MEOW--MEOW-MEOW
"Good grief, what is wrong Minnie?"
She was staring at me and yowling incessantly and loudly. She is normally a well mannered and affectionate cat. This version of her was giving me a fierce yet desperate look while using her outside voice.
"What?" I asked with a grin. "Did Timmy fall in the well? Do you need me to get him out?"
The catchphrase, "did Timmy fall in the well," originated from the TV-show Lassie and sometimes used when an animal makes a racket trying to get you to follow them. Also used when someone you know just gets rattled.
With the super loud meows and frantic looks she turned towards the door, took a few steps, then returned to me and blasted my ears once more. She really wanted me to follow her. Maybe Timmy was in the well.
I started to get up and she bolted for the door. Normally cats have a stealthy walk like they are either stalking prey or walking on eggs. It is really quite elegant, graceful and deliberate.
This time she actually stomped and disappeared through the door.
"OK," I said while following her, "I'm coming. Hold on Timmy. "
Straight for the 2nd bathroom she zoomed. That is where her automatic feeder and mechanical litter box are. Now I am thinking perhaps the feeder is stuck and she can't get any food.
I looked into the room and the food was where it should be but then a rapidly blinking light caught my eye.
Her mechanical litter box had gotten hung up and was blocking her from using it. Ok, that explained the panic.
It took only a moment to correct. Minnie watched for a bit then stomped into the box still a bit miffed but greatly relieved. Not sure cats can sigh but it sure sounded like it.
This was a bit off topic but it tickled me when it happened and hope it gave you a tiny break from all the gloom as it did me.
Keep isolating my friends, staying safe and well.
She was staring at me and yowling incessantly and loudly. She is normally a well mannered and affectionate cat. This version of her was giving me a fierce yet desperate look while using her outside voice.
"What?" I asked with a grin. "Did Timmy fall in the well? Do you need me to get him out?"
The catchphrase, "did Timmy fall in the well," originated from the TV-show Lassie and sometimes used when an animal makes a racket trying to get you to follow them. Also used when someone you know just gets rattled.
With the super loud meows and frantic looks she turned towards the door, took a few steps, then returned to me and blasted my ears once more. She really wanted me to follow her. Maybe Timmy was in the well.
I started to get up and she bolted for the door. Normally cats have a stealthy walk like they are either stalking prey or walking on eggs. It is really quite elegant, graceful and deliberate.
This time she actually stomped and disappeared through the door.
"OK," I said while following her, "I'm coming. Hold on Timmy. "
Straight for the 2nd bathroom she zoomed. That is where her automatic feeder and mechanical litter box are. Now I am thinking perhaps the feeder is stuck and she can't get any food.
I looked into the room and the food was where it should be but then a rapidly blinking light caught my eye.
Her mechanical litter box had gotten hung up and was blocking her from using it. Ok, that explained the panic.
It took only a moment to correct. Minnie watched for a bit then stomped into the box still a bit miffed but greatly relieved. Not sure cats can sigh but it sure sounded like it.
This was a bit off topic but it tickled me when it happened and hope it gave you a tiny break from all the gloom as it did me.
Keep isolating my friends, staying safe and well.
Mechanical litter box? Anyway, Minnie knew to call the janitor (you) straight away. I well remember those episodes of Lassie going for help. Pets are excellent companions in these strange days of lock down.
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteThey are marvelous inventions. They make cats almost maintenance free and worth every penny.
She had a message and was determined to deliver it! My silly and fluffy long--haired black cat Coolidge (companion to Calvin) saved me from a ruined kettle by steering me into the kitchen when I'd let the teakettle go dry on the burner.
ReplyDeleteMarty,
DeleteWow, Coolidge really did a great job. Who says cats only care about themselves? I'm a believer.
That's funny. Nice cat to not just do it's business elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAs much as everyone remembers the episode where Timmy fell in a well, myself included, there was actually no such episode. However almost every episode Lassie did do that "Follow me thing." One episode Lassie was told to go to the barn and return with a clamp to (I think) release a trap. And it was not just a clamp, it was a very specific "C" clamp. I know many people who would not know what a "C" clamp was...Lassie did.
Fun post.
Joeh,
DeleteThat is funny. I had looked it up and was surprised it wasn't an episode. Could have sworn it happened. As for the C clamp, I'd have brought half a dozen clamps not knowing which one was a C. That is even smarter than Timmy in the well:)
I never heard of a mechanical litter box, but now I have. And yes, it gave me a good chuckle at the resourcefulness of Minnie. Thank you, dear friend. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteSo glad I could lighten the mood a bit for you. Worrying about you.
They are wonderful. They make a nasty chore simple and non-smelly.
I don't even know Minnie but I love her already, hope she (and you) have a healthy & stress-free week Patti :)
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteThank you and we may talk you into getting a cat yet. Go all automatic--you won't regret it. Take care.
What a fun story. I needed a little laugh. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteSo glad it gave you a smile We all need one about now.
This was a fun read. Animals are so smart, aren't they. She knew who to call when things go wrong...her slave to her every need. And thank goodness she didn't just go in the corner instead.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteI know I dodged the bullet for she could have easily hidden it somewhere till I found the smell. Cats can be spiteful if you tick them off.
Sadly I am old enough to have gotten the reference without an explanation. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat was a smart cat!
Margaret,
DeleteHa ha, I thought you might be one that needed an explanation since you were carded for senior day.
You made me laugh out loud and I so appreciate that. I haven't thought of Timmy in years. LOL! Minnie is so smart. I love how she conveyed her distress to you and knew you would help. Love this story. Take care there. Stay safe and well.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteOh I am so glad of that. She had no intention of not getting me to help her and RIGHT NOW.:)
That story made me laugh. I didn't know that cats could communicate like a dog does.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteSo glad Minnie gave you a chuckle I had no idea she had this in her either. It was new to me.
Thanks for the chuckle! Cats are so smart!💖
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteSo glad Minnie gave you a chuckle. She did me too. And yes, they are.
They never stop amazing me. Good job you've got Minnie to look after you.
ReplyDeleteFun60,
DeleteShe really surprised me. This was totally new behavior. Guess when ya gotta go you can get creative.
Smart cat! I'm sure you're both glad that you followed her and fixed the problem. :)
ReplyDeleteEileen,
DeleteYou bet. Had I not been home or she hadn't warned me, I'm sure she would have found some other place to take care of business. Phew.
At least she was polite enough to locate maintenance. ;) Yes, it gave me a giggle. I definitely remember watching Timmy and Lassie. :)
ReplyDeleteRita,
DeleteWasn't that a cool show? Minnie definitely held up her end of the bargain.
Cats like any other animal (humans included) can be smart or not so smart. Sometimes they amaze me. Julie would get so upset when we had serious tornado warnings. She was ready to get into the bathroom with us... but regular thunderstorms didn’t bother her.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteWow, you have a weather cat. My dog is like that only she doesn't like thunderstorms either. Still she knows way before I do that we have one coming.
No toilet paper needed.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteNope. I do appreciate how animals do not need TP and have no problems air drying.
I had never heard of a mechanical litter box either. That Minnie is at least as smart as Lassie.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI am surprised how many people have not heard of self cleaning litter boxes. My next post will cover it. They are worth every penny.
Mechanical litter box? I've never heard of those, how do they work? Lola does similar meowing and pacing when I get distracted and don't clean her litter box, she prefers it done daily.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteLike I told Linda, now that I know how many people have never heard of this wonderful invention, I will do so in my next post. It takes the only nasty of caring for a cat.
Omg...Susan Jane's comment made me laugh too. "Timmy" is a smart cat, letting you know just what's happenin'. And, all I can think of is plop plop whiz whiz...oh what,a relief it is!!
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteShe is smarter than I thought she was. OK now you have me thinking about that old Alka Seltzer commercial.
Wow .. I'm impressed...I've underestimated cats.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note … re: my last blog entry the 3rd person that you refer to is the conductor. Wasn't that wonderful to watch and especially to listen to?
Ginnie,
DeleteI could of sworn he had some kind of instrument in hands but the man was on every beat. Yes it was wonderful. Amazing what they can do.
Hold on Timmy! Thank you for making me laugh. Posts like this keep me sane in this gray looking world right now.
ReplyDeleteBaiba,
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed and got a smile. Sometimes we just need a break and I am so glad Minnie gave me one.
Timmy's in the well was a common phrase in our house for years. Your story is entertaing and funny, but it brings a worry to me as well. I hope not many people use the electronic feeders and watering devices to replace having someone check twice a day on the kitties. I fear some of them might just do that.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
DeleteI'll bet with the girls you did have occasion to use that phrase.
My feeder is gravity fed and I check it every day when I clean the litter box. The litter box gathers it up for me but I still have to empty it. Nothing I know of is totally maintenance free.
Dear Patti, oh, can I relate to you and Minnie. Maggie, one of the three felines with whom I live, Is a long-haired tortoise-furred past agent of the CIA. She investigates everything and makes her desires known--loud and clear. Also, she leads me each day to the bathroom where I give her the medication she needs for her enlarged heart. She's leads me so deliberately and majestically. Truly she reigns supreme here in our home. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteWow, if there is anything that scares me it is medicating a cat and here your Maggie actually leads you to it. What a girl.
Seems like Minnie knows how to communicate the stuff that matters. :)
ReplyDeleteSherry,
DeleteShe left no doubt that I was to do something and quickly.
HAHA! I know that cat- well at least her clone lives here. Mine has taken lately to a new habit- laying in front of the recliner waiting for her master to come sit down and run her back with his foot. If he does not abide by this new "rule" she will let everyone know about it. Meowing like someone stepped on her. Happy Easter!
ReplyDeletePriceless! Thanks for sharing. Makes me miss my Snowflake, my cat and boss of our family and all other pets from my 5th grade year through my earliest young adult years.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY EASTER, PATTI!!!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! She is so smart. I figured she would just do her business on the floor if necessary. That’s awesome!
ReplyDelete