Five AM
I should be asleep.
I would be asleep if it weren't for the feline version of Michael Flatley re-enacting Lord Of The Dance on my chest.
Giles has decided that it is time he was fed. He's good like that. When the tapping and clawing doesn't work he walks up to my face and starts pressing his little mouth into my face and headbutting me.
I pick him up, move him slightly down the bed and stroke him vaguely in the hope that this will placate him for a while. Instead he tries to bite my arm: in a kind and caring way.
I open my eyes and Giles is standing on my chest again. His chubby features are inches away from my face and I can smell his slightly meaty breath. At this angle he looks a bit like Chairman Mao, or should that be Chairman Miow?
I pull the duvet over my head in the hope that he will be fooled and think I have gone away: but he's too smart for that and has clearly worked out which bit of me is responsible for contolling the Cat Feeding Arms and is determined to get a response.
Sometimes he moves away for a while, but only once he is 100% sure that he has woken me up - other times I give in and traipse down stairs, watching my feet as he thunders around them like a black and white bullet.
The bowl is usually empty - so I pick it up, put some food in and one of two things will happen as I walk away.
Firstly - he will stick his face straight in and wont stop chomping until its all gone - or secondly he will race after me to see what mad things I'm doing now.
As I write this, sat in front of the TV, Giles is stretched out on his back next to me - a few moments ago he was trying to grab my arm as I typed. Now he is asleep with his head pressed against my leg.
He and Willow still have their moments - we don't seem to be able to go a day without him chasing her somewhere - but there was a reason for me bringing you this story
And that is: its almost impossible to believe that this is the same cat that, only a few months ago, cowered as far away from us as he possibly could: would barely come out from under the sofa and would certainly never have responded when we called him.
OK - so he's still very young and when he's being playful he doesn't realise that it isn't always appropriate but over the last few weeks, when there was thick snow on the ground, we were both very glad that we took him in and gave him a home
But not nearly as glad as the fact that he wanted to stay
10 comments:
So that was actually you and Giles?
I have sister living in my house - with the same 5 a.m. gene!
Aww, I feel really weedy now, that was a lovely story.
I think it's great that you took him in & that he's happy to be there. But, this is why I don't have animals - no creature is getting between me & my sleep (unless it's my own bladder). :)
Maybe setting the alarm for 4 am would allow you to return to sleep after a preemptive feeding? Either way, you know he's worth it:) Well done Pixie!
This is very familiar - I think Giles has a cousin living with me!
pete - simon's cat is cool. Giles has definately been watching this
Bobby - does your sister trample on you at 5am? Maybe she needs help he he!
Titus - ta
Bug - it's funny, but you almost miss it when it doesnt happen
English - nah, he'd start waking at 3pm. You should see them both after the clocks change - that really messes with their heads!
Argent - you may be right
My cats Marty and Charlotte say hi.
there is nothing more truly humbling than when a nervous animal learns to completely trust you. In aniamls there is no pretence. When you have earned their loyalty, you know it is there for life.
we took in a dumped foal a few years ago. he was untouchable. Now he will follow us anywhere and when we began backing him, there was never ever an inch of nervousness or malice. Whatever we ask of him, he takes as a given and gives it without hesitation.
I miss having a cat terribly. My mother doesn't like them. When I move out.....
@pohanginapete - That cartoon was hilarious!
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