I have always loved cats. Don't get me wrong, dogs are cute, but there is something about the energy and lax attitude of a cat that just can't be matched by a dog, no matter how cute said dog is. Recently, I became a "cat mommy" when my boyfriend and I adopted a kitten from the Pat Brody Cat Shelter in Lunenburg. Her name is Mona and most of my Facebook friends have read about our new kitty antics. Now I'm here to relay some of our cantics (cat antics) to you.
1. Cats are not always calm.
I swear, when we first met Mona she was so cuddly and calm. When we brought her home she was cuddly and calm. Now, trying to go to sleep without a game of catch the crinkly ball is almost impossible.
2. What do I need an alarm for?
I relate to this poor girl so much. Every morning, Mona walks across Devon's face to wake him up. About half an hour later, she pushes my head off of my pillow and sleeps on it herself.
3. Do not buy the cheap litter, no matter what.
I made this mistake. I had a coupon for a flaky litter and figured it would be okay. Unfortunately, our long-haired furry friend's poop got stuck to her butt. Dev and I tried to cut the knots and poop out, but failed miserably. Eventually, I had to take her to the groomers. Which reminds me....
4. Keep your kitty in their carrier.
Cats will do anything to get out of their carrier. I felt so bad. Mona was sitting there, singing the song of her people...er, cats. I made the mistake of letting her out of her carrier while I drove. She sat on my lap, then shoulder, then dashboard, until I pulled over and shoved her back in her carrier.
5. I'm in charge of a life now.
No, my cat is not a human child and I'm not trying to take anything away from the human mommies out there. However, that doesn't mean that I'm not in charge of a being. I can't forget to clean her litter box or give her food or water. I absolutely love Mona and I need to take care of her so that she is always healthy and happy.
6. Cats are not cheap.
In addition to the original cost of adopting our kitten (which included the cost of spaying and all shots that she was old enough for), we bought Mona a tower, scratching post, litter box and supplies, food dishes and food, along with a bed she never sleeps in. We also have to pay for grooming and we buy food about once a month and to have her shots yearly. I can basically say goodbye to my paycheck.
7. Not all kitties are cold blooded killers.
Before becoming a cat mommy, my family owned many cats. My oldest cat, Jingles, is a hunter and brings me a present -usually a mouse or mole, but there is the occasional chipmunk or rabbit -to the front door. Mona, on the other hand, lets the crickets into our bedroom and plays with them.
Cats are similar to humans in the sense that there are no two cats that are the same. I have loved being a cat sister for the past eighteen years, but it's nice to be a cat mom now. I have learned so much from Mona and will forever be greatful for my furry legged friend.
