Animal Antics

Animal Antics

God made all sorts of wild animals.

Genesis 1:25

Our cats drape themselves across the furniture like decor. Jazzy, the striped gray kitten, sleeps with her leg hanging off the back of the couch, copying my teenagers. Biscuit poses as a furry replica of the sphinx. Sunny sleeps curled up in a coil like a cushion. Their naturally decorative shapes elicit my daily admiration.

About two o’clock one morning a jarring scream interrupted our peaceful night’s sleep. It was the familiar story. “Wake up, wake up!” I pleaded, while I shook my husband. “One of our cats got a rabbit.”

I did not want to see the result. I followed my husband to the hallway. There, the cat held a bunny in its mouth. The poor thing was chattering in fear. (For the uninitiated, a baby rabbit can scream just as a person does.) Though icky enough, at least this episode did not require us to chase a live bunny under and around our bedroom paraphernalia in the middle of the night.

Our cats use a swing-out door on the side of the house. Consequently, in the morning disturbing, partial gifts occasionally await my inspection on the dining-room rug.

In addition to revealing examples of nature’s food chain, our cats teach us the fine art of relationship. My boys would prefer to stuff cats under covers, haul them around like potato sacks, and use them as pillows. They have learned that these actions typically result in invisible cats.

Each cat makes known its individual preference. One likes a pat on the head. Another enjoys a tummy scratch. The third must be lightly scratched from head to midback. If the kids wish cat love in return, they must figure out exactly how to please. After all, as cats make us aware by their aristocratic attitudes, we are their servants.

—Diane E. Kay

God, the wonder of pets reveals your joyous creativity. Thank you so much for the delightful animals you have given us. Amen.