One gets into habits with cats. Take, for instance, where one sits. My friend Tucker always came out to the dining table when meals were being prepared. Partly, it was out of a hope that something tasty was in the offing, and that he would be given a morsel (he usually was), but partly it was just to be near me. He always sat in the centre chair, the one that faces the wall, and was quite put out the few times a newcomer tried to usurp his place. I always sat to his left, next the kitchen.
When Tucker died, his chair was sometimes taken by Hector, though the little Turk has preferred the chair opposite mine, one without a cushion, which, for some perverse reason, he likes. Now that Horace has come, he likes the chair I normally sit in, while Tucker’s former seat is vacant. Ivory doesn’t sit at the dining table for food, but for comfort. He often remains there while I eat. After seven years of sitting in the same place, Horace has decided that I must change seats.
I miss Tucker, and how he would look at me as I made my dinner, how he would sometimes dance on the edge of his chair with anticipation - or mere hope - of acquiring a piece of food. I miss how he would stare at me, purring, knowing that it was a little game we played.
Now Horace is here, and things have changed. That is how it should be. Tucker had his ways, and I had my ways with him. A new cat has come, not to replace the old, but to succeed him. His ways are different, and so mine are, as well. I will get into a new habit with Ivory; I will like it and look forward to it. But I miss the old ways, too.
Tucker was an adorable dinner companion, but it's also sweet that Horace also wants to share your mealtime, in his own way.
ReplyDeleteWe mourn not only the cat, but the routines that stabilized us.
ReplyDeleteNew routines are great, yet the old ones made grooves in our processes that don't fill in.
River used to sit next to Mommy while she ate. Now I do it, just to keep her company, and get lots of food
ReplyDeleteWe all miss little things that our furry companions did. Of course each new cat (any Being) brings their own personality quirks and preferences and that adds to the richness of our lives, but it certainly doesn't replace those loved routines of the past.
ReplyDeleteHorace is playing musical chairs with you and not even knowingly. It is sometimes difficult to move on with new pets while remembering the way it was previously. Thanks to our long lives though, we get to give more pets homes.
ReplyDeleteWe will always miss the old ways. Flynn used to sit on the chair on my right at the dinner table. He never asked for food and wouldn't accept it if it was offered. He just wanted to sit next to me. I still miss him sitting there.
ReplyDeleteNo, things are never the same when we lose a beloved pet. I lost Alex two weeks ago, and I still expect to see him in his usual places. But while our other pets cannot replace the ones we've lost, they help us handle the loss and grief. And BTW John, I still miss Tucker too.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to read that you've lost your Alex. Even if their passing is expected, their absence always is sudden. Godspeed, Alex...
DeleteThank you for your kind words, John.
DeleteHead butts and purrs to you from us to help you feel better with the memories of Tucker. The table and chairs are where the most memories are since we love to eat so much :-).
ReplyDeleteThe dining table is indeed a bit of a focal point for cats and their people. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteYes, the old ways really are precious memories.
ReplyDeleteHeHe! Sounds a bit like musical chairs to me....
ReplyDeleteWithout the music....! Bless!x
As does Robert, I too miss Tucker. I remember him so well. I am sorry truly, for her loss.
ReplyDeleteGood on Horace for joining you at the table. Perhaps Tucker whispered to him you need the company.
ReplyDeleteWe all miss dear Tucker, he was special, as are all cats. Each in their own unique way. You are right we adjust to the new habits, even as we begrudgingly give up our old ones, and reminisce about them which is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI miss Tucker too! I don't take to change very well. Horace looks very comfy on the chair.
ReplyDeleteThe angels we have in our lives are always remembered along with their endearing habits...as the newer ones come by and add to the memories with their own routines.
ReplyDeleteGotta love them all!