Like most cats, my cat, Pipig (the name is Swedish for "squeaky"), is generally self-sufficient but, when she wants my attention, she can be very demanding. If she's ignored, she tends to act out. When I'm working at my computer, that may involve repeatedly sitting or walking in front of my monitor, or putting her paws on my shoulder and attempting to lick my face. A few days ago, when I continued to ignore her, she took out her annoyance on the flowers sitting on my desk.
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| The stems of these blue and green Eustoma grandiflorum (aka Lisianthus) snapped in the wind so they ended up in a tiny vase next to my PC monitor. This photo was taken after I'd already rebuked Pipig twice for nibbling on the flower. |
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| She stopped nibbling but didn't move away |
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| After a few more repetitions of "NO", she tried to stare me down. I picked her up off the desk and put her on the floor. |
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| She was back in a flash to retaliate against the flower |
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| After another talking to, she pulled away and gave me the stink eye before curling up behind the monitor |
We've had repetitions of the same behavior since; however, there's no sign that she's gone after the flowers when I'm not sitting right there. Is she simply trying to draw my attention by whatever means possible, or is she actually jealous of the flowers? If you're a cat behaviorist, let me know what you think.
All material © 2012-2017 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
Bad kitty! (but rather hilarious too)
ReplyDeleteShe believes that she rules the house and that my husband and I are here to serve her. In other words, she's a typical cat.
DeleteCute cheeky cat! and that green Eustoma is fabulous! is it a new cultivar? I never saw green Eustomas before.
ReplyDeleteI came across the green Eustoma (Lisianthus) last year in a mail-order nursery's on-line catalog (Burpee) and, thus far, that's the only place I've ever seen it. It's currently available only as part of a mixed collection of plant plugs. Only 1 of the 6 green plugs survived to bloom a second year but I may try planting it again next spring - the plants are no available for delivery this year.
DeleteHahahaha - those darn felines of ours! I know that was probably so annoying, but your post made me laugh out loud. Great portraits - especially the one where she is staring you down. Give dear Pipig a rubdown from me - she is still sweet. And I love that you explained her name - I had been wondering... :)
ReplyDeleteI thought you probably recognized her name. Few people here do.
DeleteThey can be so persistent, can't they? She's definitely giving you looks with a very expressive face.
ReplyDeleteShe's one strong-willed cat, Barbara! You should see how she behaves at the vet!
DeleteWhat beautiful eyes she has. When you are that pretty, you can get away with almost anything.
ReplyDeleteShe and your Natasha are similar that way perhaps?
DeleteWhat a beautiful girl she is. Of course, she wants your attention! 'Aw, c'mon, Kris, just a little loving, pleeeze?' Does she like being brushed? My cat, also named 'Squeaky' btw, started acting better once I started brushing her once a day. It's our time to 'commune.' :)
ReplyDeletePipig gets her fair share of attention, Eliza, including a combing session every night before bed. For some reason, she hates brushes but likes being combed. She also enjoys sitting on my pillow first thing in the morning and licking my face to wake me up.
DeleteI have to admit, I guffawed at the shot of her open-mouthed. I get that view of my own cat all the time, usually he's trying to bite me. I'm not an authority, but it's something about sitting at the monitor. Mine comes and tries to sit in the chair with me, beside me (there isn't enough room), it's like he's trying to push me off the chair, and if my elbow comes near his mouth, well, all bets are off.
ReplyDeleteI'm speculating of course, but I think that staring at a computer screen rather than giving our attention to them, as they consider appropriate being that they're the center of the universe, galls them into misbehavior. Pipig also acts out at times when I'm photographing flowers for IaVoM by chewing on any flowers within reach.
DeleteDefinitely a war of wills there, Kris! Her opinions certainly come through in your pictures. ;-) Dogs aren't so much different, except there are fewer places they can reach...
ReplyDeleteShe is inclined to go where she pleases, no matter how often I say "no."
DeletePipig will win. The cat always wins. You might as well just give her what she wants. Resistance is futile.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the Borg had cats? I suspect you're right but I'm not going to tell my husband - he likes to believe we're in control.
DeleteThis same scene has played out at our house. What is about cats that makes them think they are king or queen of the world? Glad she only eats them to get your attention. Our kitty will munch whenever and whatever he wants. I've caught him straddling the kitchen sink to get to a pot of wheat grass (for our pet tortoise) one night when I was up with the baby. Grass has been moved because he's a punk (and maybe king of the world) and we know it.
ReplyDeleteNo cat suffers from an inferiority complex, that's for sure, Rebecca. I've tried giving my cat wheat grass but she prefers to graze on the ornamental grass in the garden. She gets a brief excursion outside every morning when I clean out her litter box. Then she comes into the house to throw up, of course.
DeleteI remember another pet named Squeaky. I assume you do too.
ReplyDeleteI do indeed. The guinea pig was a lot quieter than Pipig, though.
DeleteThe little rascal, but I expect she gets away with it because she is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSpoiled rotten more like it!
DeleteGorgeous cat!
ReplyDeletePipig agrees with you, Rachel!
DeleteSuch lovely green eyes set off by russet fur!
ReplyDeleteI love those green eyes.
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