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14. CAT CLUBS
When a group of humans who share a similar interest get together on a regular
basis, it is often called a "club". Needless to say, Cats thought of the
idea first, and some of the cleverer humans have discovered that we have
our own. Listed below are the ones that the humans have identified, along
with their names for the clubs. For security reasons (in case this document
falls into the hands of a human) the ones they haven't identified have
not been listed. As with humans, Cats are not restricted to membership
in one club and may belong to many. Each entry consists of a brief description
of typical club members, the average human's reaction to a member's activities,
nicknames for club members, and the club's motto.
The Bed Hog Club
Cats who are members of this club like to sleep on their humans' bed. Of
course, in order to sleep comfortably a Cat needs some room and it is often
necessary to push the sleeping humans around a bit to make it, especially
if there are two humans and/or two or more Cats. In households with more
than one club member, skilled Cats who cooperate can make the humans resemble
pretzels (which are great snacks, by the way) by morning or even fall out
of the bed entirely.
Human reactions: cuddling, nocturnal yoga positions, expulsion
of Cats.
Nicknames: Big Lump, Extra Blanket, Bed Warmer.
Club motto: "Move over, you big lummox!"
The Bed Weight Club
Some members of the Bed Hog Club (usually also members of the Lazy Slug
Club) have figured out how to maximize their comfort by immobilizing sleeping
humans so that their tossing and turning does not disturb the Cats. The
tactic requires at least two Cats, both of which should be relatively mass-enhanced
(never "fat"!) who should settle on the covers on either side of the human,
effectively restricting movement. This is not wise if the human likes to
sleep near the side of the bed!
Human Reactions: "What is that horse doing on the bed?", stiffness
from immobilized.
Nickname: Leadbutt, Lump.
Club Motto: "Don't even think about moving!"
The Chatterbox Club
Members of this club love to talk to their humans, giving advice and/or
criticism on practically anything they do. They are convinced that given
enough time, they will be able to teach even the densest human how to take
verbal commands.
Human reactions: "No comments from the peanut gallery!", "Shaddap!"
Nicknames: Motormouth, Blabbermouth, Noisy, Backtalk.
Club motto: "What do you mean, shut up?"
The Door Into Summer Club
This Club mainly performs its activities during the cold months or when
it is raining. After a human obeys the master's command to open a door
and a blast of cold air fills the room or rain splashes the Cat, the Cat
wrinkles his/her nose and walks away. The ritual continues at each door
in the house (sometimes including closets) until the human either kicks
the Cat out the door, or decides to ignore the Cat altogether. In the first
case, the Cat must bounce up to the window and squawk to be let in while
looking as pathetic as possible. In the second, the Cat must attempt to
make the human want to let him/her out. See
HAMPERING for suggestions.
Human Reactions: Annoyance, foot under the butt to fling you
out anyways.
Nicknames: Waffler, Stupid Cat, Politician.
Club motto: "Just because it's nasty out front doesn't mean
it is at the back."
The Early Breakfast Club
Cats belonging to this club love to walk into their human's bedroom at
some early hour, say, 3 a.m. They then awaken the human (see WAKING
THEM UP and MORNINGS) insisting on being fed. These
Cats believe that their humans can be trained to be awake during prime
play time. Be aware, however, that humans are stubborn and may instead
lock Cats out of the bedroom, squirt them or do other anti-social things
instead of feeding them.
Human Reactions: Grogginess, ignoring, throwing things, general
hostility.
Nicknames: Pest Kitty, various expletives
Club motto: "Life begins after midnight."
The Elephant Cat Club
It is usual but not necessary for there to be more than one member of this
club per household. "Elephant" Cats for some perverse reason enjoy making
their nocturnal games, such as "Kibble Soccer", "Tag", and "Rumpus Raising"
(see GAMES) as noisy as possible by thundering around
home and knocking things over or off the tables, counters, etc. They believe
that half the fun is getting the human to participate too.
Human Reactions: Throwing things, squirting, chasing, shouting.
Nicknames: Bigfoot, Thunderball, Godzilla Cat, Light Brigade.
Club motto: "Did you see the look on his face when..."
The Fraidy Cat Club
To this club belong the Cats of nervous and/or neurotic disposition. Any
strange object or human is to be treated as a mortal danger until it is
absolutely certain it isn't dangerous. They even have to keep an eye on
the humans they know, just in case. These Cats know all of the good hiding
spots in the house/apartment, including the ones that humans swear no Cat
could fit into, and are generally of little use to anybody except when
it is checkup time at the vet's and it is important to be invisible.
Human Reactions: Laughter, dragging from under the bed, cruel
jokes.
Nicknames: Coward, Mr/Ms Invisible, Spooky, Furry Chicken.
Club motto: "Yeek! What's THAT?"
The Garbage Truck Club
Members of this club firmly believe that human food is God's gift to Cats
and that the kitchen and/or dining room are the centre of the universe.
Anything that falls onto the floor is to be eaten immediately, and if the
Cat can contrive to encourage the human to share voluntarily, so much the
better. Hopping onto the counter to clean the plates or getting into the
garbage can to check for leftovers are both considered acceptable, and
the Master Garbage Truck is the one who can do this without getting squirted
or otherwise "punished" by the humans. Lurking under a baby's high-chair
at feeding time is an excellent source of free food that won't get you
shouted at, since (probably, for once) you're actually doing the lazy humans
a service.
Human Reactions: Squirting, chasing, throwing things, ejection
outside.
Nicknames: Stomach with Legs, Garburator, Bottomless Pit, Greedo,
Oinker, Treat-Seeking Missile.
Club motto: "I'll help you eat that!"
The Heat-Seeking Missile Club
These Cats believe in keeping warm at all costs. The best method is to
lie right up against the heating vent. Make sure all the warm air is absorbed
into your fur. Careful grooming will be necessary to prevent a bad dandruff
problem. When the heat is not running, more creative solutions must be
found. Caving into the Cat bed, human bed, or any afghan or blanket available
is good. It's best if the blanket was already mounded up, so that the Cat
is completely invisible underneath. As a last resort, curl up on a lap
or with another Cat.
Human Reactions: Indifference, "Where'd all this Cat hair come
from?"
Nicknames: Comfort Creature, Hot Stuff.
Club motto: "It's cold out there!"
The Hedonist Club
Members of this club (and it is a very large one!) firmly believe that
they can do whatever they want to and that no rules, human or otherwise,
should apply to them. If they're hungry, they want food NOW; if they want
to be petted it had better be NOW; no area should be "off limits", including
counters and dressers; and so on. Attempts to discipline Hedonists will
have no effect at all, no matter how draconian the punishment or how soaked
the Cat gets from repeated squirting. Closed doors are a Great Affront
to Hedonists who view them as a Restriction of Freedom. See also
DOORS. This includes cupboards, cabinets, and closets.
Human Reactions: Shouting, swearing, chasing, squirting, ejection
from house.
Nicknames: You Little Monster, Menace To Society, various expletives.
Club motto: "No? What does that mean?"
The "Hiyo Silver!" Club
Cats who belong to this club have discovered that riding on their human's
shoulders is a good, albeit somewhat precarious, way of staying with and
supervising the human, as well as a free source of transportation. Since
humans are much taller than Cats, shoulders also provide an excellent launch
point for otherwise inaccessible areas like high shelves which often have
things on them which must be investigated for potential as toys and/or
food. Getting on the shoulders is the easy part; directing the human to
where you want to go (i.e. the shelves) is not, especially if the human
has figured out that you want to go there and deliberately avoids it. Sadly,
there is no way to direct them, so it is best to just climb on and hope
the human's activities naturally lead him or her to your desired destination.
Be careful about using claws! Though the human expects a certain amount
of claws due to your needs to maintain balance, excessive use will lead
to unceremonious dumping. So will too-frequent attempts to
Hamper,
such as ear nibbling, hair chewing, swatting with the tail, or changing
positions, as well as being "too fat".
Human Reactions: Petting, scratching, dumping, "I am not a perch!".
Nicknames: (Cat fur colour) Rider, High-Jumper.
Club motto: Move a bit closer to that shelf!
The Lap Fungus Club
Members of this club specialize in enslaving humans for the purpose of
sleeping on their laps. As soon as a human is seated, his/her lap becomes
available and should be occupied at once, after which time the Cat can
get as much attention as s/he wants. See also LAPS.
Human Reactions: Petting, scratching, acceptance, reluctance to get up.
Nicknames: Cuddler, Blanket Substitute, Shedding Machine.
Club motto: "Sit down and I'll be your friend."
The Lazy Slug Club
Membership in this club consists primarily of Cats who have passed the
prime of their lives, and now regard being active as something to be avoided
and inertness as an art form. A member's favourite game is "Snooze" (see
GAMES).
Any activity consists primarily of moving from one favourite sleeping spot
to another, or to the litter box or food dish, though the occasional fit
of playfulness is usually unavoidable due to the energy that does slowly
build up. Humans usually refer (in a less than respectful manner) to members
as Lap Fungus, Couch Fungus, or [insert any approximately horizontal surface]
Fungus. This sort of lese-majeste should earn a human a shredding, but
few members can be bothered to do more than glower balefully or twitch
the tail. Lazy Slugs are easily recognized by their willingness to be brushed.
After all, if the human is willing to groom them, why not let them have
their wish? And it does reduce the hairball problem.
Human Reactions: Incredulity, checking for signs of life.
Nicknames: Lump, Obstacle, Still Life.
Club motto: "Zzzzz".
15. BAD WEATHER
Bad weather, in the form of rain, snow, and/or excessive cold or heat,
is always the fault of the humans. If the weather is inclement when the
human opens the door to let you out, back away hastily and try another
door. See also the "Door into Summer" Club. Be sure
to stare accusingly at the human during this session. If all doors have
the same bad weather and you manage not to get booted out, hop onto a window
sill and gaze mournfully out at your domain. Then try again in about half
an hour.
16. ON KITTENHOOD
Being a kitten is probably the best time of a Cat's life. As a kitten,
you can do almost anything and get away with it because, as the humans
say, "Aww, (s)he's so cute!" Practice the "butter won't melt in my mouth"
Look of Total Innocence now, as it is much more effective than when you
are full-grown and "should know better". Even if you are caught in the
act of some mischief, the Look can can considerably reduce the scolding,
and if mixed with the appropriate amount of fake penitence, get you picked
up and cuddled.
Be sure to make full use of all your excess energy by tearing around
the house at full speed, attacking anything that moves, climbing the drapes,
scooting across tables, counters and shelves, taste-testing plants and
cords, and generally driving the humans crazy. When exhausted, flop down
anywhere comfortable and sleep. After waking up, eat and continue the fun!
You will quickly learn that night-time is the best time for playing because
so many things can hide in the shadows.
17. TERRITORY MARKING
When marking your territory (spraying or plain urinating), make sure that
it is in a place which the human *must* notice, such as the middle of the
bed, on wallpaper, or against the fabric of a sofa or chair. Marking your
territory is important if the human is silly enough to bring "company"
for you inside the house. YOU are king of the household, not the human,
and if the human has any Catsense at all, it will know this. Also, if the
human has washed the blanket or other item which you have marked, be sure
to wait a couple of days, and mark the item again in the very same place.
18. DOGS
As a species, dogs are animals which are in every way inferior to Cats.
They are noisy, smelly, dirty, totally dependent on humans, and stupid
(have you ever seen a Cat tangle with a skunk at all, let alone more than
once?). Unfortunately, they are also for the most part larger than Cats.
They are aware of their inferiority and quite resentful of it, using their
greater size to harass Cats by chasing and/or barking at them at any opportunity
in feeble attempts to make themselves appear superior to their betters.
Dog-baiting can be a vastly entertaining sport if the dog is safely tied
up in its yard or inside its human's house. A Cat with nerves of steel
can perch on a window sill and wash him/herself while the dog within hurls
itself at the window on the other side in a frenzy of rage. Of course,
should the human inside let the dog out, said Cat had better have somewhere
to run for shelter! Of course, this is not to say that Cats and dogs can't
be friends or even live with the same humans, especially if both are raised
from birth with each other, but these are exceptions. If you are on friendly
terms with other cats, you can cooperate with them in dog-baiting to lure
the dumb beast into a spot where you can all beat it up together. This
can be risky if the dog is large and of a nasty temperament, so judge your
target carefully!
19. PLANTS
Humans enjoy decorating our homes with plants, which is a good thing because
they make the rooms look more like the great outdoors and you can rest
beside them in the window and look more like the wild thing that you are.
Many are also good for snacking when you're in the mood for munchies and
the food bowl is empty. Unfortunately, many can be quite poisonous to Cats,
so be very careful what you choose to sample. The last thing you want is
another trip to the Vet! Because humans value their plants, they can be
used to enforce discipline with threats to knock them over, off shelves,
or by pretending to nibble them. If there are plants in the bedroom, they
can be used to wake the humans by getting up close and rustling the leaves
loudly and, when you have their attention, starting to push the pot off
the shelf. Be prepared to run or dodge the squirt bottle though, as they
can be very protective of their greenery. Freshly cut flowers also add
colour and life to a room, and present opportunities for snacking (though
again be careful of the poisonous ones), discipline (see above), and general
Hampering by forcing the humans to put them out of reach before they leave
and hence slowing them down. Be careful though, as the vases contain Cat
Solvent that could splash you when you tip them over.
20. CONCLUSION
Humans need to know basic rules. They can be taught if you start early
and are consistent. You will then have a smooth-running household.
Send other rules or suggested modifications to me,
Harold Reynolds. The original
author of the small list of Cat Rules is
Cynthia Whitney, originally published
in the October 9, 1989 Family Circle magazine.
The following agents of the Cat Slave Intelligence Service have made
valuable contributions to the Cat Rules, at great risk to themselves:
Lisa Abildskov, Dave Blackburn, Lucy Burr, Vicki Burtch, Guy and Julia
Burton, Lormè Coetsee, Karen Davis, Eva Denison, Carolyn Devries, Thomas
DiSessa, Denise Donaghy, Angi Douglas, Marcia Dycus, Sandy Feldman, Kevin Fox,
Mary Fox, Angelina Galindo, Paul Gilbert, John & Dee Hagger, Brenda
Haramis, Jamie Hilverding, Ulrike Jaeger, Jocelyn Jenik, Beth Johnson, Derrick
Kirk, Connie Kleinjans, Karen Kotchek, Doug Kropp, Barb Kuchera, Dennis Kunze,
Anne Lafayette, Phillip Lafleur, Matthew Lecher, Ashley Madaris, Jules May,
Patsy Mays, Megan McGuire, Dave Merriman, Kathy Minicozzi,Susette Newberry,
John Novello, Mollie O'Dell, Wes Peters, Kris Porto, Sally Santiago, Chris
Schenck, Werner Schwab, L. Scott, Evelyn Shockley, Deborah Simon, Susan Hattie
Steinsapir, Kelly Tapani, Molly Thomas, Scott Thomas, Susan Turner, Julian
Vrieslander, Brian Ward, Erin Valentino, Michael Varney, Catherine Wightwick,
Larry Williams, Steven Woodford, Elizabeth Worden.
Illustrations contributed (with many thanks!) by Paul J. Lareau, and
placed by Laurie Miller, former maintainer of the
The
Malcolm Cat Protection Society (in Cyprus) WWW site.
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