Apple Tree Abys and Friends: Cats - the Animal Kingdom's Mood Rings

My cats know when I am sad, happy, angry or joyful. They avoid me during the intense highs and most definitely during the intense lows. That's because cats are cool. And they want their humans to be as well.

Girl! You need to get a grip!

Now this isn't to say they have no empathy. Eli is my comforter. He knows that is his job.

But, as much as Fancy adores me, if I start to show any emotion whatsoever - even annoyance at a TV commercial - he's outa there. He can detect even the slightest change in my mood. He will look at me from across the room, perched on his throne AKA the fireplace hearth, and tell me to "Get a grip! And while you're at it, get over yourself." Well, okay then.

Most of the time I adjust my attitude based on the way they respond. If I see all six of them running away in different directions, I know I need to calm down. If I see all six of them sitting in various places studying me, I know they're picking up on my angst. I had heard cats were intuitive, I just had no idea they were so freaking judgmental.

The Abys are probably the most intuitive. They miss nothing. Why, they can be out on the porch and if I so much as drop a fork, they hear it and make a decision as to whether or not there's anything in it for them. They are also sweet and sensitive, but they ration out the sympathy.

Dash will tap me on the shoulder (I still can't get used to that and every time think it's a human intruder or a ghost) and give me a quizzical "Are you okay?" look. He doesn't stay long enough to offer comfort if my answer is no. I guess he just wants to assess the situation.

Boo! comes to me for comfort. She does not seem to care one way or the other if I'm sad or in pain - she just wants me to play Kanga to her Roo. What she may or may not know is that I also get comfort from that role.

Finn and Chance, for the most part, keep their distance. I have to go to them. I will feel somebody staring at me and, sure enough, one or both will be sitting there scrutinizing me. They pass no judgment - just keep a safe distance.

What?

I didn't say a word. I'm just sitting here
minding my own business...

If you're starting to think I'm bipolar or hysterical - trust me, I'm neither. I am passionate and live in my own little world. So, when things happen like the recent massacre in an Orlando club, I cry - a lot - and talk to myself - a lot. Those are the times I catch them giving me the sideways glance.

I seriously don't know how I got through most of my life without a cat. I think everybody should live with one. Narcissists need to because nothing says, "You're no big deal" quite like a cat. Those who suffer from depression need to because watching a cat (especially an Aby) do their thing, can make even the saddest person laugh.