The cat whisperer

 This is a bit of a photographic addition to my recent makeovers and photoshoots post, but enriched with cats.  

I've never kept a pet but I've always been happy to make my outdoor spaces friendly to bees, butterflies and other invertebrates with a variety of plants. This in turn attracts lizards, geckos and small birds who enjoy a juicy bug or two for lunch. You may recall Laura the Lizard who lived in my herb pots through the hot summer of 2022.

A few weeks ago I had a bad moment when a dog owner stopped to chat on her mobile and let her dog wander across the pavement on its lead, thus blocking my path completely. As I moved to step off the kerb to skirt round the dog, either through overfriendliness or curiosity, it bumped me and I nearly tumbled into the traffic. It was the distracted owner's fault but it was disconcerting. I had some bad experiences with dogs as a child and have never really trusted them since but I'd like to thank the various dog lovers I've asked to help me get to appreciate these animals better. Round here a dog is part of street fashion, preferably a small, overly fluffy thing that you can carry in a handbag or basket. The annual Christmas dachshund walk is hilarious. 

But the one critter I seem to attract like a magnet is cats. I've never owned a cat although my grandmother did. Somehow, they instinctively make for me and we get on immediately. In November I wrote about my makeovers and photoshoots (part II of that is coming soon, by the way) and mentioned the cat, Spike, a lilac point siamese, who insisted on being in many of the photos. 

 

I thought I'd share some of those here. 

This photo I've always called the "Three Kitties" picture: there's Spike the cat, there's Alan the Acrylic Leopard (deceased) and there's me, Cute Kitty!

 

Now here's Spike here prowling round my legs.

 

Him again, purring in my ear.

 

Now he's just bounced on my lap. I was worried he would rip my tights but Jodie my makeover artist said he never did that. She was right as I got out snag free. Just as well as I have two of my favourites layered here.

 

My skirt here was far too short which meant he didn't have a proper lap shelf to sit on so he was uncomfortable and soon hopped off again. Despite scrabbling for purchase, he didn't damage my tights here either.

 

Only one other photo of me dressed with a cat. That was last autumn when I stayed with friends who had three five-month-old kittens. They were all friendly but one took an especial shine to me and wanted constant cuddles. My head's not visible as I didn't have my hair and makeup done but these are my typical everyday fem clothes.

Much as we get on, I don't want a cat as a pet. I go away too often, which is unfair on any pet, and Tiddles would scare away the little birds and reptiles that are a pleasure here.

Have a good week.

Sue x