I’m starting to think that when you adopt a cat, there’s a clause in the contract that says you are no longer allowed to do anything without their supervision.
I mean, NOTHING.
If I’m working from home and have a Teams meeting, there’s Spot, plunking herself right on top of my keyboard. Not beside me. Not in the lovely, comfortable spot where she could curl up and nap. No. Directly on the keyboard.
Because clearly, whatever I’m doing on that computer cannot possibly be more important than whatever she needs to do with her furry little body at that exact moment.
I’m trying to look professional, listen to people talk about work, and contribute something intelligent to the conversation. Meanwhile, I’m also trying to prevent a cat from sending a string of random letters to my coworkers.
“Sorry, everyone. I appear to have a new assistant. She’s not very good at spreadsheets, but she’s excellent at sitting on things.”
And it’s not just work. This weekend, I decided I was going to sit down and colour for a bit. Something relaxing. Something that didn’t involve a computer screen, a to-do list, or someone asking me for something.
I got my colouring books out, found my markers, settled in, and was ready to enjoy a few minutes of peace.
Guess who showed up?
Spot.
Right on top of the colouring book.
Apparently, even colouring is a two-person activity now, and I am not the one in charge of the seating arrangements.
So why DO cats do this? Apparently, they like being close to us, they want our attention, and they’re naturally curious about whatever has captured our interest. Our keyboards also smell like us, which makes them even more appealing. According to pet behaviour experts, it’s usually not that they’re deliberately trying to annoy us. They’re just interested in what we’re doing and want to be part of it.
Well, that’s lovely.
But here’s my question: How am I supposed to get upset?
Look at that little face. Those eyes. That innocent expression that says, “What? I’m just sitting here.”
Meanwhile, I have approximately four square inches of colouring book available to me.
The truth is, I went from having no cat to having Spot, and now I apparently have a furry supervisor who oversees every activity in my life. I can’t work without her. I can’t colour without her. I suspect if I tried to read a book, she’d sit on that, too.
And honestly? I can’t even be mad.
I might have to move her occasionally, but I always end up laughing at her ridiculousness.
So, if you need me, I’ll be the person attempting to colour around a cat, trying to participate in a Teams meeting around a cat, and slowly accepting that I no longer own anything in this house.
I just pay the bills.
Spot owns the furniture, the keyboard, the colouring books, and apparently, my schedule.
And judging by the way things are going, she’s doing a much better job of managing my time than I am.
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