Cats I Have Known

 

Cats

Cats sleep, anywhere,
Any table, any chair
Top of piano, window-ledge,
In the middle, on the edge,
Open drawer, empty shoe,
Anybody's lap will do,
Fitted in a cardboard box,
In the cupboard, with your frocks-
Anywhere! They don't care!
Cats sleep anywhere.

Eleanor Farjeon

 "Quick! quick! ...

Quick!   quick!

    The cat's been sick.

Where?   where?

    Under the chair.

Hasten!   hasten!

    Fetch the basin.

Alack!   alack!

    It is too late,

The carpet's in

    An awful state.

No!   no!

    It's all in vain,

For she has licked it

    Up again.

By Anonymous

 

We have teenage cats, sisters Poco and Brio (odd but musical names). They are 17 now, and according to Purina UK, that's equivalent to 84 human years. They have slowed down a bit and spend most of their day asleep in the warmest spot available. They no longer hunt, so no more rescuing tiny mice cowering inside shoes in the porch. Arthritis seems to be a problem for Poco, who doesn't find jumping easy these days. Brio, on the other hand, can still be quite a kitten given a ping pong ball to play with, but sadly is going deaf.

 

I've lived with cats for most of my life. The first one, when I was growing up, was named Oedipus, I think by my sister, but from day one was known as 'The Pussy'! She was cosseted by my parents with fresh fish, best minced beef and calf's liver and slept in the airing cupboard in their bedroom. My dad was heartbroken when she died.

 

Then along came Tuppence, a big, beautiful silver tabby who was born in a neighbour's garage. He was a character and lived to be 18. He went blind towards the end of his life, so became a house cat. His best friend was a large, handsome Airedale Terrier called Nelson who lived down the street. I was heart broken when Tuppy died. 

We were told, in no uncertain terms by a vet at the RSPCA in Bradford when we 'rescued' Poco and Brio, "These cats will eat dry biscuits and drink water - nothing else." We've stuck to that regime and it seems to have been good advice. No calf's liver and fresh cream for them, although Poco has a penchant for Brio's sicked-up breakfast!

 

Writing prompts:

• Describe the place where you usually sleep, using all your senses.
• Imagine you are a cat and write about your day.
• Write about a pet you have known. 
• If someone cosseted you what would you love them to feed you?