Cats are NOT all the same

Yesterday was an interesting day for this cat-sitter. I had 5 houses to cover, 3 of them required 2 visits daily. The snow started late in the morning and went all day. It was annoying to drive in but I didn't have to go on the back country roads. One of my new clients was notably shy so I tread softly, talked calmly and did not have eye contact for the first few minutes. Her eyes were round as saucers but she strolled up to me and sniffed my arm. I smiled at her and said "Hi". She hissed, raised her tail and stalked back into the bedroom. If she could have, she would have slammed the door. OK, then. This one will take some time so duties done, a weak and damaged "See you tomorrow, Sweetie"  and off to the next one.  This one I couldn't find. He's a regular and is always there to greet me with a purr and a rub on my leg but he was no where to be found. At first you just peek around, call their name,  look up, look down, look sideways, but then you start to worry. I looked everywhere and no cat. I decided to sit on the floor and wait. I shook the treat bag. Nothing. That should have worked. So up I got and started looking again. I noticed a closet door partially open. I called his name and looked in. Suddenly, a white head poked out from a cardboard box tucked way in the back of the closet. I got a look like "what do you want? You ruined my nap."    "Phew".

The rest of the day was quite predictable. They were all regulars and knew me well.  Once all the 'duties' are done,  feeding, cleaning dishes, litter & the odd hairball, my favorite time with them is to sit on the floor and just spend time together. Once you have won their trust, cats are so appreciative of 'bonding' time with people, that is one thing I know for sure.

Some cats prefer to be brushed than to be played with and others just love to be petted while we look at a book together.  Each cat is very unique and it takes time to get to know what they love to do most.

I know they love to be read to. The sound of your voice is very soothing and rhythmic and in no time you may notice kitty is sound asleep. Others love to be played with and the cat-dancer is the 'toy of choice' amongst my kitty clients.

Of course, they are all very vain and love to have their photos taken. Well, all but Audrey. I guess when you don't have a 'bad side' you are guaranteed to be happy with the results.

Some say cats are all alike. Au contraire! They are all individuals and very unique. I say to them, "You don't know cats."

hugs, Deb