Darkness falls
Dear Patches,
Some nights I get so confused that I don’t know my tail from my snout. We will be sitting, watching TV, minding our business, with our cats playing with a stuffed mouse or something, when it all goes dark. Pitch black darkness falls upon us. But it’s not bedtime yet, oh no, nothing of the normal bedtime routine. Just poof! And then when I’ve decided it must be bedtime, all snuggled into my bed, poof! There’s light again. What is happening? Are the aliens stealing our lights, or what? And as the lights come back on, everyone is up and about, watching TV, listening to music, reading – as if nothing happened. What am I missing?
Confused Coco
Patches: There is actually a term for this weird behaviour that people in South Africa have been showing lately. It’s called loadshedding. I don’t understand exactly why it happens and I don’t think people really know either – it’s one of those mysterious situations. As my doggy brain sees it, humans want to save electricity by switching off the power for a certain period. It is actually very clever, because an entire section of the neighbourhood goes dark at the same time, without our people having to lift a finger. But you don’t have to sit in total darkness. You can ask your owners to get alternative light sources, like solar lights, a generator, or even candles. This way, you won’t be as confused in the dark.
House invasion
Dear Patches,
Our house has been invaded by two little freaky, cat-looking creatures. They are so small. I think they must have been shrunk by some magic power. My owners even named them – Max and Oreo. These two invaders have taken over my house, my mom’s lap, and they even sit on top of her head! I now have to share my kitty treats, my sacred spaces in the house, sunny spots and attention with these two. Thank goodness they have their own litterboxes. Can’t I just play ‘mouse’ with them, drown them in their water bowls, or ‘bazooka’ them to another planet? I hate cat babies!
Grumpy Garfield
Patches: Kittens can be so cute, and they are very playful. Instead of despising them, ‘use’ them to your advantage. Train them from an early age to leave you alone when you need your space, create clear boundaries where they are not allowed and watch them play for your entertainment. You can be clever about this and train them to beg for treats. If your owner is fair, she will make sure that you also get your share of the treats. Be open to their friendship and try make life easier for yourself. Soon, you’ll be one big, happy family.
