Ode to Cat

We're catsitting Du, my brother's cat while he is on holidays in sunny Spain with his girlfriend. Lucky bastard. My brother, not the cat. Although...

Du's been alright actually, much easier to look after than I first expected. I've no experience with domesticated animals and so was pleasantly surprised how little care is required in attending to a cat. She cleans herself, doesn't over eat, goes to the toilet in the same place and makes sure the mess is carefully and thoroughly hidden in her litterbox. Bless her cotton socks.

She's a typical cat, likes to do her own thing and ignores all of your attempts to get her attention. But come bed time she wants to snuggle up. I'm in bed concentrating on a book or laptop and she would walk up to me and meow for affection. If I remained unmoved she would rub her face against my book or screen, or even transparently walk between me and the apparently undeserved object of my attention. She'd perhaps do this a few times before she nestles quietly on my lap for a little snooze. Her deep purring is a lovely sound of contentment. Her little face, curled up in her paws is angelic. You can't help but be enchanted and honoured to have her trust.

Even in the mornings when she wakes me up with her constant meowing, my annoyance quickly melts as I know this little thing is only wanting a little of my love.

This morning I woke with her puke in my bed.

After all the pampering, all the cries for more food and soothing of ills the little ingrate dares to hock up a fur ball along with her breakfast IN MY BED! Am I wrong for feeling this way? Am I a bad mother? I clean up the mess, give her a dirty look and get on with the rest of my day.

Tonight she's meowing at me again, looking at me with her big eyes, giving me sass. She's walking across my keypad so I'd give a damn about her. Oh alright missy, you get your way. I know you didn't mean to be sick. You're far too sweet to ignore. And you're purring! I love you too.

Epilogue
I haven't turned into a Cat Lady. And I still have my sanity.