Bilbo keeping an eye on the familyI think my girlfriend, the pretty tortoiseshell, has dumped me. She hasn’t been over in ages. Might have something to do with the new dog in her close, mind you, a slobbering, yapping puppy. I wouldn’t fancy going out either, while that’s about. But the fact is, it’s over. What a blow; I loved her! – Well: I say that, but what does love actually mean?

I love my freedom, for instance. Being allowed outside to explore the Great Outdoors has been the greatest gift for me. The field next door is the love of my life! I love every single bunny in it, dead or alive; I love the mice, the moles, the voles, the birds, the grasses and the flowers. I can never get enough of them all. But it’s a different kind of love. It’s the kind of love that makes me run and skip, and do my special four-paw levitation with a twist. A love that makes me feel I can fly!

Bilbo in the grassesI love my food; boy, do I love my food!  I lead a busy life and my metabolism is superfast, so I need lots of calories. I have breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and a midnight snack, not forgetting my three Dreamies at bedtime, which I particularly love. But it’s a different kind of love. A love that makes me purr like a tiger.

I love Mum and Dad, I really do. They do so much for me. Dad made me that excellent indoor climbing tree for the cold, wet winter months. It allows me to get to the top of the dresser, where Mum has placed a soft bed with excellent views of the hall and several rooms. I love it when they potter about in the garden in summer, and I pounce on them from a hiding place, and they look really pleased to see me. I love them especially when they leave their bedroom door open at night and we snuggle up together on the big bed. But it’s a different kind of love. It’s the kind of love that makes me feel valued, safe and warm. A love that makes my heart hum quietly.

So, where does the pretty tortoiseshell fit in? Is there even space left? I’ll have to think about that next time I have a spare moment up on the dresser. For now: Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

Bilbo

Dogs Come when Called

"Dogs come when called. Cats take a message and get back to you."

"Of course, every cat is really the most beautiful woman in the room."

Edward Verrall Luca (essayist)