Cat the Manipulator

Pets and children are small and don't have the power, an adult's privilege. Yet, both are skilled manipulators thanks to well-developed intuition.

My cat Shakira uses the family members to get what she wants. The other day she was messing about with my ankles demanding her supper. But I was busy and didn't pay attention.

Then, she sat right in the middle of the gateway leading to the kitchen, the bathroom and the toilet. She was sitting there a few yards away from me quietly and patiently. It was brilliant. Soon, my wife stumbled upon her and immediately shared her surprise with me: "Watch the cat! Why is she sitting here?" Chalk up a point to the pet.

But I was busy still. After waiting a little longer, the cat walked to the bathroom door and sat in front of it, her tail and back to the door. That was my son who called out: "Look, the cat’s a bathroom guardian!" Two points.

I capitulated and fed the cat ahead of other work. Such ingenuity just has to be rewarded even if the cat is not aware why I'm so delighted.