Communicating with Cats

The weirdest thing is going on here. We talk about our cats seeming to understand us, and it is a proven fact that cats have a whole lot more human language down than we realize.  Here's the deal:

As you know, we are adopted by several ferals two of which now mainly reside in the house, acclimating very nicely.  They are street smart having survived for a long time on their own out here in the woods without us. Namely MomKat, and Dawn Gilson. We let them out almost every night since they really prefer to do their business outdoors, but are good about using the litter boxes when confined.  Dawn is an excellent hunter, and is MomKat's Daughter, before Dickens.  I let them out every night when I get home, and MomKat comes right back in till dinnertime.  Dawn is never anywhere to be found. I don't like having them out at night all night when it's cold and there's no place for them to go now with Spookie on the back porch (territorial). Dawn has spent many a long cold night out when I gave up calling her and went to bed. 

So last Thursday night, I went to the door over and over to call for Dawn, but she never came. MomKat was standing at the door clamoring to go out so I said plainly to her, "OKAY, you can go out, but only if you bring Dawn back with you". She rubbed my leg, and I let her out. 5 minutes later, the motion sensor on the porch turned on the light and there they stood, the both of them. Round one.

I went out of town for a couple of days, and then Sunday night the same thing happened, sure 'nuff, MomKat brought Dawn back in 5 minutes. I had been trying for hours to get Dawn in, but no sign of her. Round two~!

So tonight Maryann says" this is too freaky, I just tried to get Dawn in, and asked MomKat to go out for her and she looked at me like I was crazy.  I asked several times, but she just kept giving me 'that look'." 

So I went down to the front room, and patted MomKat on the head , and asked her again.  She grudgingly got up and went to the door, which I held open, cold air blasting in. She stood there a few seconds and looked at me and gave her silent meow, and I reassured here I would let her back in right away. She seemed unconvinced. I said again, don't you need to "go"? with which she ambled out into the darkness. As she went, I said, "don't forget to find your little girl Dawn and bring her in". Yup, you guessed it! 5 minutes, here they are both at the door!. GEEEEZZZZ! 

Maryann can't believe it and even I'm a little stunned, and I'm the one who fully believed Mom would do as I asked.  Like when I believed Sandi would say "please" when I asked her.  Sure nuff did!  Both of 'em!  

The best part is how MomKat acted when she came in, a new thing for her.  She jumped up on the chair by the door, and sat proudly with head outstretched and eyes wide open (she seldom opens her eyes all the way) watched me close and lock the door, and reached out for me as I passed by. She wanted her praise! Of course, I lavished it on her, and rewarded with a little more food! Dawn got praise and scratches and Dinner, too.

I (we) are blown away by this.  My God, these cats are amazing! FERALS! DING!, round three. It's a done deal now.