The Feline Factor

Tonight I spent some quality time with ergogirl since her significant other is out of town. We picked up some takeout dimsum and ate dinner back at her place. Mmmmm... dimsum.

Anyway, she's the proud mommy of two adorable cats, Mr. Findley and Raven. It seems almost everyone I love dearly, also happens to be lovers of cats. Don't get me wrong, I love cats, but unfortunately I discovered about six years ago that I'm allergic. So I came fully prepared: I had popped two allergy pills prior to my arrival. Sometimes I can get away with not medicating, but it usually results in a short stay with my friends.

Ironically enough, I do believe that cats are fully aware of who is allergic to them or not. It's quite amusing to see cats cuddle up to people who can't be near them, and yet ignore the happily immune. In a way, I appreciate how mischeivous this is. I mean, if I were an animal, I'd probably do the same thing!

Mr. Findley is a particularly social and affectionate cat. As soon as I got comfortable on the couch, he curled up in my lap, ready for some snugglin'. I happily reciprocated, and was privy to a little bit of grateful purring. I discovered something tonight that cat owners everywhere already know. Having a purring cat in your lap is the fastest way to relax! I'm a longtime sufferer of insomnia, and have a general inability to sit still and chill out. Having Mr. Findley in my lap put me in the kind of relaxed state that I've never been able to do on my own (at least without the assistance of sleeping aids).

Even ergogirl noticed the change in my demeanor. She had never seen me so sleepy before (while sober). So now I've got it in my head that maybe it'd be nice to own a cat. Not only would it be great for chillin' out, but I'd have a real try at taking care of a living, breathing dependent. Now if only I can find one that I'm not allergic to. Maybe cat-sitting is in my near future?