Opus 2024-229: He Loves Me

My wife is on a road trip and one of the side benefits of that is that I get to take care of the cat.  I don’t mind cats.  I get along well with cats, especially when they’re in your house not mine.  But I’m doing the best I can.

I need to constantly remind myself that cats tend to have their own personalities, and the one this one has does not gel well with mine.  I need to realize that he thinks of me as meat that is just too big to eat.  He does not know what affection is.  He does not have a caring bone in his body.

The reason I need to remind myself is that twice this morning I found myself falling into the trap of thinking that he wanted attention.  The first time was when he was batting in my hands in a playful manner with his claws out.  I do not consider this a friendly gesture.  When he got thrown off my chair and continued to linger in the area, I realize that he might want to go outside.  So I got up and walked to the front door, he trotted along behind me, and went out as soon as I opened it.  It wasn’t too long before he wanted back in, but he was out of my hair for that time.

Later he came in and was walking around making noise like he wanted to be petted or wanted some attention.  My fantasy about him, wanting attention, was rapidly replaced by the realization that he probably just wanted food.  So I went to where his food bowl was and, sure enough, it was empty.  I filled it, checked his water, did the litter box, and when my way, happy in the assurance that he would not bother me again for a while.

I think he loves me.

homo unius libri