When you're a cat, and you absolutely must pry your human bean away from the computer, there are a number of useful strategies that might be brought into play.

1) Make "I'm getting ready to hurl on the carpet" noises. Your 'bean will come running with something with which to intercept the impending mess. Follow-through with actual barf or hairball is not required, but the resulting activity can be a great deal of fun to watch... if you're a cat.

2) Sit, as usual, next to the person's leg and, as usual, lightly use your front paw to poke the leg with just the tips of your claws out. Except this time, not so lightly. Draw blood, if possible. He will initially react negatively, but he will know that you want attention, and will soon forgive you.

3) Hop from ottoman to knee to desktop and interpose yourself between 'bean and screen.

4) If the human can still operate the computer with you in the way, park yourself on the mouse.

^{[click for larger]}

This is the most effective way to get a positive reaction. It helps if you put a dopey expression on your face and purr like a nitromethane-fueled chainsaw, as well.

It's Friday, and that means it's time for the Friday Ark.

Sunday, we've got the Carnival of the Cats, this week at Niobium. [Update, 28May06 - the Carnival has arrived.]

Next Sunday, the Carnival will be hosted here, by Yours Truly. Except (because I work Sundays) it will be a rare weekday edition of the CotC, on Monday the 5th.

Posted by Russ at 04:55 PM, May 26, 2006 in Animals