Tuesday, 9 June 2015

APPARENTLY A CAT PERSON

"You're a cat person, I can just tell," said Marie, stirring her tea.

"Oh really?" I said. I wanted to ask her how she could tell, what a 'cat person' looks like, and how you can spot one in an office kitchen on a Tuesday morning. But then, she'd just told me that her own cat had died and I didn't think she'd be up for explaining her off-the-cuff deduction.

Not growing up with pets has left me quite puzzled by the connection between owner and animal. I mean I actually get Christmas cards from other people's dogs. It's not a problem - just confusing to be wished a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year by someone who tries to attack me every time I ring their front door bell.

Having said that, I do understand the grief, especially if your cat is your only source of company. I switched up my empathy and told Marie how sorry I was to hear that. And I am sorry to hear it, even though I draw a much wider line between people and pets. They are not your children.

Maybe though, when I've got a cat of my own, I'll be different. Maybe I'll be a coochy-cooing cutesy cat person, just as Marie seemed to predict.

I tell you something though - my cat won't be sending you a Christmas card.

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