We had cats when I was growing up, when in Calcutta, for a while, mainly because we were given two Siamese cats who had been spayed and house trained my an expat American couple, when they moved back to the US. Otherwise, growing up and post my marriage, we have mainly been dog people. Not to say I dislike cats. I am not a cat hater. In fact, as I tell people, I am a mammal person. I am not averse to trying out any mammal that can be tamed except maybe the big shrew like rats we get here sometimes. I have looked after a squirrel, sundry dogs, cats, goats and helped in looking after cows. I am pretty sure I would not mind a monkey, I talk to the mongooses I see occasionally around here!
Anyway it was fun cat -sitting Tigger, who is a most affectionate cat. The first thing in the morning, when he sees me, (I can't have him sleep with me as I am pretty allergic to cat hair) is to run and then lie flat in front of me for a tummy rub and general stroking. He's already purring by the time he lies near me. He then waits for me to get my coffee and sit down, so that he gets more petting.
I find this quite surprising because most cats don't come asking for petting like the dogs do. He has 2 stuffed teddys, one of whom he especially loves and it is the greatest fun to see him playing with the teddy, kissing the teddy, rough housing with it and then hugging it.
My dogs are not let inside at all now, since he is in the house, and they are quite jealous, but also interested in this new character. He sits and watches them from inside the house. I think he would like to make friends, but they don't seem to take very kindly to that idea.
Anyway, tomorrow we take him back to my daughter's place. I will miss him I know. But then I do have my doggies.
