Today I gave the cats a brand of food that Nikki doesn't like. Or at least, she doesn't *love* it. While Frank is inhaling the food at his usual speed, Nikki sticks out a dainty paw and takes a piece of food on one claw. She keeps the paw outstretched while she studies the morsel for a while. Then she vigorously shakes the paw, so that the bit of food flies off around the room.

It's still alive! It has to be chased! Oh, what fun! After the chase, the food tastes so much better. She gobbles it up. Then she returns to the food bowl for the next morsel. Sticks out a dainty paw, etc.

It takes Nikki about ten times as long to eat the same amount as Frank. When she finally finishes, she spends ages cleaning her fork, ie. her claw. She is completely unconcerned with the fact that she has left food stains all along the floor and wallpapers. Just so that claw is clean.

Copyright © Marina Kurten
January 5, 2001