My New Year's Resolutions....for the Cats

As we get ready to start writing the year 2012 instead of 2011, I, like many people, ponder what changes I’d like to make in my life with the New Year.  Losing weight is my usual resolve.  But life is not all about me; it’s really about the cats.  But I realize that if we cat lovers were to ask our cats to promise to do a few things differently, we should probably compromise and give them something in return. 

• If you have been allowed to go outside, I ask that you stay indoors from now on to ensure your safety from cars and predators.  Indoor/outdoor cats only live an average of 2-3 years.  I want you to be a part of our family for a long time.  

• If you’ll promise to aim your hairballs where I don’t walk, I’ll promise to comb you more often and take care of any mats before they become uncomfortable for your skin.

• You will all try to get along with each other.  If you can’t stand the other cat, just leave the area.  Don’t have a hissy fit just because Bubba looked at you “that way he does”.  

• When using the bathroom, please think INSIDE the box.  Knowing how you don’t like to use dirty toilets, in return I’ll try harder to keep your litter box clean on a regular basis.

• I promise to spend more quality time with you, playing with cat toys or laser pointers so you can have fun and exercise too.   In return, stop pretending that human feet under covers are critters that need to be tamed at 3 a.m.

• If you will cooperate better with claw clipping, I will try to trim your nails every 3-4 weeks so they don’t get hung up on furniture and bedding.  If the process makes you nervous, I’ll give you treats to nibble on while I do it so the clippers don’t seem so scary.  Read my blog on claw clipping for more advice.

• Stop teasing the dog for your own amusement.  We all know you have superior intellect (and smell better too).  There’s no need to make her look like a fool all the time.

• As I care about your health, I will monitor your diet carefully to make sure you don’t become too heavy, feeding you a quality, high protein dry food (without cornmeal) plus canned food. 

• Speaking of diet, I don’t put food out on the counter just for you.  Kindly refrain from licking the butter or stealing food as if I won’t notice.   I don’t eat your food so don’t eat mine.  

Wishing everyone and their feline companions a healthy, happy New Year!