while as his purr develops to full strength. And I don't mind at all, he's as warm as toast and doesn't leave any crumbs.

Clark is a happy cat. I like to think that my wife and I are partly responsible for that. He sure makes it easy for us to love him. He probably doesn't know how lucky he has it being with us, or maybe he does. Life is good ... Do like Clark does ... Take it Easy!

Cats maintain their calm, no matter what!

2009-10-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

In the middle of a world that has always been a bit mad, the cat walks with confidence. - Rosanne Amberson

I don't know about the world being a bit mad, but the cat walking with confidence part is pretty obvious, even to an unskilled eye. They just never hurry, unless quickness is in their plan from the beginning. The normal cat walk is always casual and unhurried. They walk slow and deliberate, taking in their surroundings and listening for small sounds. Sounds that indicate something they might have to investigate further. This is confidence and alertness. They do not anticipate, they just react. But, in most cases, they are not surprised by something, unless it is loud and/or sudden. The rest of the time they have either visually or with their hearing, tagged possible disturbances to their otherwise peaceful walk. Cats will react without hesitation, usually taking caution as the highest priority. Their safety is most important. A cat motto might be: "It's better to run and live for another day" (than to fight and lose this one!).

Cats walk as if they had all the time in the world. Maybe they do. Maybe we do too! It's like that old TV commercial (airlines) where they advised people to : Walk through airports! That is great advise anytime, anywhere. Who knew? Cats did, that's who.

The Cat Mirror

2009-08-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a quote by Winifred Carriere about cats: 'The cat is the mirror of his humans mind, personality and attitude, just as a dog mirrors his humans physical appearance.'

We have four cats in our household, so we have mirrors all over the house! Our three guys (and one gal) each have their own personality and attitude, quite independent from us, though. The eldest of the troupe, 'Ms. P' (short for Ms. Parker, from the TV Pretender series) has by far the most attitude of the group. She tolerates, but very little. She is very space conscious, especially her space! If her mood so suits her, she will growl and take a swipe at any of the other cats who stray either inadvertently or accidentally into her space, where her space is at that time. She takes no guff from anyone, including us. When she has had enough, its enough. Stop now or risk the consequences.

The next two in line, are the brothers, Otis and Clark. From the same litter of orange Tabbys, Clark got the classic tabby circle on his deep orange side and Otis, a kind of light orange, almost yellow did not. They are as different as night and day. Clark was playful as a kitten and has not lost a bit of his talent as he grows. His most spectacular stunt we call the wall trick, which he uses to show off, I think. Or, maybe its just happiness welling up inside him that finally just erupts in cat creativity! He starts by just standing near a kitchen wall and looking up the wall (maybe he is picking out a target spot). Then he suddenly jumps up the wall, tags it with his front feet, pivots and comes back down to the floor. Then of course, in true cat fashion, walks away as if nothing in the world happened.... but he knows ... yup, still got it!

Otis on the other hand, has no repertoire of unusual cat skills. His chief skill is that of sheer speed and invisibility. If we have guests over to the house, Otis is invisible. We tell them that we really have four cats, but can not prove it. Otis will not be seen. He is just too nervous. He is likely to become our oldest cat because he is very cautious. And as for speed, he outruns danger. If we are sitting, say watching TV or some relatively quiet activity, then start to sneeze, Otis (and Clark) have left the room before you get to the 'Cha' in the Achoo. Otis' main defense is his speed. He can easily outrun the rest of them. And because he is so slight (compared to the others), he can run much farther than the can. He easily does two laps around (inside) the house without trouble. He just tires them out.

Tucker is the latest in our gang of cats. He's got attitude. He bites. Since he was little, you can hold him for a while, but then he gets bored or something and bites. So you drop the little bundle of joy to the floor. He wins. He attacks the brothers and gets his bites in. But not Miss P. She outweighs him greatly and simply does not tolerate his attempts to engage. But he is not deterred. He tries to engage her, though to this date has not had any success.

So do cats mirror their guardians? Maybe, maybe not. Cats are cats after all. That will not change, nor should. We are who we are. We just need to keep discovering what that is. If cats are indeed mirrors of us, then it behooves us to use that mirror whenever we can. Some of the things we see might surprise us, but that's OK. It would be a rather dull place with no surprises!

Do cats think?

2009-07-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me if I thought cats think. Undoubtedly, they do. They must! It is quite unprovable though, until we become clever enough to communicate with them. And at that point we will simply ask and they will answer.... (probably in valleyese.. Duh!) But I have no doubt that they do. Simply watch one for a while, it spends most of its time observing and if something falls into its domain of doable practices (the complete list of learned behaviors). Whatever provokes it to action though, has to be above the threshold of activation. If whatever it is does not exceed the threshold, the cat will simply remain forever in observation mode. And could as easily, relax completely into nap mode!

But of course, cats have feelings too. All sentient beings have feelings. And so if logic and logical extension are trustworthy or even applies to cats, then what I believe is that if thought leads to feeling... then by some reverse logic, if cats feel, then they must also think (have thoughts). Now I am not a master logician, the logic used here seems viable. A leads to B, so if B is present, then we might assume that an A is involved. The problem here of course is the initial assumption, thought leads to feeling. This falls into the 'might be unprovable' category. But in this mysterious world we live in, I have to take my proof of it (thought leads to feelings) by the venerable Occum's razor proof (when all other proofs fail, use the simplest explanation.) I believe that feelings are the result of thought. You sometimes have to think about something for a long time before it becomes a feeling in you. I also believe that there are only two ways to learn; first through modeling (or by example) and the second way is experimentation (by doing, failing or succeeding and mentally retaining the result for the future.) So, you try something, possibly fail the first time. Try again, maybe a little better result and again and again. Each time mentally saving the 'result' for future reference. Then finally, you think again about doing that something and voila! You have a feeling about it! Now, let's think about cats again. Yes, cats repeat things, just like we do. They should, like us, develop feelings about things and also think about them!

Cats never suffer from poor self image.

2009-06-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that cats are very space conscious. If they see a space that would otherwise be empty and they believe that they could fill it, why, of course, they do (fill it!). They seem to know what is required at any given moment. Well, at least they act like they know.

Now to be sure, cats do get confused. But they disguise it well. Confusion in cats is only temporary. Now I'm talking the normal, non-sedated variety. If, of course, you administer drugs in any shape or fashion to a cat, then their mental state is compromised greatly. Their otherwise exquisite balance is completely gone and they should be watched closely to prevent them from harming themselves. For the most part, cats act as if everything they did, every action was well planned, even orchestrated in advance. Even if you surprise a cat (like with a loud noise, not recommended though), it will of course, be startled, perhaps jumping straight up. But almost immediately afterwords, and I'm talking a matter of seconds, it will continue about with its business as if it was not really that surprised. Kind of like, 'Oh, I knew that' or 'That's an old trick you played on me, please avoid doing that again and there won't be trouble.' Or, they will give you that look, you know the one - "Humans are so exasperating, but what are you going to do about them?" Probably followed by the thought that 'at least they feed us.'

Cat adoption

2009-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

'One never adopts a cat. A cat adopts you.' - Tom Bennet

We have four cats. One just showed up at our door, meowing as if we should let it in. It had just ran away from home, got scared and our house looked as good as any. So it came to the front and meowed until it got our attention and has been with us for nearly ten years. We must have seemed friendly enough, it didn't run away from us! That's sorta like adoption. Two others we picked out of a litter and later they adopted us. They grew to like us well enough to call us their guardians. Again, sorta, kinda ... adoption.

Our latest, Tucker, hasn't officially adopted us yet (as official as cats will get!), but is slowly warming to us. He's not making it easy though, his habit of biting to show interest is sometimes a little painful. But we pulled him from the brink of death about a week after birth (wild raccoons nearly ended his brief start), so we have a deep connection with him, which he frequently tries to return to us by his playful biting!

The purr-pose of cats.

2009-05-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

'Her function is to sit and be admired.' - Georgina Strickland

Cats don't have a todo list, they just do what, in their cat-world, needs to be done. Much of the time the amounts to very little at all. They just sit and observe their immediate surroundings and decide if anything presents itself to be explored further, though usually not. If they are content, there is no need to look for a problem to solve, that's not the cat way. Eat, sleep, clean, and take frequent naps, what more is there. There is always the chance a toy will need to be repositioned, but that is not necessary every day. Sometimes, toys will remain untouched for weeks at a time with no apparent cause for alarm.

Cats like to keep things simple, that's a good lesson for all. So if it seems like the world is getting more complicated and confusing, it's not. We just need to figure out simpler ways to look at that apparent complexity, and when we do, we might just be OK. The world hasn't changed, we have!

Cat Perfection

2009-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece" - Leonardo DaVinci

The point, I believe, that DaVinci is making is that by definition any size cat is worthy of praise in both its completeness and detail. All parts; its face, its fur, its behavior, all contribute to the dignity a cat deserves. The detail in the face of a cat is astounding. Individual stalks of hair (fur) arranged into patterns that would defy duplication by man. Perfectly round eyeballs, whiskers that are unique to each cat, both in number and arrangement. The ears complete with their internal lining of fur (used to screen out dust, I suppose). Muscular ears, individually controlled. One may be trained forward (in the same direction the eyes are facing) to identify objects in view and the other may be pointed in the opposite direction (and part of its attention is 'listening' to all activities not in direct view).
Maybe DaVinci started with his observations of a full sized cat and then extrapolated down to the smallest cat possible. Maybe he simply made observations of a kitten. Either way, I believe he got it right, Cats are a masterpiece.

Rule #1 - Wash

2009-04-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

All you have to remember is Rule #1: When in doubt, Wash. - Paul Gallico

Cats, when not sleeping or practicing the oldest cat trick - misdirection - are probably washing. They must awake from sleep feeling dusty or dingy because within minutes (it seems) they begin the first washing ritual of the day. Somehow the act of sleep must allow dust or dirt to settle on them unknowingly. And when they discover this feline travesty, they naturally remedy it post haste! Though not completely sure, I'm pretty certain that they clean areas where its not possible for gravity to be responsible for placing dust or anything for that matter. But to a cat, the cause of problem is purely secondary, with the primary concern being its removal. So, they quietly (most of the time) set about they business of licking until that urge disappears.

Its interesting to watch a cat go about its daily rounds. Periodically, it will just stop in mid-stride just to give a few well placed licks before it can continue. Does it 'feel' the dust on itself or just how does it know? No matter, the cat knows and that is enough.

I'll get back to you...

2009-03-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

"Dogs come when they are called; Cats take a message and get back to you." - Mary Bly

If your cat is say, casually walking by, and you call it by name, odds are that it will stop, if only momentarily, perhaps look at you, perhaps not, and then continue on it's way. This usually means there is no intention to 'get back' to you and any time soon! If they do, it will be for another reason altogether. Cats are kind-of narcissistic. If they perceive, infer, or conclude (always) the problem you are trying to explain is your problem, then obviously, it is your problem! And you bothering them with your problem is, of course, your problem. How can they make that more clear. Cats are pretty good about bringing you their problems, hence, its a one way street.

However, this aside, they are excellent listeners. They will tirelessly, give an ear. Just don't be too surprised if they simply act as if either; A)they have heard enough, or B)they weren't listening at all. When this happens, they will quickly decide that a nap (probably) is more therapeutic then offering you support. Try not to be offended, that's how they are; Easy come, easy to a nap!

Cats always ask

2009-03-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want. - Joseph Wood Krutch

And ask.. and ask.. Especially around dinner time! The asking will go on until they are answered, either in substance (food) or they have to attend to some more urgent calling. At meal time they are all to happy to lead you to wherever they last helped you find their favorites. We feed a mixture of dry and canned food, so one of our little critters, whenever he hears the sound of the can opening, must jump up onto the counter and sample the new can as if it were a wine sampling. The others swarm around your legs, escorting you both to and from the pantry, where the dry food is stored. And they always try to stick their heads into the bin. You have to watch your step, lest one misjudges his own path and jumps under your foot, not fun for either party!

But after the feeding frenzy, the whole house simmers right back down. Cats then seem to disappear. You have to go looking for them as they quickly find their favorite spot for the first of the morning naps.

Cat cleanliness

2009-03-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Cleanliness in the cat world is usually a virtue put above godliness." - Carl Van Wichten

When not sleeping, exploring or just observing, cats are both intent and content with a good self-produced tongue bathing. Starting usually at the face (using their paws as cleaning paddles by licking them first), but sometimes the other end, cats will spend hours (it seems) licking themselves, until the urge to lick subsides and they just stop. They are never hurried about this licking treatment. It takes as long as it takes! During the process, the rest of the world is simply on its own. They frequently close their eyes to more completely shut out the world and any of its visual annoyances.
It's a little bit of 'me time' and they are conscientious about this daily routine. I have, on numerous occasions, tried to calm and quiet this licking ceremony by placing my hand on their side. Unperturbed by this, they keep licking, right across my hand, as if it had suddenly just became an extension of them.
Then, as suddenly as it started, the licking episode stops and they go back to whatever it was they were doing before, probably observing, or yea, I know, sleeping!

... next week... - Furball - the size of a Buick!

Cat sincerity

2009-02-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

"If a cat loves you, its for real. A cat never pretended to like anyone." - Anne Borris

The key words here are 'never pretended' and this is so true. Cats don't know how to pretend about liking anyone or any thing. Something either agrees with them, or they move on to whatever is agreeable. They don't stand by and hope for things to change, they move on, first, always. Indecision is Not a problem for cats. Never has been. So, if purely by chance a cat takes a liking to you, then trust its real and just don't mess up!

Sleeping cats

2009-02-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

You can't look at a sleeping cat and be tense. - Jane Pauley

Our cats sleep for a minimum of eighteen hours a day, it seems. So, we get plenty of chances to see them sleeping and its true, when you look at them sleeping, tension just seems to melt away. Even when they are awake, cats are usually peacefully watching the world go by. Not pressing to get 'things' done (just make sure they are fed and they'll be happy!). A writer I know has cats pegged pretty good, he says - E.S.P.R. They Eat, Sleep, Play and then Repeat! That's pretty simple! Anyway, he says what's really happening is that cats are training us! Hmm... he might have something there. I'm waiting for his book to come out, don't know when, but I'll let you know.

Cats don't caress us.

2009-01-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

Cats don't caress us. They caress themselves, on us. - Rivars

Boy, ain't that the truth! So, when so inclined, cats will rub and rub until their hair stands on end. And you would think that it would be to get our attention. But, it is really for their own benefit, their own good feeling. Pretty sneaky, I'll say. But that's OK. They do get ones attention, anyways. And they do get themselves in a better place (I hope!). So, I say, let them rub. I'll just have to be a little careful about picking up or touching anything electronic that might be harmed by a moderate static discharge! Our cats, taking shifts of course, follow us to answer the phone. They will get right up into your face while you are trying to talk. Rubbing furiously, constantly, until you acknowledge them. Pet them a little (or lot) until they are satisfied that you have done your part to meet their need for attention (when the phone rings?). Those darn cats!

Cats like their comfort!

2009-01-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

How about this one by 'James Herriot' :
"Cats are connisseurs of comfort"

Now, that sounds like a cat I know! Wait a minute, maybe
that's like all the cats I know! But certainly, if a cat has
the choice of moving because it could or remaining quite
comfortable as it is, well, the choice for most, if not all,
is an easy one to make. Remain, and be comfortable!
Well, if I must! OK then, I must! And remain it does
and will remain until something really pressing occurs,
but it had better be important.

Welcome to the oldest cat tricks blog!

2009-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

There is an English saying : 'A cat sees through shut lids'. I believe whoever said that knew something about cats! And as we all know, cats do love their naps. So, putting these two ideas together, we should conclude that cats, though they appear to be out of it, are really collecting valuable data about the world virtually all the time!

I believe that cats have us fooled. They know secrets that they can't reveal. We must be ever vigilant about observing them and decide for ourselves what those secrets really are! We should do this! Cats are marvelous! They know things!

Each week I will add a saying to this blog, see if they 'ring true' for you, too!

©2009 John S. Dickson