I am ashamed to say I was once turned off by stories of destroyed furniture and the potential urine smell you “can never get out,” so I didn’t count myself into the cat lovers fan club. That all ended when I met my roommate’s cat, Liam.  Liam is a Maine Coon. I have no idea what that means except that he sleeps 21 hours a day curled up like a dog and could care less what is happening around him unless he is out of food or needs a warm lap that can support all of his 16 pounds. 

Yes, Liam weighs more than most small dogs, including my own.  He hums rather than purrs, slowly kneads pillows like he’s perfecting pizza dough and rarely moves from the white chaise he thinks is his personal throne.  Because he is generally inert, his energy comes in bursts—bursts enacted as small attacks on my feet at 7 am, as I walk into the kitchen to make coffee.

Liam is also very intelligent.  One morning in particular, his mommy forgot to change the litter box.  Liam deemed this unacceptable and found a much more convenient location to do his business:  her white linen-clad bed.  Not only was he smart enough to choose hers of the 3 available beds (and 2 sofas), he even went so far as to cover his “gift” with her pillow.

When revenge is not necessary, Liam is affectionate, well behaved and heartbreakingly adorable, devastating the stereotypes that cats can be anti-social.  Just this afternoon I found myself in full “spoon” mode with him nestled in front of me, while I took a little nap.  He also loves “The Office,” sparkling water and reading about his kind in Cat Fancy (as evidenced by our coming home one afternoon to find him with the magazine open in front of him, staring intently at the kitty water fountain with natural grass.  Hey, a cat can dream!)

It’s sad that animals get a bad reputation for being too much of one thing or too little of something else.  So many advances have been made in demolishing stereotypes in the human world, but the creatures that love us unconditionally get picked on before they get a chance.  Like people, animals have their own idiosyncrasies that make them unique, the little trademarks that we come to expect and appreciate. It’s a bit humanocentric to think that because a dog barks or a cat sharpens her claws on the furniture, they have behavioral problems.  They do what they are born to be doing.  It’s up to us pet owners to facilitate their needs within the confines of our own lives and homes.  So if you are considering a pet of your own, keep in mind to keep an open mind.

Thanks for stopping by BadDog Blog and remember, if you have stories or photos of your own naughty (but well-loved) pets, please feel free to drop me a line!

Until next week, stay bad!

Chonny