Learning To Love A Cat

I was dreaming of galloping on horseback across the Russian steppes, a la Doctor Zhivago, in a big fur coat and hat, when I awoke to find Frijol, the cat, draped over my head on the pillow.

The “Cat As A Hat”… what would Dr. Seuss would say about that?

He might say I was fortunate,
that rather than synthetic knit,
I should have in dreamtime writ
the comfort of a furry kit.

I have only known Frijol for 6 weeks, since I moved in with him in a modern-style home in a centrally located upscale colonia (neighborhood). Frijol’s person, Carlos, travels a lot for work and pleasure, and kindly invited me to pet sit.  As far as Carlos is concerned, there is nothing to this job besides providing food, fresh water, the occasional delactated milk and scooping out the litter box. As far as Frijol is concerned, I am his hired hands and devoted companion. Clearly, it is my job to provide a comfortable lap to sit on, hands to stroke his soft, lithe body, fingers to be nibbled upon, arms to burrow into… and acceptance that my clothes will be covered in white fur.

Having exclusively adored several canines throughout my adult life, I have not been in the company of a feline in a long time and, of course, each one is different. But this Frijol (“Bean”) is a young, enthusiastic being, entertaining me with his self-absorbed play: rolling a cork around the floor, boxing with the string from a hoodie, crawling into every open cabinet and drawer. He waits patiently for me to stroke him, sits at length staring at something or nothing, and is a riot a bed (oolala!). He hides under the folds of the duvet. I toss him in the air to the other side of the bed and he rushes back at me to be tossed again. This goes on until I tired of the game and then he slinks onto my breast as I read, and curls up under my chin or wraps him self, like a stole, around my shoulders. He is a sleek fashion accessory with a soothing ‘white noise’ engine. Purrrrr.

Unlike a dog, Frijol-the-cat does not run to greet me wagging and ‘talking,’ rushing to get a toy to show and begging for acknowledgment. But, when he notices I am home, he says ‘hello’ (or ‘hola,’ being a Mexican cat) in his Siamese-y meow, and eventually he struts over for a caress. But it is in the night, through those long hours of dark and dream, his big-cat spirit is there beside me, nestled in the crook of my knee, stretched out along the length of my belly, or wrapped around my head like a comfy Cossack hat. I am grateful not only for this comfortable, secure house in which to have stayed, but for Frijol, my special feline friend, who has taught me to appreciate the value of his companionship, and what a fair trade is our care for one another!

Here is a parting Seuss-inspired thought:

Wherever your Youville
Your friends big and small,
furless and furry,
be good to them all.
Today, as the sun attempts to be sunny,
I hope you have lots of good fun that is funny!

 

 

 

7 Comments Learning To Love A Cat

  1. Carlos October 29, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Frijol and dogs
    an interesting pair
    he taunts them, laughs
    and gets in their hair

    he’s in charge
    they’re aware
    they respect that
    and care

    Miya-mae, Elvis
    poodle and golden
    now they’re his friends
    forever til olden

    I miss the critter
    he doesn’t miss me
    he’s now got Aysha
    what a slut he be

    Thanks Aysha

  2. Aysha Griffin October 29, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Let’s be honest, was he ever a hat to you?

  3. jann October 30, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Enjoy your feline friend, Aysha! (I could use one here to keep my neck warm.)

  4. Liz October 30, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Enjoyed your reflection on cats! Hope all is well. We had a SNOWSTORM yesterday. Too early, not ready for winter. Hope its warm where you are.
    xo, Liz

  5. Janell October 30, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Your blog was the first thing I read this morning over my cup of coffee…what fun! I so enjoyed your feline reflections, and Carlos’ response was purrrfect, too. Miss you, Girlfriend…but it sounds like you’re doing just fine.

  6. Anne October 30, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    I too read your blog over my coffee – but mid-afternoon! It sounds like SMA thoroughly agrees with you. We had snow yesterday too, but today is beautiful sunshine (although definitely not warm).

  7. Susan Cobb October 31, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Tea for me this morning — and the reading Aysha over food tradition continues. Loving you and wishing you well on your journey. May furry companions always be by your side.

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