I recently discovered a wonderful book called The Natural Cat… yes, I actually bought a manual for caring for my Patsy cat. SO, I thought I’d write a little review of this book since I’ve found it so interesting and enlightening…

…And what would a blog about cats be without some references to T. S. Eliot’s collection of poems, “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats?”

I have only read forty pages of the book thus far and yet I am already shocked about all the information I lack and all the misinformation I have received over the years! For instance, I never realized that I was supposed to TRAIN Patsy to use a scratching post… who knew? I thought cats were supposed to like scratching posts and that I was unlucky enough to have a cat who chose my oriental rug as a matter of preference. I also never realized how particular cats can be about ETIQUETTE! I hate that I have spent the past year and a half being impolite to my Patsy!

A segment from Eliot’s collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,

The Ad-dressing of Cats


“…With Cats, some say, one rule is true:

Don’t speak until you are spoken to.

Myself, I do not hold with that-

I say- you should ad-dress a Cat.

But always keep in mind that he

Resents familiarity…”

Anyway, I got interested in learning more about cats after watching Cesar Milan in the popular TV show, “The Dog Whisperer.” Cesar says that he “trains people and rehabilitates dogs,” and I thought, if there’s something similar out there for cats I need some training, otherwise my rugs may not have another year in them. All to say I found the book, The Natural Cat, aka The Cat Bible, which was originally published in the 70’s and was recently updated so if you have questions Anita Frazier has the answers.

There are many of you out there who may not give much credence to holistic therapy but even if you fall in that category this Anita Frazier’s book will help you create a more comfortable life for your cat as well as a better understanding of its behavior.

Frazier’s abilities as a “cat purrer” are incredible… She even teaches us how to “speak cat!” For all you naysayers, just give it a read… I have been amazed at all that I have learned and very surprised to realize that the book is actually fascinating!

The Rum Tum Tugger

The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
If you put him in a flat then he’d rather have a house.
If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
If you set him on a rat then he’d rather chase a mouse.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat—
And there isn’t any call for me to shout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there’s no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
He’s always on the wrong side of every door,
And as soon as he’s at home, then he’d like to get about.
He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
But he makes such a fuss if he can’t get out.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat—
And there isn’t any use for you to doubt it:
For he will do
As he do do
And there’s no doing anything about it!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
When there isn’t any fish then he won’t eat rabbit.
If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
For he only likes what he finds for himself;
So you’ll catch him in it right up to the ears,
If you put it away on the larder shelf.
The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn’t care for a cuddle;
But he’ll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
For there’s nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat—
And there isn’t any need for me to spout it:
For he will do
As he do do
And theres no doing anything about it!

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