I love all animals and am not writing to debate. However, if I must choose, I am Team Cat, undoubtedly. I love puppies, but not big dogs, dog breath, or their tendency to jump up on people. I know they do amazing things, and they have touched me with their many emotionally based actions. But I mostly have “cat” imprinted on my heart.
Cats, known as introverts, aren’t consistently recognized for their innate awareness and care. Yet I have watched “my” cat express this concern about my husband for several months. It has been amazing to watch his attempt at communication about something being off.
First, I should share a little background of my husband and my cat’s relationship. There wasn’t one. When Spooky first came to live with us, my husband accidentally stepped on him when he was lying on the stairs in the dark of night. That prompted a complete revert to my ancestor’s black panther reaction. Since then, eight years ago, they have just ignored and mostly kept separate paths. That is until the past few months.
My husband is currently still having cancer treatments. However, often known for reoccurrence, this persistent disease has returned to visit another area of his body. We hoped a total laryngectomy in July would be enough to say goodbye to cancer. But recently, the doctor recommended additional treatment. As we wait for upcoming planning appointments, our cat has become more clingy and present in my husband’s space.
An adjustable bed and space for Darran’s needs have made him more comfortable in the room connected by a door to our bedroom. Our daughter named it his healing room. Both a combination of that and a Man Cave, I often hang out so we can watch our favorite t.v. Shows. But someone else hangs out there more frequently, too. “My” cat seems to want to be closer to my husband.
At first, Darran denied him access and told him in no uncertain terms to get out. Little by little, Spooky has won him over. In the past, Spooky would be right beside me every night. Initially, I think we both thought he was in there to be close to me. Now he often lays near Darran, at the foot of the bed, or right under his bed at night. He sniffs the air, meows, and acts differently than he did before. He stays in there when I leave. His demeanor is altogether different. He appears both concerned and protective.
After noticing the changes and some research, what I suspected was confirmed. Our cat detects that my husband is battling an illness. Their keen sense of smell can pick up hormonal body changes and people’s emotions. I am not surprised in the least. What surprises me is, unlike the canines, cats aren’t given much credit for this characteristic. There is much-untapped research to support this.
In the early ’90s movie Homeward Bound, Sassy makes the dog Chance repeat, “Cat’s Rule and dogs drool.” We grasp that both dogs and cats love their owners throughout the film. But because cats seem to be the overall underdogs in acknowledgment of this trait, I will playfully agree with Sassy. This morning, when I woke to no kitty boy by my side, I peeked in the door while my husband was still sleeping and saw our beautiful 10-pound black Persian boy lying right beside him.
It reminded me of what I already knew. Cat sense is
no-nonsense!
Hoping you find a place in my space. ♥
Reflection Question:
Do you prefer cats or dogs? Why?