by Elle Fredine

Created on: November 06, 2009

Cats seem to have the happy faculty of understanding exactly what we are about, but only when they wish to understand. They can detect the most subtle nuances that tell them we are heading for the kitchen and an offering food may be imminent. If, however, we are saying something they do not wish to hear, such as, No, or indicating displeasure with what they are doing, they can simulate deafness with a poise that defies detection.

Cats are arguably, the most beautiful, lovable, maddening, and enigmatic creature ever to join man at his fireside. Dogs, ever eager to please, were happy to become man's companion for the promise of food, affection, and a warm place to sleep. Cats, on the other hand, had to be wooed to the fire - originally, so the story goes, by woman.

Cats exude exotic grace, charming us with their sphinx-like aspect and graceful repose. In the next moment, they can explode into a wild and woolly, stiff-legged, kittenish scramble across the floor after a favorite toy.

If you have ever murmured endearments to one of Mother Nature's masterpieces of feline grace and been fixed with a limpid gaze that seemed to say, Of course I'm beautiful - I am cat, you just know that kitty understood every syllable you uttered.

Some cats communicate more overtly than others. Mr. Murphies, a blue-eyed, blue-tabby point, Rag Doll is most adept at verbal and non-verbal communication. If you are engaged in food preparation, he will stand between you and the cupboard on his hind legs, bracing both front feet as high up as he can reach. Then he will throw his head back, butting you in the leg, or whatever part of you he can reach, until he has your attention. As soon as you step back, he will pat the cupboard and loudly inform you that he requires some of whatever you are making.

When he wants to be picked up, he will throw himself on the floor directly in front of you, offering his tummy for rubbing. As soon as you touch his plushy fur, he begins to purr loudly. Weighing in at a not-inconsiderable fifteen pounds, Mr. Murphies is quite a load for a dead-lift from the floor to your shoulder. As well, his Rag Doll breeding turns him into a rubber cat - he goes limp when you touch him, like a floppy rag doll - hence the name.

A cat's ears are often the key to what they are thinking. If Mr. Murphies flops in front of you with his ears are perked forward at just that angle, and the tip of his tail is twitching ever so gently from side to side, don't be taken in by his invitation.

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