One of the most exciting things about living with kitties is learning new things about these remarkable creatures. What I find particularly fascinating about our three cats is when they deign to reveal something completely new and unexpected about their interests and personalities.
Prior to my enlightenment I had absolutely no idea that Sir Hubble Pinkerton, Master Aki and Mr. Edgar Allen Poe were seeking employment. So I was totally shocked the other day when I discovered that they were surfing the ‘net reading the “Help Wanted” ads. But the truth be told; they all feel strongly that they possess special skills that are extremely marketable.
When I asked them about why they were looking for work, they explained that being employed in a position they find interesting and enjoying bolsters their emotions, keeps them occupied and chases away the doldrums. It also gives them a sense of purpose. And the more I thought about what they shared with me, I couldn’t help but to agree with them. After all, each of our kitties has been blessed with unique skills for which they should be paid.
And as I got to thinking about it, in reality neither my husband Marty nor I have given their remarkable talents the credence they richly deserve. In fact, until we were willing to delve deeply into the meaning of their behavior, we just considered their conduct to be just mischievous and attention-seeking. But once we realized these were not random acts at all; they were trying to tell us something very important. They wanted jobs!
For example, we never understood that Master Aki is an accomplished interior decorator. But after several times witnessing Aki dragging little throw rugs, small blankets or kitty beds around the house, it finally dawned on us that these were not just random acts. He was sharing precisely with us that he had no doubt about the most opportune places in which these object belong. No wonder he was scoping out the “Interior Decorator Wanted” section.
Mr. Edgar Allen Poe possesses a truly methodical mind. We were kind of frustrated with his constantly knocking things off the coffee table while we are watching TV. But the minute we were willing to be more flexible in our thinking we understood that all he was doing was a careful gravitational weight-value comparison of various objects. And once we appreciated his scientific gift he told us that he was working on his PhD and was writing a paper he was planning to submit to the National Animals are Smart Association (NASA).
The more we thought about Sir Hubble’s apparently bizarre behavior of chewing on Mr. Aki’s ears, we ultimately came to the conclusion that what he was really doing was providing Mr. Aki with a very unusual and unique type of acupuncture designed to promote relaxation and well-being. It then made purrfect sense to us that he was scoping out for a paid position at the local integrative veterinary practice facility.
Based on our experience, my only recourse is to suggest that all feline behavior must be carefully examined and never just taken at face value. Since our goal is forming strong and meaningful bonds with our kitties, there is a wealth of information with which they are flooding us; as long as we keep our minds open to receive these messages.
Have you ever experienced any similar insight about your kitties? So we can broaden our scope, please share them with us in a comment.
I am so excited that this article was so useful. I think that underneath the humor,Sandra Murphey really “got” it. We can so quickly dismiss many feline behaviors as just a nuisance, but always remember that cats always have reasons for what they do. This morning I was not feeling at all well, and for the first time in my relationship with Master Aki, he curled up tightly into my arm and put his head on my chest and purred his heart out. I put my arm around him and he purred even more loudly. I know that he was definitely sending me healing energy from his heart. He is NOT usually a snuggley kitty- but he knew how I was feeling. It really touched me very deeply. Sometime he may act super affectionate when he wants to be fed but this was very, very different behavior and very new. I loved it!
Love Sandra. She’s so knowledgeable.
So sweet what Aki did. Cats are very spiritual and in tuned.
As I think we’ve mentioned to you in the past, Jo, Cisco is a super hero (Supurr Cisco) who does good deeds as the head supurr cat of the LEAGUE OF SUPERCAT HEROES. He is a very conscientious and socially conscious cat and has led his fellow felines on a variety of important and heroic missions. Justice is his only reward and unlike Bruce Wayne, alas, he is not independently wealthy. Pancho is a fashion designer, heads a feline modelling agency and occasionally moonlights as a detective. He is very snoopy but lets Cisco handle the heroic stuff.
Jo, Your perceptions of the reasons behind cat activities could hold more importance than you may realize. I’m a firm believer that our perceptions shape our reality.
I’m imagining that after reading your article, many people may change their point of view. Instead of getting angry and upset, they could now engage their imagination to look beneath the behavior, to a previously hidden talent.
I’ve had my cat 7 years, and what amazes me is how many times she’ll do something she’s never done before, and most times doesn’t do it again.
I’m remembering the other night when she was lying near my head. My arms were at my sides. All of a sudden she started biting my arm in several places. Not hard, but it surprised me, and I had no idea what triggered that behavior. I quickly put my arm under the blanket.
In looking back, I imagine that she may have been practicing some acupuncture technique that she thought I needed.
Now that I have the advantage of seeing her behaviors in a different light, it gives me a creative opportunity I never had before.
I’d really like to see this trend spread far and wide among cat guardians, especially those who usually feel angry or upset with their cat’s behaviors.
You’ve given us a whole new way of interpreting our cat’s activities, and one that can actually make a huge difference in our appreciation of what they may be trying to communicate with body language instead of words.
Thank you so much! I’ll share this on my Facebook page, and other cat sites I’m on. Imagine the impact it could have!!
Each and every cat is unique, and all of the cats in my life have given far more than I could ever give them back, each in his or her own special way.
Well, Jo, you have opened my eyes.
Now, I’m seeing how my Damon’s thievery and keeping hoarding piles may really be his desire to clean up this place. He does a good job.
And, Felix running and playing slip slide with the scatter rugs means that he wants to create an amusement park.
I’m getting it now….
My Desiree scratching up the kitchen baseboards and walls is really her dream to work construction.
Howl, doing what he does best, ie. HOWLS! is really his pent up need to be a radio announcer.
Thank you, Jo. LOL!