I almost got into trouble a few years ago when I described the one cat who stayed on my patio when I climbed onto my exercise bike (the other seven took off either when I came outside or when I got in the saddle). This one cat stayed to watch me, but after ten minutes of watching me make the same movements over and over, I said I put him to sleep. Then I had to try and explain that I actually bored him so much he dozed back off again. (Helpful hint: since everybody now uses “literally” to mean “not literally”, you can’t even say “I literally put him to sleep”.)
I had friends who had a cat named Madame, and Madame was not particular about where she deposited her used cat food. One day, the husband of the pair (I know because I was there and witnessed this) said to the cat, “Madame, this is it. Either use the box, or you go to the Pound!” I watched as Madame made her way to the cat box, stepped in and delivered. I was told she always used the box thereafter. She was a smart old cat. I know this sounds almost like a fable, but I swear it’s true!
I could throttle mine at 0430 when she wants fed (or she caterwauls) but I realized a while back that it makes no sense to get mad at your animal for behaving in ways consistent with species and breed. Cats are nocturnal predators. They are active at night and they go after movement. For you to be all shouty and excited when the cat pounces on your wiggling toes at 0430 is just confusing to the cat who is just being a cat.
I just give mine a hug, tell her to calm down, and she usually settles in to go to sleep beside me with her head on my ankle. She’s such a key part of our family, I’m very grateful she ended up with us. I remind myself of this when my sleep is disrupted.
Johnny Q Premium Member almost 6 years ago
The Great Kreskin he isn’t…
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member almost 6 years ago
Poor Satchel looks so forlorn.
alaskajohn1 almost 6 years ago
Definitely a poor choice of words, Pinkish.
rshive almost 6 years ago
Wrong euphemism.
dwane.scoty1 almost 6 years ago
Rob’s manner is SO affixiating!
mjb515 almost 6 years ago
In a world of talking animals, that that euphemism exists has disturbing implications.
dadoctah almost 6 years ago
I almost got into trouble a few years ago when I described the one cat who stayed on my patio when I climbed onto my exercise bike (the other seven took off either when I came outside or when I got in the saddle). This one cat stayed to watch me, but after ten minutes of watching me make the same movements over and over, I said I put him to sleep. Then I had to try and explain that I actually bored him so much he dozed back off again. (Helpful hint: since everybody now uses “literally” to mean “not literally”, you can’t even say “I literally put him to sleep”.)
Iron Pounder almost 6 years ago
But you’re asleep for a long time.
LoneDog almost 6 years ago
Speaking of euphemisms, as a child, I came home from a trip with my mother to be told by my dad that my dog had “gone to live on a farm”.
Andrew Sleeth almost 6 years ago
I threaten to put my cats to sleep a dozen times a day. It’s the only way you can maintain discipline and order on ship
They never take me seriously.
Kind&Kinder almost 6 years ago
I had friends who had a cat named Madame, and Madame was not particular about where she deposited her used cat food. One day, the husband of the pair (I know because I was there and witnessed this) said to the cat, “Madame, this is it. Either use the box, or you go to the Pound!” I watched as Madame made her way to the cat box, stepped in and delivered. I was told she always used the box thereafter. She was a smart old cat. I know this sounds almost like a fable, but I swear it’s true!
kaladorn almost 6 years ago
I could throttle mine at 0430 when she wants fed (or she caterwauls) but I realized a while back that it makes no sense to get mad at your animal for behaving in ways consistent with species and breed. Cats are nocturnal predators. They are active at night and they go after movement. For you to be all shouty and excited when the cat pounces on your wiggling toes at 0430 is just confusing to the cat who is just being a cat.
I just give mine a hug, tell her to calm down, and she usually settles in to go to sleep beside me with her head on my ankle. She’s such a key part of our family, I’m very grateful she ended up with us. I remind myself of this when my sleep is disrupted.