The Housemate has been here since Wednesday, and we’re having a blast. She is nursing me back to health – or rather, staying out of my way as I cough and sneeze and complain my way through the week. She’s a lovely girl, and I think we’re going to have fun living together.
Which is why I’m trying not to become bitter and resentful about the fact that she has stolen my cat.
I arrived home from work on Wednesday to find TH asleep in her bed, and Kat the Cat sitting in the doorway, looking confused and a little worried. “It’s OK, Kat,” I whispered conspiratorially, “she’s staying with us for a while. Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.” I patted her head reassuringly (the cat’s, not The Housemate’s) and she followed me downstairs, relieved to have me home with her. Jingle jingle jingle went her little bell, as she stayed close to her beloved owner. I was very proud of her later on that evening, when she went and sat by TH’s feet in a very welcoming way. What a mature, clever and hospitable cat she really is. Then when I went to bed, I saw her sitting once again at TH’s bedroom door in a most responsible manner, as if she was waiting to tuck her in and sing her a lullaby or something. Remarkable animal.
At last, all was quiet in the house, and Kat was satisfied that TH was sleeping peacefully. Jingle jingle jingle went the little bell, and I felt the familiar soft thump as my cat jumped on to my bed and curled up in the crook of my knees. “Good night, Kat,” I said sleepily. “Purrrrrrrr,” went Kat the Cat.
On Thursday morning, en route to the shower, a movement in TH’s room caught my eye. I glanced in and froze, rooted to the spot in horror and disbelief. Kat the Cat looked up sleepily from where she was lying curled up beside TH. The cold stab of betrayal pierced me like Romeo’s rusty dagger through his broken heart. If I were in a soap opera, I would have fallen to my knees in distress, clutching at my hair and screaming an endless “Noooooooooooooooooo…..”. But I’m not in a soap opera, so I turned in defeat and stood sadly in the shower, silently nursing my sorrow.
Last night, Kat didn’t even bother with the pretence of coming to my bed first. All I heard was a faint and distant jingle jingle jingle, much like the ‘clanging chimes of doom’ mentioned in the Band Aid song that’s been stuck in my head for two days. Every jingle was like mocking laughter in my ears.
Much as it pains me to say it, I think Dirk was right about cats all along. They only break your heart in the end. And me an invalid, too. Betrayal like no other.
oh look dirk*… you made it… and so did I. alot.
*this comment has been edited by Hails to protect the identity of the guy the feds are after. TH apologises for her indiscretion. Don’t let this kind of thing happen again, people.
yes. it’s about time. though you did give away my real name TH. now the feds may come after me like hayley was afraid of…or something like that. but anyways, we are pretty much celebs by now.
Hails, has TH introduced you to Hope and Hannah, yet? You really need to be introduced if she hasn’t. They even have their own theme song…McBouncy knows it and does it with relish!
I wonder who AB is…
And what is UP with the smiley face in the top left-hand corner?
What an upsetting series of comments – not one person cares about the horrible betrayal that has taken place here. I am distraught.
I care Hails. Now here’s what is really going on. Your cat has not betrayed you. Your cat does not trust Housemate one bit and is simply keeping an eye on her. If Housemate should rise from her bed with murderous intent, your cat is well placed to warn you in advance. Rosie does the exact same thing to house guests. She is, as Kat is, simply looking after her owner’s best interests.
Feel better now?
I love you Nelly.
Since TH doesn’t have her mom to snuggle with the cat sences her deep longing for her mom and is trying to take her place…….Thank you cat
Hope and Hannah,
Hope, Hope and Hannah!!
Hi AB:)
I have sung the song with HM several times:) Not quite the same without you though.
Anyway Hails – Dont worry, HM is not a true cat lover, Kat will sense this and treat her accordingly. She will soon return to your bed where she belongs.
And poor Hayley is not well and no one seems to be sympathising with you in the manner you deserve. Hope your feeling better soon…
McBouncy!!! I’m so glad to hear you’ve song THE song! I will have to come to the defense of HM, though. She had a cat back here that looked like it had seen many a better day, and she loved that cat. I don’t remember its name, but regardless of what wounds it bore, or how old it got, HM faithfully loved it until the end.
Hails,
Love you!
Your writing is brilliant…and i also must defend TH as a true cat lover considering that her cat was approximately 35 years old at the time of her death…and allowed to sleep in the bed with TH in spite of her skeletal body, uncommonly bad stank and a bulging cloudy, cataract grey eye that would simply scare you silly! Now that’s love. Reading your blogs makes me miss you so much…in addition to laughing wildly while i read them out loud to myself in a most feebly attempted Northern Irish accent…which i must say, might be getting better…”cow”
McCooney? Hahaha!! “You… are… hil – ar – i – ous!”! Love it.
Miss you, too, my friend – so you’d better get into the habit of leaving comments like this to make me smile.