On Shifts and Sheaths

I am way too old to take the “wee-hours-of-the-morning” shift for a cat who must have spent one of his lives as a howling baby.


L.B. was diagnosed recently with an extreme form of diabetes, and he is not having an easy time coping. Because of his excessive thirst—our first sign of the onset of the illness—, L.B. awakens every day at 3:00 a.m. and howls or bays at the moon. He does not wish to drink water from any of the ceramic bowls stationed around the house. No, L.B. wants me to turn on the faucet in the sink of the master bathroom (L.B. IS the master) so that he can sit in the sink and let the water splash around him. Did I mention that he likes to perform this routine at 3:00 a.m.?

I am so tired that I cannot see straight, and I find that, while stationed dutifully by L.B.’s side, my mind wanders. Last night, I fantasized that I had splurged on this Elie Tahari shift/sheath that I saw at Neiman Marcus. What Cat Lady could resist the extra touch of the leopard-print midriff? At this rate, a snorkeling suit might be more appropriate.


Query of the Day: Is No-Doze still on the market?

Staycation

Why do I keep focusing on the word "cat" within the conjured word "staycation"?

Must be because I do not travel far from home, purely because of ten cats who need their Cat Lady at all times. More like a dog obeying his or her master, I "stay," faithfully, whenever I take a vacation from the office.

Query of the Day: Can you relate?

The Cat Lady Challenge

Take me on. Go ahead.

I challenge anyone who does not believe that art imitates life, and, often, vice versa. See what I mean?

Here is a page from the U.S. edition of Vogue, in which a fashionable Cat Lady was photographed recently by Raymond Meier for a feature titled the “Cat’s Meow.” And, a loud meow, please: Here is the cover design for my forthcoming book, Cat Lady Chronicles, published by Officina Libraria and distributed by the Antique Collectors' Club. The work reproduced is from the collections of my employer, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Cat Prowling Around a Staked Tomato Plant was created by Japanese artist Takahashi Shotei in about 1932.

My book is due in brick-and-mortar as well as virtual stores this fall, with the official publication date confirmed for September 16. I am eager to share with you, fellow Cat Ladies (and Gentlemen), my feel-good story about the fascinating human-animal bond (x ten). I am very pleased to be donating a percent of proceeds to cat-welfare causes.

Query of the Day: Will you “like” me and preorder my book? I will be very grateful!http://issuu.com/accpublishinggroup/docs/usa_fall_catalog_2012?mode=a_p

Mani-Pedi or a Pawdicure?

I just learned from reading today’s New York Times about another forthcoming book that is required reading: Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing, by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers.


I think non-scientifically about this subject often. In fact, I came across an artwork recently that reinforces one of the authors’ many enlightening theses:


“Grooming represents a hard-wired drive, one that’s evolved over millions of years with the positive benefits of keeping us clean and binding us socially.”


Did you know that cats have long subscribed to a favorite girly-girl, super-grooming indulgence: pedicures? The image from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (at right), Popular Hotspring Spa for Cats, by the 19th-century Japanese artist Utagawa Kunitoshi, puts a fine point on the shared animal-human appreciation for, shall we say, a polished form of cleanliness.


Query of the Day: Do your cats like to have pawdicures?

Ring around the Kitty

The old-fashioned etiquette books always agree: It's best to keep your laundered linen napkin folded neatly on your lap.


But what happens when your cat jumps on your lap, possibly displacing the napkin? Maybe the cat needs to go inside the napkin...ring? See Exhibit A, a handsome Victorian example. 

Query of the Day: Do you collect cat napkin rings?

Wartime Truce

I never thought I would see the day that Lucius would extend an olive branch to Alvar. Because timing is everything to Lucius, he could not have picked a better moment.

This Memorial Day, as we reflect on reconciliation and on honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation, I am doubly celebrating. Lucius and Alvar are reclining beside each other, getting some sun in a window that overlooks our neighbor's backyard. I promise to document this unimagined "coming together," so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, hope you are enjoying a peaceful holiday weekend with family, friends, and furry kids.

Query of the Day: What is the longest stare-down you have endured among warring cats?

Is Lucius on Pinterest?

I ask because, I found this image pinned above Lucius’s litter box. I think he is trying to send me a not-so-subliminal message:

Guess who wishes you looked like this Cat Lady?

Query of the Day: Am I entitled to dream?