by Alycia Keating

Created on: May 26, 2007

Cats, being cats, are bound to be a tad contrary. That is to say, the more effort you put forth, the less return you will get.

The mysterious eye of the cat cannot see color well, and they don't see the way humans do. There is some evidence they can see yellow (my cat loves to pick out my yellow scrunchie from the basket)and possibly blue. Their eye movements track naturally from left to right and back again (laterally), instead of up and down. They see in high contrast. Shades of gray are not easily distinguishable. This is possibly so that they will have an easier time hunting small prey.

Now, cats understand the concept of presents. If you have ever seen a cat in the midst of a Christmas-present-opening frenzy, it is clear that Kitty wants one too. It is also clear that "All of the Gift Wrappings Is Mine."

What do do?

You see them everywhere: adorable blister-packed kitty toys in bright colors filled with catnip, covered with bells, feathers and fur. They're usually just a little more expensive than you might want them to be, but what's a few dollars in exchange for unconditional love?

The toy now purchased and opened with great fanfare and much "Look, Tiger, play with the mousie!" remains idle, ignored, spurned by our regal little feline.

Tiger's off in the corner stalking the ring that comes off the milk jug, or engaged in an undignified display of delight at the destruction of your balled yarn. The contents of your knitting bag are also fair game.

The screened window, land of Buggies, is full of holes that are now large enough for the insects to get through (thanks to Tiger's claws). And for some reason, the pretzel that fell on the floor makes a perfect paw-hockey puck. Best gift ever? a squiggly something made of pipe cleaners. That or your untied shoelace.

Rule of thumb: the less money a present costs, the more the cat will like it. Never fails. So at Christmas time, wrap up the ball of twine with a bow, tangle your old shoelace with some pipecleaners and put it in Kitty's stocking, season well with fresh catnip, and you'll have a hit.

Learn more about this author, Alycia Keating.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.