Mrs. Pepper's Cats-6

The story continues......................

Chapter 6

Marmalade and Havana

(Cats with personality)

Havana, like all cats, or for that matter all creatures-including humans-was habitual in her nature. She was protective of her territory but shared it with her sister Marmalade. Often they would sleep together in their basket or on the settee. They enjoyed snoozing on the radiator above their bed, upon which Mrs Pepper positioned a faux sheepskin rug for their comfort; but at times Marmalade would creep up behind Havana, nip her flank and chase her off so that she could have it to herself. If Havana was on Mrs Pepper's lap enjoying a tickle and Marmalade joined in, Havana would go off in a huff, unwilling to share the experience. The sisters often ate together from their bowl on the kitchen floor but if either caught a rabbit the successful huntress took first sitting, the other moving in when she had had her fill. 

Cats, unlike the more tamed canine, have an independence, indeed an authority that makes them more in control of the relationship between them and their humans. Cats were never forced into domesticity, they chose it.  It was not until a couple of centuries ago that Victorians began to purposefully breed cats specifically for the home. Up until that time cats were not caged nor bred in captivity. This has left them a Darwinian theorised legacy which endures. They are more driven by the laws of natural selection and this has a unique influence upon their distinct personalities.

There are no genetic differences between house cats and wild or feral cats and it is their early introduction to humans, within the first few months of life, that determines their level of socialisation with humans, and for that matter siblings and other animals.

Marmalade and Havana were bred cats whose early life was in the presence of humans and therefore they were not, in the main, phased by humans. If their mother shows no fear of people then they tend to follow suit. And if cats are reared with siblings from birth they will often enjoy a lifelong relationship. Never-the-less they develop different personalities. 

In the case of both Marmalade and Havana, both conformed to the colourful personality type, ascribed by experts to the Oriental breed. 

They 'bond' with their owners and lay claim to them, seeking to socialise and share their lives. In Mrs. Pepper's busiest moments, both Marmalade and Havana would find ways to interrupt her activities. They both communicated vocally to demand attention, and believe me they could be persistent. When Mrs. Pepper was on the telephone it seemed a signal to one or both to interrupt. Perhaps they mistook Mrs. Pepper talking, thinking she was chatting to them. When Mrs. Pepper arrived home through her front door they would throw themselves onto their sides, stretching their front and rear paws as far as they could and meow until stroked. Mrs Pepper called this 'going long' and if she cut the stroking short they let her know in no uncertain terms of their disapproval. Havana had a favourite rug, right in the middle of the living room where she would encourage Mrs. Pepper to follow, where she rolled over, 'went long' and meowed until tickling commenced.

When she was eating, particularly crisps, Marmalade would sit on her lap and swipe at the morsels of fried potato slices as they were removed from the packet and began their progress towards her lips. Funnily enough Marmalade was 'left handed' and tended to lead with her left paw while Havana used her right paw more.

If Mrs Pepper were tidying away laundry both would climb into open cupboards or drawers curious to know what lay within. On one occasion Havana managed to get into the under bed drawer of Mrs. Pepper's divan and climb further into the bed frame. Unfortunately she could not find her way out again and meowed persistently until Mrs. Pepper heard her cries, discovered her plight and fully removed the drawer in order to free her. 

When Mrs. Pepper was ready to move from the settee one of the 'girls' was sure to decide  to share the warmth of her lap, provide a comforting purr, and nuzzle her chin as if to say she should just stay put for now.

Both cats eagerly greeted Mrs. Pepper at the door on her return to Mongoose Barn and they began a litany, recounting their day. They knew just when to expect Mrs. Pepper's car and seemed to be able to distinguish it's engine sounds. If she was late, they scolded her remorselessly.

Orientals are blessed with a combination of curiosity and intelligence which makes them inquisitive and explorers of their environment, able to seek out solutions to conundrums, such as where Mrs. Pepper hid the feather pen. If they are given attention and affection, which they crave, they would do anything to please. Mrs. Pepper ignored them at her peril as they would relentlessly pursue her until she capitulated.  

Mrs Pepper chose her cats carefully. She wanted cats full of personality and feline elegance and Orientals such as Marmalade and Havana were svelte, playful and very spirited, yet loyal, a characteristic which extended into their adult years.  

From the tip of their noses to the end of their long, whip like tails, Marmalade and Havana were beautifully sleek and decidedly elegant as they gracefully glided on their tall, willowy legs. The lines of their angular heads flowed into their overly large flaring ears and were complimented by their sweet, engaging almond-shaped eyes. But despite their slight looking frames and tubular type bodies they had surprising weight and muscle tone and are were neither frail nor fragile.

As such Mrs. Pepper enjoyed many years of wonder, enjoyment and satisfaction in the company of her beloved creatures. As an experienced senior social worker Mrs. Pepper had believed in nurture over nature, but as the years passed and she watched her lovely feline companions behaviours, she began to soften towards natures role in the development of the uniquely Oriental, but distinct individual personalities of her two cats.

Reviews

[Island Hippy]

Aloha John, another lovely chapter. Incredibly well done from the first read. Izzy

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so very much Izzy for such lovely feedback.

[The Iron Horseman]

This is lovely, very well written and perceptive. As a fellow cat lover I enjoyed it very much. Good work!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks IH; It is based on real characters and real occurrences (for now).

[The Iron Horseman]

You're welcome.

[Tony Jordan]

People who never had a pet don't fully understand.
But pet's human friends see these wholly different personas day and daily and get much enjoyment from simply being in their company.
I enjoyed this John. Never been a cat-person but that's only because I'm a dog-person. ;)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha Tony you are an old dog!
This story is based on fact, Albeit a little stretching of said facts but mostly true happenings. Many thanks for taking the time to read.

[Tony Jordan]

To woof or not to woof ...lol
I see the same traits with my two charges. (Friend's shih tzus which I regularly 'mind').

Welcome mate.
:))

[wordman]

i`m telling you,i can see a sequel

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Ron for taking the time to read this.