The Clowder Turns Three

I have been practicing my Spanish language skills lately. One of my strategies, along with using drills on a language app, is to think of phrases that I might realistically use in a conversation, translate the phrase, and work to memorize them. Hence, “Mis gatos están mimados” (My cats are spoiled). As their third birthday arrives, I do not think Lucie, Pip, or Coco would disagree.

Lucie rules the house

While the pandemic has been hard on humans, for cats, at least those that live in our house, it has been great. The humans are around to entertain and feed them. With traveling and socializing was put on hold, Angie and I spent more time on the back porch watching birds and reading last summer. Naturally, Lucie, Pip, and Coco, would come to the back door, where a screen separated them from their human parents and beg for attention. I had the bright idea of bringing their crate out so they, too, could enjoy the outside. My reasoning was sound: the crate was used the previous summer to transport them to a vacation in the Finger Lakes. So, by having it around and getting them used to it, the next time we need it for travel they might find it as some comfort. Fast forward several months later, the crate has become a piece of furniture in our living room, and all three cats now think it is a good idea to go on the back porch to inspect the snow and ice.

Coco inspecting the snow

While I joke about how spoiled our cats are, more to make fun of myself than anything else, it is difficult to imagine this pandemic without them. They are entertaining and comforting to both of us. Their sweet dispositions and desire to be with us is a salve for a time that has disrupted our lives. Our increased purchases online results in more deliveries in boxes; engaging in what was once thought a great luxury, having a personal shopper at the grocery store for pick up, has greatly increased the number of paper bags brought into the house. I am convinced that all three cats believe that the number of boxes and bags is both a great side benefit from the pandemic and an intentional act by us to shower gifts to demonstrate our affection and devotion. There is no need to buy expensive toys when brown paper bags and cardboard boxes are ideal.

Pip likes grocery day

Our lives during the pandemic have slowed down. More time is spent at home. Because social activities, civic meetings, and work have significantly decreased during social distancing period, we spend more evenings at home than ever before. As darkness creeps in the evenings during the winter months, Lucie often makes her way to the kitchen and stares at the food bowl. If ignored, she begins to vocalize to let us know it is time for a wet-food treat Angie buys a cat food that, despite the flavor or content, each variety is finished with “a decadent broth.” The word decadent is not lost on either of us. With winter, a decided chill descends upon the house. In the evenings, Pip finds an empty bed or box in front of the fireplace. He intently gazes at where the fire should be, willing it to spontaneously ignite. He has the power to do that, after of course either Angie or I get up to flip the switches. Once the fireplace is lit, all three come and bask in the warmth. Coco, our delicate but large cat, loves being near us. We use the nickname “Squeaker,” because does not really meow but instead employs a series of high-pitched vocalizations that sound as if she is talking just after inhaling some helium. She has a morning ritual, running up the stairs to the office, squeaking the whole way, telling me that she has come to help me work. We have a daily battle of defining our respective spaces on the desk. I am firm that her part of the desk does not include the computer. But as she becomes more comfortable, she begins to spread and insists on using the side of the computer screen as a headrest. If I relent, a few minutes later she wants to rest her paw on the edge of the keyboard, perhaps not ironically, on the delete button. It is exceedingly difficult to type any document when Coco is there to periodically delete any new additions to whatever I am composing.

Lucie claiming the top of the crate

When she finds the time to relax, Angie’s afternoons are sometimes spent working on jigsaw puzzles. Those one thousand or so pieces are a source of fascination for any curious feline. As Angie works on those puzzles at one end of the dining room table, that often have cats contained with the picture I have noticed, she has a frequent feline observer and would-be participant. But our cats are well trained. A cat bed placed near, but not on the puzzle, and the simple gesture of pointing to the bed, prompts the curious visitor to take a nap. They are well behaved little cats, but it is curious how many puzzles turn out to have a piece or two missing.

Coco enjoys the fire

The pandemic has not been good for all cats. Colony Cafe, a Pittsburgh establishment where one could get refreshments, a coffee, a treat, and play with cats that could be adopted, was forced to close early on during the pandemic. We visited the café on a couple of occasions to make the acquaintance of a few cats while supporting the cause and revel in the experience. It was a place where people could get a cat fix, especially if you did not have felines at home, and where cats could find a permanent home. Save a Gato continues to care for street cats in old town San Juan, Puerto Rico. Their pictures and post of the cats who live on the street, many with special needs, and the cute kittens who need adoption, prompts me to frequently remind Pip, Lucie, and Coco what lucky cats they are.

Pip has the least amount of fur, so blankets come in handy

Pip likes boxes, as does the girls

Coco is our sweet girl