Cats and Human A & P

I marvel at my cat's knowledge of my internal anatomy. Specifically, the location of my bladder.

In the mornings, when Pootie is antsy for food, he starts in trying to wake us up. Normally this involves jumping up on the bed and chewing on a hand, or rubbing us in the face. But the big move is standing on your full bladder. How the hell is he so accurate?

He got me this morning, jumping up quietly so I wouldn't stir from sleeping on my back, then standing his front two feet right on my bladder and pressing. It's like a big "wake up the monkey" button, it works every time. I wish I could act like it didn't work so I didn't reinforce this action when he did it -- but I always sweep him off, I just can't let him keep pressing there. I know damn well that it's affirmative feedback and basically training him to do it, but I can't take the pressure dammit.

I did figure out how to train him against rubbing his cheek and whiskers in my face in the mornings though. I waited, fully awake, as he started his routine -- he approached my face -- and I bit him. Got him good, right on the front leg. Now, if he tries it I just bare my teeth and he's out of there. If I could only figure out a similar maneuver for this other trick...

The little weenie.

Enjoy your domestic felines,

Bp