Sit. Desk. Write.
I’m questioning the smarts of a guy who shares my bed at night, is privy to my innermost secrets, and sees me in ways no one else ever does.
No, he’s not my husband, but I can explain.
This guy is a cat named Blue. (Okay, I call him Blue Blue.) We found him clinging to an icy blacktopped road a few days before Christmas on our way to visit friends. His stomach had been ripped open with his guts skimming the pavement. His claws were shredded, his pelvis broken and one of his eyes permanently marred by road burn.
My husband was not enthused about rescuing the cat, barely more than a kitten. “Let nature take…,” His words trailed off; he couldn’t look me in the eye. I rummaged in the back of the car and found his favorite sweatshirt to staunch the blood.
Our vet didn’t promise much hope when he assessed the injuries. He said the cat might have a 1% chance of living, ifthe surgery didn’t kill him.
Leaving the kitty hospital in 1998. (Me, Dr. B, and Blue Blue)
PS: Ignore the bangs… sigh.
When I relinquished the cat to be examined, he reached up and gently nudged my cheek (equate to Impressing a newly hatched dragon in Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern). He was purring as I whispered in his ear, “If you make it, you’re mine.”
That was twelve years ago. He still cuddles every chance he gets and waits at the door for my return. I delight in knowing I’m the only one he wants. Clearly he’s a smart, savvy, discerning feline.
At least I thought so, until a few days ago. We decided to add Feng Shui to our family room by moving the feeding area for our cats to a not-so-visible nook which previously housed the computer. We’re talking—maybe—a twenty foot change.
For the past three days, Blue Blue’s returned to the original site, meowing expectantly. I pick him up, carry him to the new spot, and wait until he digs in. Our other cat, nicknamed “The Piglet,” has had no problem finding the relocated dining hall.
So I’m wondering about my baby’s intelligence level. Why isn’t he getting it? I stand next to his food bowl calling his name, cajoling him to come, and there he sits in the old location, his pleas for food ending in high-pitched squeaks.
Normally he’d follow the aroma of canned chicken mush anywhere. Why hasn’t he adjusted? There must be a reason. Is he just a creature of habit, or as my husband taunts in a schoolyard voice, is Blue Blue really not the sharpest tack?
In spite of my husband’s opinion, I refuse to accept a lower wattage of brainpower theory.
For the record, we’re both still catering to this ten pound ball of fur by carrying him over to his bowl. Food for thought. ~ JD here
Sit. Desk. Write. 
Oh he’s smart all right. He’s figured out how to get carried to his meals!
Hi David,
You are so right. I keep telling my husband… ~JD
I need to add more Feng Shui to my life…Hope Blue-Blue adapts to the new spot soon. I swear you can smell that stinky food a mile away. Maybe he’s just protesting the change in his routine the only way he can, to make his point of, “I’m old. I don’t want to walk over there for my food. I want it here. You’re my people. Fix it. Now.”
Hi Janean,
Thanks for your good wishes. I probably should have mentioned, Blue-Blue is somewhat spoiled to begin with… =^.^=
I’m with Janean on this one. In addition to her Blue Blue quote, I believe he would add “Feng Shui my ***!”
Di~ You could be right; if only he could really speak. =^.^= ~JD
He’s a cat. ‘Nuff said. 🙂
Good point, Susan! ~JD
(Love Di’s comment.) How’s Blue-Blue doing today? Still yowling and being carried? Or eating in the new spot when he’s hungry but showing with his body language that he’s still in a huff by being inconvenienced by the change?
Hi Janean,
As of this morning, he’s still going first to the old spot while he meows his head off, then reluctantly following over to the new spot, but waiting to be picked up and placed at his bowl. (We kept both old and new spots elevated due to our ever-hungry dog.)
Sooner or later, he’ll be back to himself. No questions; just serve the food! Thanks for checking ~ JD
Maybe Blue-Blue has some prior Feng Shui experience, like with a car and an icy blacktop, and he’s trying to warn you!
Candace, Personally, I think he’s only got one thing on his mind… But I will try and “be aware” –thanks! ~JD
What a great resource!
Thank you!
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later
Sounds great ~ thanks!
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