Tipping the scales
Dear Patches,
Here we go again. It’s the beginning of the year, and Mom is on a ‘let’s-lose-some-weight’ drive to get rid of all those festive season rolls she accumulated. I wish she would keep all that exercise to herself and not try to involve me as well. I’m talking morning and afternoon walks – every day! And then she walks so weird and fast. It seems as if she’s trying to run, but just cannot get enough courage to actually run. I’m struggling to keep up, because I don’t know whether we’re going fast, or not. I’m a Saint Bernard who would prefer to stay at home, but Mom says I must get some exercise, as I’m starting to tip the scales in the wrong direction. What should I do?
Lazy Berny
Patches: Sounds like you’re not a saint when it comes to keeping in shape, are you? Exercise is for your own good, Berny. Can I let you in on a little secret? The more you exercise, the easier it becomes and, before you know it, you’ll enjoy it. Instead of looking at your mom’s weird walking style, look and smell around you, and see what friends you can make along the way. Before you know it, you’ll be in shape again, and the envy of the suburb. Go, Berny, go!
Tummy trouble
Dear Patches,
I get it! I’m cute, and my family loves all the kitty positions that I sleep in. Sometimes, I roll up in a ball with my chin peeking out and, other times, I stretch my long legs as far as I can – all part of my beauty sleep routine. When I’m cold, I find my comfy blanket and try to crawl underneath it, but when I’m hot, I lie on my back with my tummy exposed. For some reason, my entire family will then come and tickle or rub my tummy, or they will plant kisses all over me. Really? Can’t they just leave me to sleep in peace?
Sleepy Sophie
Patches: What can we say, Sophie? Your family loves you and whatever you do is cute in their eyes. But they need to understand that cats need their beauty sleep, which can be anything between 12 and 16 hours a day. If their attention really bothers you that much, ask your owners to create a space totally out of reach, where you can sleep in peace. One example is a shelf against the wall that is big enough for you to sleep on. Or ‘escape’ to one of your cat caves for some rest. Enjoy your peaceful snoozes.
