My son and DIL have two cats, Oscar and Emmy—brother and sister. I've known them since they were kittens, which must be about 8 years now. Emmy in particular is laid back, infinitely patient with the little boys. I've had multiple cats of my own for decades and are always attentive to these two when I babysit. I never had an issue with them. Until this month.
I fed them for five days a few weeks ago when their family was away. For the first four days, Emmy hissed at me—something she'd never done before (with anyone, as far as I know). On the fifth day she attacked my lower leg. I was wearing boots—grateful for them!—and she didn't connect with my skin.
This weekend I'm back on cat-feeding duty. When I arrived there this morning Emmy was lying on her back. She let me pet her, and even let me lightly scratch her tummy. Her ears didn't go back, and everything seemed back to normal. But as I got out the cat food, without any preliminary hissing she attacked—above my boot this time. It hurt!
A little while later, as I was finishing up, she did it again. I checked my leg when I got home, and I was bleeding in four places. Major sting when I cleaned up the scratches. But my feelings are hurt most of all.
That is so strange. Is she a Republicat?
ReplyDeleteShe does look a little like Melania around the eyes....
DeleteI wonder why she's doing this. My feelings would be hurt too!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew. My DIL is going to feel bad about this. She was shocked to hear about Emmy's behavior last time. Maybe I shouldn't tell her about this time.
DeleteI don't know. Maybe something's not right with her?
DeleteHow strange!
ReplyDeleteShe looks great, and she's eating. Perhaps she blames me for her family's absence. They're coming back today. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking.
DeleteI went over to feed them again this morning. I thought maybe she didn't like my shiny red boots, so I wore my dull dark olive green Tretorns. That didn't help. She let me pet her when I arrived, but after that she stalked me, making hostile noises. Her intentions were clear, and I didn't dare turn my back on her. I lured her into the bathroom and shut the door, and there she stayed until I was ready to leave.
ReplyDeleteEmmy, why are you doing this?
ReplyDeleteAmazing how cats and dogs can hurt our feelings, isn't it?