Funny Felines

Felines are creatures of extreme habit. Like all animals, they thrive on consistency, and are completely discombobulated when new things suddenly pop up.

Morris is an old cat, in the Old Geezer phase of life, almost sixteen. His life is very consistent: sleeping, yowling for treats, eating, and pooping. In that order. Morris is all about simple. And there is nothing more relaxing than watching a cat sleep. Maybe a baby

The other day I added a new water bottle upstairs for the cats to drink from, the kind that refill themselves until the bottle is empty. When the bowl empties out enough, the pressure of the water in the bottle forces its way out of the bottle and into the bowl. Simple.

A couple of days after I filled the new water bottle and put it on the floor for the cats, I saw Morris approach the bowl and start to drink. I applaud silently that he is not snubbing the new water dish, and just as I think that thought, the water bottle made a gurgling noise and the bowl began filling up.

Morris' reaction was unexpected. He leapt about a foot in the air and landed about two feet away from the bowl. Without turning around! He had the most surprised expression on his face, too. It was definitely what they call a 'WTF?' face. I didn't even know that cats knew that phrase. And I sure as heck had no idea that he could move like that.

It was Morris' furry 'WTF?' face that did it. I started laughing. I started laughing and laughed so hard that I had to sit down to catch my breath. For the rest of the day, that image of Morris leaping backwards would pop into my head, and I would giggle.

It would be two days before Morris would come anywhere near the water dish.
He hasn't tried to drink, but that old cat seems to be trying to get used to the water dish again. I have to give him points for bravery, as well as trying something new. And for waking up from his nap to do those things.