Well, my hubby - carpenter supreme - built himself a small bench/stool to sit upon and take off his wet dirty work boots. As with all new additions to the household it came under instant suspicion and needed to be thoroughly checked out by Toby and Wendy. Unusually, they both took to it right away and as soon as one hops off, the other hops on. Often the waitee takes up a post directly underneath the bench in order to take up the more desired position on top as soon as the bench is vacated..

Last night Toby was the waitee and he spied the tantalizing tip of Wendy's tail hanging over the edge going swish, shish, swish. I watched his eyes go back and forth as if he was watching a ping pong match. Then, it all became too much for him - the tail, the desire to be the one *on* the bench... His pupils dilated, he waited for his moment, and he grabbed Wendy's tail and chomped. Her eyes flew open, then bugged while she let out a strangled sounding screech as she was snapped from her peaceful snooze. Wendy hopped down in doubletime and whacked Toby on top of his head. War was declared and the two of them wrestled, whomped, bit and snarled for a few minutes before Toby broke free and made a beeline for the bench. He hopped on top and settled in - carefully tucking his tail up alongside himself with the tip under his paws. Wendy looked puzzled, but waddled over and took the position under the bench sighing as she lay down - her turn would come again.

I assume this recurring situation will only be solved when hubby makes me my own bench for reaching high cabinets - then each cat will have their own bench.

Copyright © Paula K.
February 8, 2001

Read Paula's article: Finding the right cat