Summary

Tina L. Smith, a self-proclaimed dog person, recounts the unexpected adoption of a stray kitten named Otis, who ultimately wins over her heart and her dogs.

Abstract

The narrative "I’m Sitting on a Cat" by Tina L. Smith details her transformation from a lifelong dog lover to an unlikely cat guardian. One night, while listening to screech owls with her partner, a scrawny kitten appeared and captivated them with its affectionate nature. Despite her initial reservations and the challenges of introducing the kitten, Otis, to her two golden retrievers, a bond formed over time. Otis, with his mischievous antics and endearing personality, brought joy and whimsy into their lives, teaching Smith and her dogs the value of expanding their worlds and embracing the unexpected.

Opinions

Smith initially had a strong preference for dogs over cats, maintaining a mutual distance from felines.
The author was moved by the kitten's vulnerability and affection, indicating a softening in her stance on cats.
Smith's partner, Andy, is portrayed as an animal lover with a particular fondness for all creatures, advocating for the kitten's care.
The introduction of Otis into a household with hunting dogs was fraught with tension but eventually led to an unlikely harmony.
Otis is depicted as a characterful and assertive cat, unafraid to establish dominance over the much larger dogs.
The author expresses both exasperation and affection for Otis, acknowledging the destruction he causes while also appreciating the joy he brings to their home.
Smith reflects on the adaptability of her pets and herself, recognizing personal growth in accepting and loving a cat.

ANIMAL TALES

I’m Sitting on a Cat

It’s a long story

Otis. Photo by Andy Greenwell. (Used with permission.)

I’m a dog person. Always have been, always will be. From my sainted childhood dog, Sandy, to my soulmate dog, Chloe, to the two knuckleheads we have now. My heart belongs to canines.

But life has a way of turning us on our ears.

One year ago today, my beloved asked me to sit outside with him late at night to hear the screech owls. He hears them often (a fellow night owl with the flying sort) and wanted me to hear their haunting sound.

So, we settled into sticky Adirondack chairs under the pine tree in the cool night air and listened closely. Sure enough, there was the piercing sound of the owls. Punctuated by the throb of American bullfrogs that surround us.

Then there was another sound. The distinct sound of a pitiful meow.

Suddenly, out of the dark shadows, a scrawny, teenaged kitten leaped into my lap. Purring and rubbing against me relentlessly.

I have never liked cats, and they’ve never liked me. We’ve had a mutual agreement — we keep our distance.

So having a cat jump into my lap and be affectionate was a new experience. Andy, a hopeless animal lover (all kinds), was immediately smitten. He insisted we give the little fellow leftover Swedish meatballs and water. Then suggested that we provide shelter for the night.

We brought the kitten onto the sun porch after his ravenously eaten dinner, where he fell asleep in my arms within minutes. On his back. With all four paws outstretched.

He slept like a creature who had not felt safe in days or maybe weeks.

The kitten spent the night in Andy’s photography studio, and in the morning, I took him to the emergency vet clinic to scan for a microchip. As suspected, no chip. I posted photos of him on Facebook pages and NextDoor.

Nothing. This little guy was truly a stray. And, even when we let him go, he came right back.

Making peace

Andy was ready to adopt, but we had two major obstacles: Lila and Tucker, our golden retrievers. Mostly Lila. She’s a hunter by nature and high strung. She’s killed rabbits, birds, rodents…you name it. And always with great energy and enthusiasm. A rustling critter outside in the middle of the night can cause 20 minutes of mayhem and two hours of panting.

Sweet and wonderful to people, she’s savage to critters.

So the introduction of a cat (we settled on the name Otis, in honor of the drunk on the Andy Griffith show who let himself in and made himself at home) to the household was nerve-wracking.

Lila (left) and Tucker (right). Photo by author.

Lila pawed and whined and paced, trying endlessly to get into Andy’s office, where Otis was equally eager to get out. Any attempts to allow them into the same space ended in a flurry of squalling, barking, and shrieking (um, the latter was me). Andy exhibited the patience of a saint with all of us.

It was TWO MONTHS before they could all be in the same room together.

And then, just as friends predicted, Otis took charge. There’s no room for doubt who rules the roost: the 12-lb. cat over 145 lbs. of dog. They all spar and wrestle regularly, and not one drop of blood has been spilled. And they nestle into bed with me at night, leaving me scrunched up in a corner.

I’d be annoyed, except I’m so awed by their miraculous bonding.

The cat beneath my wings

I’ve heard there are two kinds of cats: the sweet cuddly kind who nestle in your lap as you read and the scoundrels, loaded with “personality.” Otis?

He’s the very embodiment of “why we can’t have nice things.”

Things destroyed by Otis, to date: dining room carpet, wallpaper in two rooms, an heirloom plant, a living room chair, and any drinking straw that comes into the house. He has a straw fetish. I told you…he’s a weirdo.

And just now, as I sat here on our newly acquired cognac leather love seat, I felt scratching and movement under my seat. I got down on my hands and knees a fair distance from the love seat. (I’ve learned the hard way not to bend down too close when he’s lurking.) He has torn a hole in the netting and is currently inside the furniture. And no amount of water from my spray bottle will drive him out.

So, I grimace. I wait for him to emerge. And plan when and how to fix the torn furniture. Knowing that later today, he will curl up next to me, rub against my arm as I work, lick my hand, and find a way to make me laugh. He’s a scamp but has brought whimsy and joy to our home.

So, yes, I’m a dog person. And now, maybe a cat person. I guess. If I have to be. If our band of crazy creatures can figure out how to expand their worlds, I can too.

About the author: Tina L. Smith is a Michigan writer who loves gardening, her badly behaved pets, and warm weather..