Meow Mischief: The Things I Do That Annoy Blue

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

I tend to make jokes about the atypical cat quirks that Blue has, that over time, I have grown to be rather fond of. To maintain balance in our relationship, even though she can’t read, it’s only fair that I air out my own dirty laundry and share the things I do that undoubtedly are annoying to her.

Today was one of those extra needy days from both parties. Plagued by yet another Canadian winter-born cold, I’ve traded in my cool desk located in the depths of my basement and dubbed a fortress of blankets and pillows on my couch as an office space. Since Blue believes my desk is inviting, imagine how elated she is to find me curled up in her favorite room in the house. As if she planned the day herself, Blue cozied up nearby, and when she felt compelled to sit between me and my laptop, I allowed it. It was conditional, though. She had to grant me permission to be as invasive as she usually is. Alas, the string of annoyances began. Which sparked my inspiration for this post.

Dragon Face

Anyone sharing living quarters with a fluffy cat understands the urge to gently hold back their mane and pointed ears, exposing a fur-covered version of Toothless from the movie How to Train Your Dragon. I imagine this is what Blue would look like if she was a hairless cat. Bold eyes, giant smile, slightly indignant look on her face. It’s the cutest thing. You know, like the videos of children squishing the faces of their much larger dog companions, where these gentle giants just take it for the sake of love. That’s what I picture Blue is thinking. Most times, she’ll continue purring, though sometimes, she’ll reposition herself an arm’s length away. She knows her limits, and I respect that.

Trying to Kiss Her on the Nose

I would gladly accept anywhere on the face, but the nose specifically is my all-time favorite spot to kiss! But when it comes to Blue’s face, that’s unfortunately where she draws hard boundaries. She dodges every smooch I, or anyone else, throws her way. That doesn’t prevent me from trying as many times as I can before she stops purring and moves on. I attempt from all angles, too. Straight on to avoid surprising her, or from a calculated chin scratch so I can snag her when she looks up. I even go for a few drive-by kisses, but nada. Her feline reflexes are usually no match for me. The odd time I am able to sneak in a kiss, I just assume she’s allowed it so we can move past the awkward cat and mouse game.

Explaining About X More Minutes Before Dinner Time

This is probably the most annoying of the behaviors on this list, and although I understand she doesn’t comprehend real time, I do this almost daily. Blue is on a 5 am/5 pm feeding schedule, and she usually begins to ask for her last meal at about 4.15 pm. Every plea is met with the remainder of minutes she needs to wait before we’re able to serve her. Some might argue that the small window of time isn’t a big deal, what harm can be done with caving and allowing her to eat earlier? To this, I say: What kind of world would we live in if we continuously bumped up the schedule? Where would that land us at 3 am two weeks from now? In my defense, she’s not starving. She’s a grazer and eats the teeniest portion immediately after diving in. I think she’s more in it for the theatrics, and nothing says drama like a cheeky response to a cat about time management.

These may be the most obvious (to me, at least) when it comes to naming my actions that irk Blue, but I am sure there are others. Will I continue to turn her into a dragon from time to time? Yes. Will I ever stop throwing kisses in her direction? Never. Will she win the battle of food and time? Hmm, I suppose this is where I could be flexible. For now, the balance is fine. Like any housemate, you learn to accept the good, the bad, and the annoying.