The way things are going, they’ll soon be auditioning me for a toilet roll commercial. I’m purring a lot more these days, except at meal time. I reckon I’ll always hiss ands spit to get my way when I’m hungry, as that’s something I‘ve been conditioned to. 

Well I told you last time, there’s a limit to all this thinking. I’m going to expect the best, and deal with ‘problems’ if they arise. That way I reckon my life will improve drastically. I’ll still get the odd knock back, but far fewer. 

JimmyAs I said last time, confusion reigns. You know where you are by ‘top catting’; going around facing the other cats down, fighting, hissing, clawing and tapping. I’m torn between Jimmy the bruiser and Jimmy the softy.

Trouble is, Jimmy the softy is a bit of a myth. It’s harder to live a meaningful life than lapse into mindless macho posturing. I’m told I look better and my coat is shiny. Two dead giveaways when it comes to a catfight at the biscuit corral. Battered with a dull coat is ‘ard.

We’re moving soon, in Autumn I’m told. I don’t think I’ll make bolt for it when they come to bag me up on moving day. My current keepers treat me with respect, and obviously love me.

I can’t believe I just said that!

So, it’s another territory to scour, mark out and face down the opposition. Still this time, my mates Harry, Ch’Bee & Milo will be with me, but don’t tell them I called them that. They will be confused. I’m not sure they are ready for 90% soft Jimmy yet. Poppy might want to stay, but she’s genuinely the most independent cat I’ve ever met.

Are our cat lives pre-destined? I used to be a pessimist with a tinge of optimism. Life was a sod, but I’ve had some breaks. Now I’m more of an optimist. If I stay optimistic, what will be my lot? Part of me still expects my dish to be taken away and not filled again. I can’t get the thoughts out of my head.

Poppy is unfazed by most things, but she was hurt as a young cat. Apart from sleeping outside [undercover I may add] at night, she always gets food.

Well I told you last time, there’s a limit to all this thinking. I’m going to expect the best, and deal with ‘problems’ if they arise. That way I reckon my life will improve drastically. I’ll still get the odd knock back, but far fewer. I’ll trade in 10 predictable problems for 2 unpredictable ones, and I’ll have to take more responsibility for my purring. Swapping peace for drama, big decision!

I’ll keep you posted on where we’re going in my next article.

Jimmy

© Jack Stewart MSc

 

In the Middle of a World...

"In the middle of a world that has always been a bit mad, the cat walks with confidence."

Roseanne Anderson