Friday, November 2, 2018

Parker's New Hint

While Raleigh convalesces, the other beasts go on with their lives. My foster-cat, Parker, for instance, continues to enjoy his walks, though those during the weekdays are taking place in increasing darkness. Even so, he looks forward to them. On weeknights, my sturdy-boy isn’t always sure of going out, as it does not happen every day, so his demands are not usually insistent. On the weekends, though, he knows I have more time, and we normally go out in the early afternoon.

It is then that he will press his suit rather strongly. Aside from walking back and forth in front of my computer screen (if I am using that machine), or striding over and rubbing against me, then walking away (if I am reading), or crying at the door (a general purpose device), he has developed another tactic. He will pull down my jacket from its hanger.


Initially, I thought it was accidental, the result of him playing with the scarf that I habitually store down the jacket’s sleeve. I put the scarf elsewhere, but the displacement of the jacket continued. When it occurred thrice in about ten minutes, at a time when Parker was particularly demanding of an outside adventure, I realised that it was another of his means of making up my mind for me. He knows he shouldn’t be doing it, as well; after the third time, I came out of the bedroom chastising him in no uncertain terms, and he ran into the sitting room, to lie under a cat-tree, as if he had been there all the time.

I had to wait half an hour before agreeing to take him for a walk, just to re-establish my authority. Such as it is...

23 comments:

  1. "Respect my authority!"
    As if YOU, as the human, have any choices in the matter.
    Parker pulling down your jacket is tres adorable; you've got to give him props for that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's a tactic I haven't heard of before.

      Delete
  2. What a clever boy for getting your attention. I keep thinking about how frustrated we would be if we could only use one word to communicate our whole lives. Poppy lets me know usually what she wants with her Meow. If I am in bed or on the computer, I often have to ask her what she wants to show me, and she will take me to her bowl, or water or to see that it is raining outside.

    I am glad that Parker still enjoys his walks - it makes me smile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We come to know our cats' little communications, even when they don't make a noise. It's smart of Poppy to be able to show you. Not many cats would think of visual aids.

      Delete
  3. "Re-establish my authority."

    Oh, that's a good one, John.

    ReplyDelete
  4. He is smart! I am a total pushover and would have taken him out instantly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to salvage something of my commanding status...

      Delete
  5. Parker is one smart cat! It amazes me sometimes how they manage to convey their wants and needs. We're the ones that need to pay attention. That he'll walk for you and not be a rock like so many other cats is amazing too. I'm sure you enjoy the walks as much as he does. ;)

    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like watching Parker explore the outside. He always finds much to interest him.

      Delete
  6. "...re-establish my authority..."

    ROTFL!

    Nicki, in particular, commends Parker for his (very effective) strategy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Nicki and Parker would learn too much from each other...

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. He's a happy boy when he gets the right answer.

      Delete
  8. No need to re-establish your authority, John. I think it's pretty clear who's in charge at the Cozy Apartment.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hahaha! Parker has you wrapped around his little paw! What a smart boy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear John, I have just caught up with you and the cats- I am out of the country and usually far from internet services. I am sorry to hear about poor Raleigh’s health. I do hope the recovery goes well. He is in excellent hands with you.

    Parker’s tactics to get you to take him out made me laugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope your travel was something you intended and wanted. Welcome back!

      Delete
  11. This did make me laugh, especially the re-establishing your authority bit! Parker is a very smart boy and certainly knows how to get your attention.

    ReplyDelete