The other day I came across a picture of our old tabby Rocky who loved nothing more than stretching, languishing, and being comfy—constantly. My God, I thought, that’s how I’ve become in my old age. Okay, maybe not quite that blasé, but here are four ways I’ve become more “feline.” Can you relate?
Needing safety—Its funny, dogs run toward whatever scares them, with an offended growl. But cats are the opposite. They panic and flee. Shy Rocky used to run at the least sign of trouble—leaves blowing across the driveway, a butterfly fluttering past, even my husband Randy’s socks on the floor caused him to arch his back and scramble away. God forbid, the Amazon truck pulled up. That was cause for full panic.
I’m not quite as bad as Rocky, but more and more, I need to protect myself from the cruelties of the world. These days I don’t read headlines before noon. I can’t take the planet’s problems that early. They make me tense, and like Rocky, I’ve learned to avoid what scares me.
Needing comfort –I realized early in life when I had cats as a kid, that no animal does ease like a kitty, and that went especially for Rocky. From curling up on his favorite lap to sprawling on the plumpest chair to lying face-up on the living room rug, four paws in the air, no one did “unhurried” like Rocky.
Maybe it’s this harsh Connecticut winter, but I find I need tactile comfort more than ever. The other day was 8-degrees and the cold seemed to seep through the walls. I found myself reading with a sweater on, down vest, and a blanket. I thought of Rocky in that moment. No doubt, he’d be proud of my ability to find snuggly places where I could. Maybe it’s these old bones. But I need warmth and softness more than ever.
Needing quiet – Whenever we had parties or get-togethers, our dogs would always be front and center, playing host, loving the noise, fun, and people, people, people! (Okay, they were probably also hoping some food would drop to the floor). They couldn’t get enough. Where would Rocky be? Under our bed, as far away as possible. Kitty instinctively needed solitude and the introvert in me understood.
So, it’s no mystery that when I need a public place, but still low-key, I choose the library. Especially in these later years, visiting the local book center is the human equivalent of being under the bed. I can feel the energy of other humans, which is stimulating, but there’s a calmness, a dedication to quiet, that soothes my soul.
Needing a routine – Rocky had his daily schedule down to the nanosecond—early breakfast, mid-morning breakfast (if I let him), grooming, living room nap, more grooming, dining room nap, dinner, begging humans for part of their supper, grooming, evening nap. Any deviations were unacceptable and cause for more panic.
I have friends who hate any two days to be alike. I get that, especially if your routine has become mundane. But I must admit, I like my routine—writing in the morning and afternoon chores and housework. Sometimes I go crazy and have lunch or dinner out with family or friends. Sometimes I’ll even travel somewhere. But I’ve grown alarmingly boring in later life.
Sadly, Rocky’s been gone several years now, and I miss that warm, soft tabby fur and sweet, cuddly body. He wasn’t just a pet. but at times, a soul mate. He would see my human need for warmth and safety and comfort, and I know without a doubt, Rocky always understood.
Are you getting more “feline” as you grow older? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to receive posts in your inbox, just press here. Thank you!
