When did Choco the cat train me to hold her dish six inches above the floor so she wouldn't have to bend over for food heated for precisely four seconds in the microwave?
Four seconds is just enough to impart some warmth to, and slightly re-liquefy, a teaspoon of soft cat food that's been stored in a plastic container in the fridge. Choco loves the juice, and the cold food needs a blast to get the congealed bits runny again. More time makes it too hot, less is not enough to evoke that teasing aroma.
Choco has a bowl of hard cat food that she dips into as she pleases. She's moderate in her appetites, and never overindulges, so it remains out on the kitchen floor. She does love soft food, though, and signals it's time by posing daintily between the kitchen and the living room with an expectant look on her face.
She'll usually start on her soft food on her own, but lately she often doesn't finish it - until someone picks up the dish and holds it for her at seated-chin level. Over the carpet in the living room is nice, too, as that kitchen linoleum floor gets rather chilly this time of year.
It struck me this morning how smoothly this progression had developed over. . . how long? The only reinforcement I get is the tickly feel of her whiskers against my hand as I hold the dish, and an occasional appreciative twining around my legs when she's done. Am I such an easy mark?
Posted by Paul at October 25, 2009 11:33 AM