Everyone who is owned by a cat knows true love. All these people who think along the lines of "unconditional" love crap do not know that with a cat it is earned.

"Unconditional" love is dogs. They love you from the get go. Whack them with a rolled up newspaper, and they sulk, fifteen minutes later, all is forgiven, and "unconditional love" rears it's ugly head again. Rather mindless.

Not that it's really ugly. Just try that with a cat. If you are stupid enough to whack a cat, you may have disfigured genitals in the morning.

Cats are NOT the same. You earn their trust and love (and do what you are told), then you have a love for life. It's at best, an understanding. Oh, it's love, but not on your terms. Little quadruped furry Felidae has other plans for you.

Take my mildest only boy, Tippy. A Two year old Classic Brown Tabby Marmalade longhair boy (can you tell I am proud of him?) Big green eyes, ear tufts like a wildcat, tuffs between the pink toes.

Not a lot going on upstairs, just love, a shy, average cat, unlike his sister Bella, who contemplates Quantum Mechanics whilst asleep. His "go" formula in life is good food, love, and love... and his sister.

So last night, he was in my lap, being petted, and purring, while his sister watched "Miracle of Flight" on TV with rapture. Dear sweet Tippy, put his paw on my face, a warm soft pad, and gave me a love stroke.

Except one claw was not fully retracted. So sharp, I did not even feel the two inch gash he drew on my face. Then I felt an itch after he left (wondered why he left so fast) and a bunch of blood came off. Sweet Jesus on a bicycle! What a mark!

Next day at work I told them I got it whilst dueling. They never believe me anyway...

Copyright © Bill Mason
October 23, 2002