FROM THE ROAD: CATS ARE A LOT LIKE PEOPLE

Cats have personalities much as do people. This has been very clear to as my wife and I watch over five cats while their owner is away. The situation also provides a good opportunity to compare cats with human children since the lady next door provides daycare for six pre-school age children.

The cats, all female and all rescue cats, are named Claire, Punkin, Shasta, Kate and Ashley. 

Claire

The owner said that Claire, the oldest and a tiger cat, was in charge. This is obvious because she has her nose in everything, follows you around wherever you go, sleeps at the foot of the bed and always takes the highest perch.

Punkin

Second in command, we were told, is Punkin. She is identified by her four white toes. Punkin is always the first one out of the door when it is time to go outside. She can get possessive too, shooing off others when she is being groomed.

Shasta

Shasta is a little harder to describe. A big (12 pound) tiger cat, she is the hyperactive child: running to and fro, jumping from a window perch to the bed often during the night. She can also be illusive. It took her two days to come out of hiding when we first arrived. She can also be a little snippy with the other cats particularly when she is getting attention.

Kate & Ashley

Kate and Ashley are sisters and act like human sisters often do.

One time they are curled up and sleeping together; the next time they may be spatting. Both are pretty laid back but Ashley is the more illusive, always standing off from the others, never wanting to be picked up. These two are the least likely to want to sit on your lap.

Like the human children next door our cats have regular outside (playground) time. The only difference is that the cats have a protected area preventing wandering off and keeping them safe from other preying animals. (Kate and Ashley's mother was killed by a coyote.)

The personalities show themselves here as well. Punkin is always first out the door and exploring the entire exercise area. Shasta is less active, preferring to sit on a people chair. Kate is an explorer too but sister Ashley is standoffish, going directly to the furthest corner under a tree. Claire just supervises.

Outside time provides great entertainment. Birds and ground squirrels tease the cats and send them scurrying from one spot to another. They don't seem excited by passing deer but instead are rather curious.

The true personality of cats shows through though when it is time to come in the house. When you call their name and shout "inside kitty" many will just look at you as if to ask: "Who you talking to?" Or they will completely ignore you.

This is when I remember the following sage remark about cats: "A dog will come when you call them. A cat will take a number and get back to you."