Kittens are Magical
There must be something magically appealing about kittens, that is genuinely unique. During the many years I have been owned by cats, I find, for some unknown reason, that even the folks not overly fond of cats are magnetically drawn to them, going so far as speak to them dotingly using that silly baby talk.
Whenever I encounter a kitten, my immediate reaction is instantly falling in love, going weak at the knees most of the time. I get this overwhelming desire to tuck the juvenile feline into my shirt and spirit it away. Their unabashed joi de vive, their incredible imaginations going a mile-a-minute, ready to hunt down the teeniest piece of paper rolled up into a ball, can turn the gloomiest day into bright sunshine.
Moreover, if their playful antics are not sufficiently compelling to engage a reluctant accomplice targeted for play, most kittens instantly switch gears and become expert mountaineers, climbing the equivalent of a summit assault on Mt. Everest, designed to entertain and engage our attention. They always have an eye out for potential prey, which can range from a hanging curtain to a big toe emerging from under the covers. When kitten is on a mission, watch out!
I have often been covered with the unmistakable evidence of feisty kitten play. These infantile pussycat predators are incredibly armed with razor sharp baby claws and teeth. It is a good thing that patience and an understanding of feline behavior that kittens have the ability to learn quickly, that rough housing with a human is not acceptable behavior. I have to admit that sometimes it is hard for me to resist the temptation to play "sneaky" spider using my hand, but knowing the potentially dire consequences quickly brings me to my senses.
Kittens seem to possess an incredibly proclivity to use humans as their purrsonal scratching post and ladder. After all, weren't we designed for their convenience to be excellent shortcut to counter tops and high shelves? I must admit that I feel that it is part of my duty as a kitten-servant to acquiesce to their demands at times. Anyway, they just are so darned cute . . .
Anyway, all too soon, as they mature into adults, these "endearing" interactions will quickly fade, remaining only as a delightful memory. Nevertheless, it is wonderful that they are replaced with a more peaceful and loving quality. Unless my two Oriental Shorthair cats, Hubble and Hush Puppy become intrigued with a new and interesting toy, they usually prefer to curl up beside me to take a nap. As their furry bodies rise and fall rhythmically as they sleep, I frequently find myself dozing off as well.
However, I must confess that if I had my druthers, I would opt for kittens to remain kittens for just a little longer. Observing their incredible zest for life, coupled with their insatiable curiosity is the most delightful entertainment. It sure beats television.
Do you share my feelings about kittens? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Comments (10)
J.A. Mmorrison July 24, 2008 8:07 AM
Oh I have to agree with you about kittens. We raised abandoned kitten three years ago. We had 6 little bundles of energy here. To put it simply they wore me out taking care of them as they grew but.....they also make you feel young. Now at three years old, the ones that were not adopted are sedate and regal. They do have days when they play and romp and chase each other though. Your article reminded me of all the fun they were as kittens and still are as grown cats.
Heather July 24, 2008 8:21 AM
While I'm not as avid a kitty fan as you, you have a way of writing that makes it simply irresistible not to read,
Thanks for all you've done.
Amy July 24, 2008 9:41 AM
Right now I have 8 cats or should I say 6 cats and 2 kittens on my house. The kittens are about 6 months old and full of energy. They tear from one end of the house to the other. They also engage the older cats in play which is good exercise for them. They also try to "talk" to the others saying "come on lets play".
Vicki July 24, 2008 11:23 AM
This picture of these adorable kittens makes me just want to pick one up and talk that silly talk to it. Kittens are so precious, and I could watch their playful antics for hours on end.
Sheila July 24, 2008 1:08 PM
I, too, have often thought it would be nice to have mini-cats, like the mini-dogs, horses, etc! Kittens are so much fun to play with and to have around. Unfortunately, there are far more kittens than there are homes to take them--hence the need to spay and neuter our precious animals.
Donna July 24, 2008 7:19 PM
Kittens! WHO CAN RESIST THEM???? I avoid going to the no kill shelter I support during kitten season for fear I'll see someone who will steal my heart (their newsletters are enough to make me want to re-adopt!) However, at 5 cats now ranging in age from 2 > almost 14, I daresay it will be a while before I adopt again...and when I DO, it will be TWO kittens...to grow up together, to play together, and to hopefully grow old together. In actuality, I'll probably have to wait until Mother Nature takes me down to 2 cats...and I'm in NO hurry for that to happen...but I just know when I only have two left...I'll take two more. Kittens...NO ONE with a heart can resist them! (But only adopt if you're going to adopt for life! You better like CATS if you adopt a kitten!) They are NOT DISPOSABLE!
Kathy July 24, 2008 7:58 PM
I, too, love kittens. I will say, though, that my quiet and comfortable 18 going on 19 year old Siamese is delightful. She never voluntarily leaves the bed that she lives on, but, she still snuggles, purrs, and paws at me at night to get me to pet her. Cats, at any age, are wonderful!
annie July 24, 2008 10:27 PM
i WUV kitties. in fact at the moment i am raising the last of the ferals from peachy -- who my husband miraculously managed to trap 2 days ago and who just got home from the vet's today -- fixed and all shot up! anyway, today he caught the last of her feral kittens -- it too shall be fixed on monday! hopefully i shall be able to half way tame the new wee one. it's sooooo cute!!!
Nancy July 25, 2008 11:16 AM
Yes, I share your feelings about kittens and grown cats alike. That's why I, somehow, have ended up sharing my home with 33 of them! LOL I have that same little pic of the kittens sleeping....love it!!! Great writing, too!!!
Rani July 26, 2008 8:23 PM
Hubby commented recently that the next cat we get, we should get a kitten, so that it learns from an early age that Meowmy's lap... on the wheelchair... is a happy place. We also agree that from now on, we are just having Ragamuffins or Ragdolls. One of our kitties is a Muffin and the other is a marmalade DSH we rescued as a kitten about 7 years ago. Rags have the most wonderful temperaments. My Baby is 3.5 years old and still rather kittenish. And an always-entertaining lovebug.
Rani
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