Monday, May 3, 2021

Stay and Get It

Cats can be very lazy. Despite their sudden bursts of activity, torpidity is, I think, their natural state. They don’t like having to put themselves out for anything or anyone, even if it is in regard to eating, one of their favourite pastimes.


I recall Tungsten used to enjoy being fed on the bed. But then, that was Tungsten, and she deserved such catering. Cammie, too, had her food brought to where she lie. But she had allergies that necessitated her staying away from others’ food, and then she went blind, so bringing her food was only right. Josie also was waited upon, but only when she grew old.


So what’s this guy’s excuse?



To be fair, Neville isn’t always lazy. But when he is, he will lie in his bed and stare at the food put down for him, even if it is just out of reach. He can be so lazy, in fact, that when he has consumed all the food on the near side of the bowl, he will stop eating and wait for me to turn the bowl to bring more food within mouth-range, rather than get up and walk around the other side. Out-lazying even the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, he would need the entire table pulled so that more food would be drawn toward him, rather than get up and move to a new chair.



But there are compensations. When he sees his food approaching, he will give a throaty, nasally, mumbling rumble, anticipating the flavours that will soon be his. It’s good to have such an appreciative diner.


I just wish he’d get up and come and and get it more often…


17 comments:

  1. I. LOVE. THIS! And yes!! Torpor is them. ALL of them. Everywhere, every time. Neville, I love you even MORE!

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  2. Isn't it amazing how quickly our cats have us trained???

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  3. Nevsky, you sly one! Even making the human turn your bowl...wow!

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  4. How funny cats are with their unusual habits and wants. Neville is
    quite a home with you and as he keeps getting friendlier he is certainly
    developing unique ways. At least they are humorous and you can be
    sure to answer to his every want when he wants.

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  5. Oh, and I thought Derry was spoiled! Neville, you definitely know how to manipulate your human servant, we are IMPRESSED!

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  6. That is sort of funny,and silly and cute all wrapped up...just like he knows he has you wrapped around his paw!

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  7. I once had a cat, Pongo, who in his later years developed a preference for being fed by hand. Yes, in order to get His Majesty to eat, I would have to SCOOP THE FOOD OUT WITH A SPOON AND HOLD IT TO HIS MOUTH.

    Thank goodness he didn't require me to escort him to the litter box. Just cleaning them is enough to remind me that I am the Groom of the Stool.

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    1. Ha! This made me chuckle; "groom of the stool" indeed.

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    2. Me too. Never thought of that and so glad Undine did!

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  8. I think miss poppy has had more breakfasts in bed in her life than I have had in mine. She doesn't mind the crumbs though.

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  9. This did make me laugh! Neville certainly has you well trained.

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  10. Torpidity is a logical trait for predators. When you need to work hard to catch dinner, you need to save your energy for the lean times. Cows have it easy; grass doesn't run away.

    I read once that a feral cat needs to catch about 6 mice a day. So I feed them "about a mouse" of food 6 times a day. But I also understand that finding food is a natural part of their life, so I put the food bowls around in different places often.

    I'm retired and at home every day, so I can make sure none of The Mews goes hungry (Marley will just eat everykitty's food unless I watch him carefully). And I toss kibbles around while I eat dinner so they have something to chase.

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  11. HaHa! As l've said before Dogs have
    owners..cats have staff..! :).
    Good old Neville..Bless!x

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  12. We have the same here. The boys who are bottomless pits would eat if the dish was up a ladder while I like my dish put close by. I admit that it's Dad fault as he has been pushing the meals on my and some days I am not exactly starving

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  13. I do not plan to tell my cats about Neville's method of eating. Sasha is fussy enough as it is and for now Saku will eat anything, anywhere.

    You're a pretty smart kitty Neville.

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