Happy Cat Appreciation Month!

                Today I received an email from the vet announcing that March is “Cat Appreciation Month.”  It was a well-timed reminder to quit complaining about my furry friends and start being thankful for the blessing they are in my life.  Right now, for example, Biff and Finny are curled up beside me as I type.  Their warm, fluffy bodies are not only comforting to snuggle with, their complete abandonment to sleep helps me relax.

4/5 of the clowder at rest

                The clowder is also a source of endless amusement.  Today Toby decided that piano lessons were all about him.  Every time a student started to play a recital piece, Toby would flop across the piano bench and wave his marvelously majestic tail in the pupil’s face until he received the stroking and scratching he wanted.  If the petting stopped and the playing restarted, the tail shot right up to tickle the musician’s nose.

The cast of characters changed in an instant

              It was quite entertaining for everyone involved but not a very productive use of lesson time.  Shortly afterwards, I caught four of the five lounging together on the bed.  I took a photo and in the seconds it took to set the camera down, Jersey came in and took Toby’s spot.  It took a moment to figure out why the animal grouping looked different.  Sometimes I think they do things like that on purpose to make me question my sanity—at least this time I had photographic evidence to back me up (see blog pictures).

                Comfort and entertainment—I guess those are good reasons to appreciate my feline friends.  I’ll add that they are great listeners and cute to look at. All that almost leads me to admit they earn their keep.  If you have cats of your own, be sure to appreciate them this month.  If you don’t, you are always welcome to enjoy mine.