Question for the Cat? Know a kitty that deserves to be a Featured Feline? Reach out anonymously here or e-mail [email protected].
Dear Cat,
I work at a large retail store, we sell those very popular Stanley cups. But this whole Stanley cup hype is getting way out of hand. For one, kids are getting bullied for having the wrong cup. Then I had a customer dad and daughter looking at the cups. The dad lifted the cup and made a finger motion on the bottom. I asked what was up dad said were they were going to grind her name in. This cute little girl forgot her Stanley cup at school. Seems another girl took her cup. They talked to the school, nothing done. The fucking brat even admits to having it, and they talk to the parents, nothing. That kid was way too young to learn this lesson about how dirt balls work and useless school officials. Hisss! I don’t even have a kid and I wanted fur flying! So, should I warn my customers with kids? Asking them if they have a Dremel tool? Some catnip to deal with my anger? -Fluffed out tail fur.
Dear Fluffed,
I heartily recommend a roll in the catnip. What a theatrical and dramatic story you have to share with the Cat! You humans are always finding ways to make life more difficult, aren’t you? Cat contends that this kid is probably learning lessons in a timely manner. Generally, no small human makes it through their childhood years without encountering a difficult peer. You mention you don’t have a kid of your own, but I reckon at one point you were a kid yourself. Purrhaps you were a child that had a similar experience, albeit with another coveted item.
I wonder about the kid that stole the Stanley cup in the first place. As far as humans go, Cat is more likely to extend empathy to the small ones. Whether it is neglect at home or another emotional issue, the thieving youth probably acted out to try and cope with something neither dad/daughter/you understand. Does that make it right? No. Does it mean you need to launch a vigilante Stanley campaign? Also no. While Cat appreciates your sense of justice on the matter, I encourage you to avoid getting emotionally involved. In situations like this, especially with children involved, remember we rarely get the whole story. Direct the energy of your anger elsewhere.
Dear Cat,
I started seeing a guy very casually. Actually I should say we’re just talking right now, we haven’t gone on a real date. I don’t even know if we’re going to. I’m worried it’s not going to work, but mostly because he reminds me of other guys I’ve dated, and I feel like I can’t deal with that. I do enjoy him. Should I just end it right away because I don’t think there’s a future there?
Dear Human,
Cat thinks you need to stop telling yourself stories. Let me back up and explain my thoughts. Common sense would say there is something you like about this guy if you have spent your time talking to/getting to know him. While it can be disconcerting when a new interest reminds you of an ex, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. While your ex is an ex for a reason, presumably there were positive qualities that initially attracted you. Spend some time deciding if new guy is actually showing yellow/red flags, or if he is just your “type.”
To circle back to my initial comment, Cat thinks you are doing a lot of speculating towards a guy you are hardly even entangled with. You two haven’t even really established this is a romantic connection. You can visualize an endless number of outcomes with this person, but Cat thinks you should probably just enjoy the moment. If the time comes that you no longer have fun chatting with this person, or if they make you truly uncomfortable in their resemblance to your previous patterns, then it can be addressed. You’ll miss out on what’s in front of you if you are constantly worrying about what could be.
Dear Cat,
What in the hell is wrong with our state lawmakers? Aren’t they supposed to be mature, looking at long range plans to improve Alaska? This week the news was Viagra and nonsense…there are abused children in this state that need attention, an energy crisis, people struggling to put food on the table. Why oh why are the lawmakers just nonsense?
Dear Human,
Sounds like you’ve stumbled into a litter box full of disappointment, haven’t you? Get used to it. Cat must have been snoozing in a sunbeam during the Viagra discussion. I happily missed it all together. Maybe that is the lesson: you don’t have to be deeply involved in observing the asinine behavior of our local lawmakers. The sad truth is that even those in service of the state and its residents are not there for selfless reasons. We all hope their actions lead to meaningful policy and change, but in general, it is just a means to power and a paycheck. You can certainly take it upon yourself to get personally involved in the action, or you can be more discerning about the battles you pick and unplug a bit.
Hear Meowt:
Cat says be discerning about where you direct your energy. Are you giving as much energy to potential good outcomes as you are to hypothetical negatives? 🐾
Featured Feline:
Autumn has exceptional whiskers and excels at providing judgemental glares.
