I think as a rule, most cats hate the "Vacuum Monster". It's true, there are a few insane and clearly deranged cats that like to have their fur vacced, but I swear these cats are far and few between.

My two girls fall into the majority CATegory. Think about it. There you are minding your own business, and along comes this snakey howling monster that moves back and forth threatening to suck your very own tail off your back!

So Cleo and Velvet were so happy when they saw the monster (which lately had been emitting a funny smell, and an anguished death howl) be taken out of their territory, and away to places unknown. They even came out in the hall to watch it go. What a relief! Peace at last.

Until another vacuum monster showed up the very same week! But this one was different from the old one. It was quieter, smaller, and best of all...! It came in a box!

A box to explore! To lessen the shock of the new arrival I taped the box lid closed, cut two doorways in it, and Cleo and Velvet just loved it. After two weeks, it still adorned my living room floor, along with scratch posts, kitty toys, and a kitty condo. (Does this sound familiar?)

So after two weeks of rough housing in and around it, Cleo thought it was time to check out the top. Bad idea. I sat and watched quietly, but with a slowly widening, all-knowing smile as the tape sloooowly started to separate between the two box flaps as Cleo walked about on top of it.

Well I must say, haven't heard her yowl like that in a few years. The windmilling claws that were just blurs as she fell through were a nice special effect as well. I guess the box will be leaving now. I wonder if I get punished for this one? It's not like I did anything wrong?

The "Vacuum Monster" strikes again!

Copyright © Bill Mason
May 23, 2001