Elvira Fernandez
- Jan 29, 2022

How to placate a sulking cat?

Today morning when I woke up I was turning over a few possible ideas to enlarge upon for tonight’s post. I flipped words, sentences, questions... this way and that way... wondering what would sound more captivating! Phew! It can get quite tiring with churning thoughts around constantly. Especially, when you’ve just woken up from a fitful sleep! I’m talking about me, I don’t know about you!

On and on raced my thoughts as I made inroads into an absolutely delightful breakfast of aaloo ka paranthas with red chilli pickle! It was soon time to begin work for the day and I firmly pushed those ideas and thoughts to the back of my mind as I prepared to meet my classes. Now, I must tell you that after I greet my students I lead them into a short prayer session for a couple of minutes. I love to face the Sun surrounded by the green plants and colourful flowers as we praise, glorify and thank God for His endless love and graces. The Sun’s warmth, light and optimism slowly envelopes me and my heart fills with gratitude for the people who are a part of my life, for the children who eagerly wait to begin their lessons for the day. Nature’s music is so soothing... be it the birds chirping or squirrels squeaking around my home or at students’ homes. Whitu, my white cat is a quiet companion at this time as he sits, gazes (at the birds and sometimes at nothing) and sniffs the fresh air. Once I walk into the house he follows quietly.

Today morning, after I had prayed and wished everyone a good morning, I turned to walk in. Whitu had decided to visit his favourite spot in the garden. Already speaking to the students I hardly set a foot into the living room when I heard angry hisses and howls! Oh no! This meant only one thing! There was a strange cat in the garden and Whitu wasn’t happy about it. I mumbled an excuse to the class and hurried to check the source of the disquiet. Right enough, a black and white cat was crouching in the corner of the garden staring with scared eyes at Whitu who stepped back when he saw me. I told Whitu to get into the house at once and the good kitty that he is, he obeyed. Locking the door behind me I continued with my class till it was time to end it.

Usually, Whitu sits by my side while I teach but today he wasn’t at his spot. When I called him, he didn’t reply. My mother told me to have a look at the spectacle in the veranda. My dear Whitu was sitting on the bench peering out from the wire mesh doors into the garden. His attention completely focused on the other cat, his tail was swinging like a pendulum. Initially, he completely ignored me when I called to him and then gave me a look of disdain. I laughed! He was sulking. I felt sorry for the cat sitting in the cold corner of the garden and decided to feed him some warm milk and chappatis. Whitu certainly didn’t approve! Twice he tried to rush through the doors and chase that intruder away and when thwarted he stared at me with half open eyes and a pout (if that’s possible for a cat, it did look like he was pouting). Anyway, Whitu sulked till my mother decided to take things in her hands around noon. Mummy shooed away the black and white cat from the garden and soothed Whitu with complaints of me feeding strange cats. Whitu approved and mewed back charmingly. Now tell me, dear friends, is this right?