Crazy Cat Lady….
Neither Better Half nor I had ever owned a cat, but we’d promised Lovely Daughter an animal when we moved from Alaska. Enter this beautiful, 16-pound tuxedo cat. Baxter’s been with us six years, and he makes me smile every single time I spy him. When I couldn’t even lift my head off my pillow during those awful months of chemo, I’ll never forget BH bringing Baxter to my pillow (shocker!) and telling me someone wanted to say hi. Even cynical BH (who admittedly can NOT stand cat hair) agrees this fella is unnaturally cool and smart. He’s a lap cat or rather, a neck cat! The closer he can be to me the happier he is. He’s super smart; so darn brilliant. Here’s a short list of what I have learned from him:
- Naps are a necessity.
- You can eat the same amount of food every single day, but you will gain weight unless you exercise.
- Some people just can’t be trusted.
- Rodents can be tasty (hey, you ever had fried squirrel legs with gravy?).
- Fresh water tastes best.
- Yarn is loads of fun.
- Hiding and pouncing on people can be great entertainment.
- Milk does a body good.
- Treats are always welcomed.
- Snuggling next to a warm body is good for the soul.
- Lemongrass is tasty.
- Birds are fun to watch.
- Dogs really are scary and annoying.
Thank you sweetie pie; YOU will be the reason I turn into a Crazy Cat Lady!
Jan 22, 2011 @ 08:30:45
Great post! I am a dog person, but also appreciate cats more since my daughter often brings two to my house when she visits now. Cats have grown on me!! This kitty of yours is one lucky cat! Seriously, I strongly believe in the power of pets, be they canine or feline, to make our lives richer. Plus, their theraputic value is undeniable. My dogs were with me on the day of my diagnosis and I posted about that on one of my first posts. They really did help me get through that awful afternoon last spring. Great picture too! Thanks for sharing.
Jan 20, 2011 @ 21:31:06
Awwwwww! Silly Baxter. I love that cat. Good picture of him mom. Hey remember that time when I walked into the garage and Better Half was sitting in a lawn chair drinking a beer with Baxter in his lap? Good times.
Jan 21, 2011 @ 09:22:46
I do remember that time Lovely Daughter. In spite of his tough-guy exterior, Better Half is a softy where it really counts! XOXXO Mom
Jan 20, 2011 @ 10:34:44
Love this post, Lisa! I’m a former dog person, turned cat person, turned dog person again, so I have to say Baxter is wrong on point 13: only SOME dogs are scary and annoying. Our dog is definitely not
All joking aside, I love animals, cats included and your list is right on—naps and snuggles are ‘da bomb!
Jan 19, 2011 @ 23:11:27
I must admit I’m not a cat fan (I’m crazy dog-chick) but I’ve had a couple who touched me down deep in my soul – amazing what our furbabies can teach us about life…more important things than some silly text book could ever try to teach us! I think Baxter looks pretty cool. Even for a cat!
Jan 20, 2011 @ 07:29:19
I should have pegged you for a crazy dog-chick!
Jan 19, 2011 @ 22:23:30
That is funny. My parents have a large, very spoiled tuxedo cat….named BAXTER!
Jan 20, 2011 @ 07:28:57
Another Baxter?? Can’t be as cool as my Baxter!
Lisa
Jan 19, 2011 @ 09:32:03
Cute!
Jan 19, 2011 @ 08:25:43
Absolutely adorable pic and a very sweet and touching tribute to an obviously beloved kitty!
Jan 19, 2011 @ 08:02:36
This is the sweetest picture of Baxter. He is so darn cute.