When 'the parent's' away

While I type away, the smell of pumpkin muffins is heading up the stairs. Yep...I baked them again. 

We can't seem to get enough of these 'little cakes' as my grand-daughter, Riley calls them. Better freeze some for her, too. They have been added to my list of 'comfort foods'. 
The cats are entertained as the fire-wood is being stacked outside the window. They know that is where their comfort lies. It will sooth those old bones and just maybe there will be some heat left over for us.

                     A light-hearted look at cat-sitting.

As you know, I am a cat-sitter so I care for traveller's cats.

There is always an 'introductory meeting' and a 3- page form  filled in by the owner before I am handed the house-key. I meet the cat, we usually click (not always but then I don't mind a challenge) and the owner and I discuss  the habits and needs of the cat in my care.

Now, just like kids, cats can be very different when 'the parent' is away. So when the owner tells me the following...

1. Cat NEVER jumps up on counters or tables
2. Cat always uses the scratching posts.
3. Cat loves to be brushed
4. Usually goes outside daily but will be absolutely fine inside while they travel.
5. My favorite...."Oh, she's a cinch to pill."

Not always but sometimes I take most of this with a grain of salt. I know better after 18 years of cat-sitting that the little miss predictable pussy-cat may not be any of the above for me. I'll be sized-up the second I enter the home and the wheels will turn in that little kitty brain. She's had plenty of time to think creatively on how to take advantage of the cat-sitter and the fun begins.
I start by taking a seat on the floor to face her at her level and speak kind, loving words to her. I get a look of "You're a dork" and before I am back up on my feet (which takes longer now than it used to) kitty is sitting on the counter next to the can-opener. Okay.....

Fresh water and food is lovingly dished out and she sniffs it and walks away. She would much rather go outside now so the next 20 minutes is taken up with me tackling litter-box duties and sweeping up the mile-long litter trail while she meows and taps at the patio door to magically open.

She wants **OUT!**
I feel so bad for her and scoop her up to entertain her with a grooming session. She lies on her best side as I start to stroke her luscious fur with her kitty brush. She growls and smacks my arm with her tail. "Dang."

I think I hear the words "Super dork' as she jumps from the couch onto the dining-room table where she looks suspiciously right at home.

I'm starting to feel unappreciated but I'm no quitter. I carry her down and give her the daily number of treats written down on the form.  She devours them and then gives me a soft *mew* for more.  I'm a push-over (and she has already figured that out) so one more. I wait, when she's done I pick her up and give her a hug. Deep down, I hear the purr that she just can't confine. Just what I needed. So far, so good.

Tomorrow will be even better. =^..^=

hugs, Deb