In no particular order:
1. Never close a bedroom, bathroom or closet door. Inevitably, a cat will be caught on the most inconvenient side and yowl for release at the most inconvenient time.
2. Afternoon naps are a necessity. Especially if that’s the only time to get good snuggles from the shy cat.
3. Computer chairs are not meant for human butts. They are, in fact, perfectly engineered for cats.
4. Spending money on fancy toys is not worth it. Simple, every day household objects bring far greater pleasure.
5. Avoid wearing white at all times. This also goes for avoiding white or light colored carpets.
6. Catnip is an invasive plant for a reason. Cats can take out a whole plant in one sitting.
7. Patience, and a healthy sense of revenge, are useful for co-habitating with other species.
8. An effective way to wake a sound sleeper is to lick their nose. Right inside the nostrils works best.
9. The closet in our bedroom is the quietest location in the house.
10. The best places for a nap: cold linoleum floors (especially on hot days), pools of sunlight in front of open windows, completely under blankets (mostly on very cold days), and anywhere I can be most annoying to those around me.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:49 pm - Edit
Cats are the ultimate zen masters. When they’re tired, they rest. When they’re hungry, they eat.
I always had an affinity for cats, but didn’t enjoy co-habitation with our feline friends until 3 years ago.
Dogs are like toddlers. They don’t know how to take care of themselves and they don’t pretend.
Cats are like teenagers. They can sort of take care of themselves but they still need you.
October 10th, 2008 at 5:30 am - Edit
The exception to the “fancy toys” rule that I’ve discovered is with the question of laser pointers. Mind you, in this case even the cheap laser pointers will do, and you still need to make sure to avoid the cat’s eyes, but, wow, now that’s an awesome toy for a cat.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:17 pm - Edit
Elliott, you just hit on the exact reasons I tend to prefer cats to dogs! I’ve always admired the independence of cats…you know when they come for attention from you it’s because they want to, not because they are trained to.
Toph, where’s your laser pointer? Our cats need some exercise!
January 4th, 2009 at 2:46 pm - Edit
I share the same opinion with you, due a busy lifestyle, keeping a cat is wayy easier than a dog, due the independent qualities they posses.