Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The Changeable Cat

Cats are creatures of habit. They will do something or behave a certain way forever, eternally the same, maintaining an unalterable routine. Until they change.


Josie has changed. She has lost weight, a pound and a half over two years. I attribute this to a better diet. When she went to the hospital for her dental procedure, a blood-panel was perform on her and she was found to be in good health, so I think she is simply getting in better shape. She can now clean her bum by herself most of the time - she was too round, previously - which suggests that she is at the weight that is natural for her body: literally, a better shape.

She has become more affectionate, always wanting pets, and purring more loudly than ever before. I like that, though she is a labour-intensive animal.


But the most noticeable new characteristic is that she does not mind being held for a while. My Chubs formerly hated being held and would squirm until she was put down. These days, I can pick her up and hold her for several minutes before she requests to be replaced on the floor. I stroke her tiny head and speak to her; she purrs and is quite tolerant of my grasp. This is a great change in her behaviour.

Cats’ personalities do change, over time. Some change more than others. Some, of course, never change. This is like humans. We all know people whose character is not the same as it once was, and we know those who are just the same as always. All my cats have altered over the years of our acquaintance, and I am happy that they have all done so for the better. Like Josie.

20 comments:

  1. Josie; ya noe ewe waz then & still R gorgeouz......just sayin ;) ;)

    N we iz happee yur feelin better
    which helpz dad feel better
    which helpz de hole familee feel better
    N we bet dad buyz a new cat perch....just coz !!

    ♥♥♥☺☺☺

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  2. Good for Josie for keeping the weight off! (Derry's gained back what he lost, by the looks of him.) Maybe she's just mellowing as the years pass and she knows she's loved unconditionally. Whatever the reason, we're just glad she's happy and healthy and doted on. :-)

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  3. Josie is beautiful. Glad to hear that she is becoming more trim =)

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  4. Your cats look all so content. How wonderful Josie is allowing herself to be held and cuddled. Nothing compares to cuddling a cat!

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  5. I wonder if the extra weight made it uncomfortable for her to be held.

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  6. I think cats do change a little with their comforts and routines - just as we do with age. It is nice that Josie is enjoying being held - maybe she appreciates being cuddled and cared now that she is a little older - and wiser? She is an inspiration to us all in trying to lose a little weight and gain better health.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, she's my eldest cat now, and attitudes do change with age - I know that first-hand, unfortunately!

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  7. Good for you, Josie, for losing weight and keeping it off! Now could you please tell my Danni how you did it! She could stand to lose a couple of pounds.

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    1. The trouble is that whenever there is weight-loss, I worry. You know that feeling, I'm sure. But I think this time, I can just enjoy the results.

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  8. Well done Josie on losing the excess weight. Being held for cuddles feels good. Maybe she has just realised how good.

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  9. We have a large fellow, Rumpy, who is so due to his needing steriods for his Asthma. He is quite the blundering fellow slipping off things and missing jumps. He picks himself up, looks around, and licks his ruff like a good self conscious kitty.
    Glad you are going to play along with the Thankful Tag. We don't do these anymore but this one caught my fancy. You can choose three things, three songs and three blogs or any way you would like to mix, match, omit or add. Just have fun with it!
    Dad Pete,Timmy and Family

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  10. OH yes their behavior can change, with cats everything takes a long time. I am so glad to hear that Josie is feeling better, and from your description it sounds like the loss of weight was a hindrance to her.

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  11. Mellowed like a fine wine, that's dear Josie. Too bad so many humans go to vinegar instead.

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    Replies
    1. It's probably why I keep to cats more and more these days.

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  12. Josie is a beauty. I have noticed most of mine getting more loving with age.

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  13. Good to hear Josie has lost a bit of weight and can do her own personal care. I'm sure you appreciate it too!

    Saku, my youngest has recently become a lap cat. He used to cuddle but preferred to stretch from lap to shoulder. Now he curls up in my lap and once he almost fell asleep. I think he actually did but started awake and ran when he realized it....perhaps he was embarrassed.

    Have a wonderful week!

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    Replies
    1. He didn't want to appear to be enjoying it too much!

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  14. so sweet....glad she is doing so well :)

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