Cats, books & bonding with friends

For a couple of weeks, I was the honored housesitter for my friends while they traveled in Europe. I moved into their home and rarely left until they returned from their trip this past Friday. Mostly it was my job to serve their two cats, Lucy and Olivia.

Dena is a writer who has published an absolutely hysterical book called Lessons In Stalking. This morning I happened to notice my copy of the book lying nearby. I picked it up, flipped it open to a random page. "YESSSSS! I know that cat!" And I realized I'm missing my new, recent friends!

Everything's different. Now that I've lived in her home for two weeks and interacted with her little cherubs, I will understand her book, and the stories in her blog from an entirely different perspective. I will recognize those facial expressions and recall the sound of that hiss, the sight of one or the other of them scurrying away after I've moved too quickly for anyone's comfort.

Those cats are tricky. There was a lot of hissing from Lucy, and for days on end, Olivia was completely invisible. Which led me down torturous mind-journeys that ended in my having to tell my friend her kitty was lost on my watch. Of course it never happened, and in the end my exceedingly high comfort level with cats and love of all felines helped me to make some friendly connections. Lucy and I played "chase the food down the hall" which she came to initiate with me - usually when I was preparing my own dinner. And Olivia and I had morning and evening lap time when I was sitting at the computer where she usually has morning lap time with Daddy while he's checking email.

I am told this was a very big deal. Apparently other friends don't necessarily think Olivia exists. And why would they, really?

Meanwhile I'm contemplating my own tome: "Lessons in Stalking II: So you want to hang in our house while Mommy and Daddy are away..." Hmmm. Has a nice ring to it, no?

Comments

[Dena]

You were a fantastic house/cat sitter. And I have to tell you, you made my see Olivia in a new light. The note you left that described her as such an "affectionate" little kitty startled me, as I've never seen her that way. But as I pay attention, I find she IS an affectionate little kitty. It's just that Lucy, with her big mouther (God love her) tends to dominate our home and overshadow quiet little Olivia. But I've been more open to Olivia and she follows me EVERYWHERE, rolling onto her back for a belly rub. So thank you, for pointing out a side of my cat I needed reminding was there.

Sorry about the Lucy hissing! She is a Mommy's girl, for sure. =)

[Dena]

Ack! Apologies for all the spelling errors above. Bad writer! Bad writer!

[Melody]

No apologies. I'm afraid my remarks about Lucy's hissing overshadowed my enjoyment of her gargantuan personality. And what fun when she'd come to me, asking for a treat and something to chase down the halls!

I'm glad you're seeing a slightly different side to Olivia. Her personality may not be as BIG as dear Lucy's, but she's an incredibly cool kitty with quite a bit of unique personality. Once you can get her to come out of hiding, that is. :)

Interesting how much I'm missing them both this week. But they're not really the kind of kitties you can come over and cuddle and hang out with, are they? Ah well...I have my memories. Thanks for those!