Lately Little Feet has gotten into an interesting habit.

We have a small table next to the door. Each weekday morning when I leave for work, Little Feet jumps up on the table and waits to see me off. Before i go out the door, i get my door key out so I can lock up before I leave.

Little Feet insists on having his ears scratched with that key and *only* that key before I open the door. If I take too long to get the keys out of my pocket, he meows "well hurry up, I don't have all morning!". If I try some other key, he backs up until the proper key is presented.

Finally, (this is the cat who is scared of being outdoors), he stands up on his hind legs and paws at the door and the doorknob. Oh, and meows his impatience. Then he settles back on the table.

This is my cue to open the door, and pick him up so he can look out the door before I. He won't look out without my protection - my wife simply is not a good substitute (grin). Once he's had his look out, he gets back on the table and watches as I leave.

In the meantime, Presto who has sneaked out many times (and knows he isn't supposed to) hangs back and watches jealously. The closer I get to actually closing the door all the way, the closer he gets to the door. Until finally I get to pet him through the mostly closed door.

Copyright © Mark Edwards
October 24, 1999