Monday, July 28, 2008

Teufel Proudly Tells The World, "That's Mine! Yeah, I Did That!"

On the one hand, I'll apologize for talking about the cats and not posting any pictures, but I think you'll forgive me. Tonight's subject is Feline Excreta.

See, here's the thing. I've had cats for most of my adult life. I've had cats who showed an interest in their own product, but Teufel is really weird. We use the scoopable clumping litter. GF and I divide feeding duties, but I'm in charge of all results.

When I take the top off of the enclosed litter box, Teufel comes running. LuLu may or may not show up to watch from the cheap seats, but Teufel sits down right next to the litter box and watches every clump get scooped. If he can, he gets a sniff as each clump makes it's way into a plastic shopping bag for disposal. Every few scoops, I could swear he leans back in satisfaction and smiles at me as if to say, "That's an especially big one I left for you, isn't it?"

Ollie used to like to sleep in the litter box occasionally, regardless of what was already there. But when he came out, he had the decency to look a little embarrassed...like, sure he had some weird habits, but don't we all? Teufel positively adores his own crap. When I close up the plastic bag and make my way to the trashcan, he follows and eyes it until it sinks from view. Then he looks a little sad.

I guess you'd have to see the whole process, but trust me, it's weird.

Oh, and I'm sorry this is all I could think of to tell you about. I had a kind of crappy day. It seemed appropriate.

12 comments:

John the Scientist said...

Speaking of crappy, what are you doing Wednesday and Thursday?

Nathan said...

My planning, at the moment is kind of regroup every afternoon and figure out the next day. With the following caveats, I can probably find a reason to drive to Queens one of those days. (I can pick you up in midtown if that's where you'll be.)

1. There must be photos (with faces showing) of each of us and the offending 'not'-food.

2. There must be a barf receptacle nearby, because, frankly, I have a really effective gag reflex.

3. Incongruous as it may seem, I believe a Pina Coloda is the only thing that will cleanse my palate in this instance.

Nathan said...

Call me tomorrow and let's figure it out.

John the Scientist said...

Not sure of the schedule yet, but I'll call you tomorrow. I can make it over to Queens on the 7 trian, don't drive on to the damn island for me.

And I need to call Spicy and Tasty to make sure it's still on the menu.

And I have an idea for something to send to the next batch of victims.

Nathan said...

John,

If I'm going I'll be driving. My office is in the village and I actually do have some reasons to go to Queens, so going through mid-town is no big deal.

Also, (bearing in mind that I'm so worried about my bosses reading stuff here)(Hi Dan), I'll figure out a reason to be able to go straight back to Brooklyn without stopping by the office again.

Talk to you tomorrow.

I'm already trying to think of words for what things can stink like. And yes. I'm scared.

MWT said...

Just think of as many large mammals as you can, then assume "dung" or "manure" will be tacked to the end.

Nathan said...

Isn't dung and manure a bit pedestrian? If I have to suffer through this thing, I hope to be more evocative and get the rest of your gag reflexes going.

If you can't smell it through the intertoobs, I won't feel like I've done my job.

Tania said...

Re: Teufel - I'm thinking if he were human, he'd be the kind of guy that farts under the covers and then wafts it out to share with everyone. Ugh.

Chris said...

Sounds like you have a litter possessive cat, Nathan.

Steve Buchheit said...

I've got a cat that will wait until you clean the box, and then use it immediately afterward, treating us like those who groom sand traps at the golf course just before someone hits a ball into them.

Random Michelle K said...

Steve, we have three little boxes, and the goal is apparently to add to the clean littler in as many of the boxes as possible, as soon as possible after they've been cleaned.

On trash day I hear a lot of, "DAMMIT! Couldn't you have done that ten minutes ago?!"

Eric said...

Somehow, today's Wondermark reminded me of this post. Sure, the cartoon concerns a dog and Teufel isn't eating anything--but are you sure he doesn't have an agenda...?