(no subject)

[fadeaccompli]

The cats are finally starting to learn how to cope with the dog. They're coping as if a large, hostile cat has moved into the house, but their hissing and grumping and wary looks are deeply reminiscent of how they used to (and, sigh, still do) deal with each other. So Peejee will sometimes leave her chosen closet to sit on the couch with me, so long as I'm between her and the dog. (She's on my lap right now, periodically eyeing Pixel's snoozing form.) George will sometimes leave her cupboard to sprawl across the bathroom floor, and hiss at the dog in the doorway just like she hisses at Peejee in the doorway. It's progress.

...but with them skulking about for months, it's messing with my ability to parse pet body language properly. I've mostly learned to stop treating Pixel like a cat (she doesn't mind petting, but doesn't really care for it to be extended, and certainly doesn't want to be fussed at while napping), but now I find myself treating the cats like the dog. Why doesn't Peejee come when I call? Or listen to my scolding? Cats! They're so disobedient!

But much as I adore my dog, there's nothing quite like a purring cat cuddled up beside me, demanding scritches.

Comments

[neogrammarian]

yay for progress!

and yes. As much as I believe my optimum pet-number is 1, living without a dog would be sad, and living w/o a cat pur would Also be sad. So.

I have thought for a long time that I wish I could get a long mp3 of cat purring to use when traveling and things as destressing-white noise. Not sure it would be the same w/o the actual cat, but somehow I still want to try it.

[fadeaccompli]

A cat purr without the tactile feedback doesn't do much for me, but it's an interesting idea!

[neogrammarian]

interesting. My cat sits on the mousepad and purs for hours, so I'm often working, not petting her, while she's purring. She's also a mostly-don't-ever-touch-me cat.

[fadeaccompli]

All our cats like petting (at least on their own terms), though only a few wanted to be on people. We're down to George (sit nearby and be petted) and Peejee (sit on a lap and be petted) as these preferences go. (Pixel doesn't seem to want to sit on laps--good, given her size--or get much petting, but does want attention and someone nearby.)