Grumpy

[redbird]

I suspect that the grumpiness is from a combination of not getting outside for more than two minutes at lunchtime, and assorted minor physical irritations. I didn't get outside because they had an all-company meeting, most of which wasn't of much interest to me because it had to do with pay/benefits that I don't get as a temp, and with long-term prospects (which again, aren't all that relevant if this assignment ends in August) followed by lunch. Lunch was indifferent sandwiches, cookies, and all the watermelon I could eat. That is, slightly more watermelon than I probably should have eaten, or 3-4 times as much as most people would eat for dessert.

Julian is proving bold, adventurous, and jumpsome. This evening, I've had to stop him from drinking out of the toilet; chase him down the hallway when he slipped out the front door as cattitude and I were returning from the store; and grab him off the counter while I was making my lunch. As I told him, that was quite an elegant leap, but he's still not allowed to jump onto the counter while I'm preparing food. It's not as though he isn't getting generous handouts just by asking--in fact, I'd just given him a piece of turkey.

Comments

[calimac.livejournal.com]

If you want to wager on which of us could eat more watermelon for dessert ... as long as it's good watermelon ... I would be happy to take up the challenge.

[annafdd.livejournal.com]

You'd probably be better off declaring the counter off-limits at all times. I have been weak with mine and now I have to shout her and bat her off the table every time I sit down to eat. So I have decided that from now on, "table" and "scolding" will become synonim for her.

I solved the drinking from the toilet problem by keeping the lid down.

[(Anonymous)]

Julian is proving bold, adventurous, and jumpsome.

Fine catly virtues all.

The toilet drinking indicates a refined palate, sensitive to the faucety aftertaste of tap water (cf. Henri de la Barbe, Le français avancé pour les chats). The lid is one solution. We just let it happen, and I think Bobby mostly drinks from the toilet to signify that the water bowl needs freshening.

Wade was a doorwatcher, too, until I decided that he should know the building in case he got out. I got a harness, put him in the carrier, let him out one flight up, and the poor thing just wanted to get back inside and hide. I eventually got him to walk up and down stairs, then brought him back in by carrier. He doesn't want any more of it. You're a nice person, Vicki, so you might find it hard when he treats you as not-cat-friendly after such a training session. But remember, cat containment is a serious survival issue in the city; you can understand that and he can't.

For the table, I agree that you're more likely to succeed in convincing Julian that it's off-limits in general (or at least, when you're around). Even then, expect the occasional forgetfulness when food is involved. Still, being picked up and put on the floor is a sign he will understand, and mostly obey.

Good to hear you're being well cared for.

--Dan Hoey