Star-stuff
Posted: October 2, 2011 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: cat nail-trims, cat toys, feline body language, feline vocal communication, night-time activity in cats, pet poison safety Leave a comment »
Star, Jeannette's muse and playmate
meow (pp)
MEow (mƒ)
MEOW! (ƒƒƒ)
This is me singing when I have a case of the Midnight Crazies. It does not happen very often, I am not very vocal. Mostly, I “chirp and chatter” at birds and squirrels through the window or the screen door. My Mom, Jeannette, says, “I can tell what Star needs or wants and how she is feeling based on her eyes, tail, and body language. The most obvious is an occasional soft paw on my face in the morning. I’ve slept too late and it’s time for breakfast!”
Purring is my favorite. I cannot resist a gentle massage on my back and belly, under my chin, and squiggles around my ears. I love nestling on my Mom’s back at night, curling up in a shoebox, or cuddling on a warm blanket. Like most cats, I love to sunbathe. If I ask, I can jump into the linen closet – what fun to dig a spot amid the towels!
These are a few of my favorite things: dashing into tissue gift-paper like it is a pile of fallen leaves, play soccer with a tightly crumpled piece of paper. “Star is very vibrant. Out of the blue, she will run up and down the stairs like a miniature race-horse or trot through the living room like a pony enticing me into a game of Chase and Hide ‘n Seek.” Yes, at 10 years old, I still chase my tail, from time to time.
Jeannette says. “Star is very alert. The ultimate bug-detector. She can see what I can’t or notice a bug before I do. Star has run of the house. She can go anywhere, except the utility room, which is not cat-safe.” From time to time, I will leap on top of my Cat-Tree, the Grandfather clock, or the kitchen cupboards. I have habitual hiding places to nap and secret spots even Mom does not know where I am – this drives Mom crazy! I have mastered the Art of Invisibility.
Overall, I have a very easy-going temperament. “She is very relaxed around people, but prefers to come to you. If you’re lucky like I am, she will make figure eights through your legs, circle you like a friendly shark, and make herself comfortable near me.” Jeannette says, “Star has never hissed, swatted, or arched her back. Not even at the Vet.” Mom knows when and how to set the mood for nail-trims, a very important part of my beauty treatment. If you mention declawing, Mom whirls into a fury and will give you a lecture you will never forget!
Mom is the best Mom. I am the best cat. I always come to her when called. She knows all my names! Sugar Plum Fairy Pop-Pop Girl, Star La-La, Boo-ber-doodle, Woobie, Sho-bee-do, Boop-a-doo – Mom is hilarious! She sounds like a Doo-Wop singer with her nonsense syllables – BUT- they mean LOVE to me!
