Newt! Getouttathe …

In the ever-growing list of Newt Names, perhaps I should have added his most common appellation, “Newt Getouttathe”  (pronounced quickly, and with a slightly exasperated slur) As in:

• Newt! Get OUT of the Refrigerator!
• Newt! Get OUT of the other cat’s food!
• Newt! Get OUT of the dog’s food!
• Newt! Get OUT of the cabinet!
• Newt! Get OUT of the microwave!
• Newt! Get OUT of the dryer!
• Newt! Get OUT of the knitting bag!
• Newt! Get OUT of the frying pan!
• Newt! Get OUT of the dishwasher!
• Newt! Get OUT of the Cat Daddy’s chair!
• Newt! Get OUT of the sink!
• Newt! Get OUT of the bathtub!
• Newt! Get OUT of the pet-free room!
  

Yeah, I know cats are curious creatures, but my little Pookie possesses the cheek and daring to match the bravest transcontinental explorer. Who do you blame for such brazen behavior?  Are all liver shunt cats as shamelessly spoiled as ours?

Part of the blame lies in his determination to make every single step that I make – insisting on being right in the center of action at all times. A tiny portion of the fault may lie with moi, in that perhaps I might have contributed a teeny bit, by overindulging his impudence as a baby.  (After all, he was “going to die any day” so what harm was there in permitting a minor indulgence or two?)  However, for my wee spoilage, I lay the bulk of the blame on Cat Daddy himself. 

Yes, that’s right, it’s ALL Cat Daddy’s fault.  He started it!

The very first, post-diagnosis Lactulose dosing, while I was juggling the bottle and dropper in one hand, and the squirmy kitten in the other, (successfully, might I add!), Cat Daddy “helpfully” took The Baby and placed him ON THE COUNTER!

“Cats aren’t allowed on the counter,” I reminded him of the non-negotiable house rule.

“Oh, he’s just a tiny kitten. He’s not really a cat, so it isn’t the same,” Cat Daddy replied, while gently comforting Newt against my rude medicinal advances.

“Errr, we don’t want him to develop any bad habits, Cat Daddy,” I persisted.

“Don’t be silly!” He replied.  “He’ll associate being on the counter with ‘bad things’ like medicine. Besides, he’s not going to be around very long, so it’s okay. Remember, we’re supposed to ‘keep him comfortable’.”

So began the journeys of our Trek Cat, to boldly go where no cat has gone before …