People who dislike cats are interesting to me. Most cat-detesters I have met told me that cats are mean; namely, that they suffer from severe cases of autonomy. 

It’s true – a cat doesn’t listen to reason unless they’re feeling really, really nice that day (I have not actually heard of this miracle happening, though), or they want you to feed them (again). Any other time, they have no incentive to follow your command. Why would they? The kitchen counter is where all the food is, so of course that’s where they want to go.

Unfortunately, people don’t react kindly to disobedience. I guess they expect the cat to say “yes, ma’am, yes, sir,” and get to stepping. They think an animal that doesn’t love and obey them isn’t worth their time. I just don’t believe that love has to be reciprocated to be true. I love my cat whether he wants me dead or not, and I’m not sure if I could even tell you why. I don’t think I have to. 

He likes to do parkour on my workspace and I like to carry him on my shoulder like a parrot, and sometimes I’ll give him a piece of cheese and sometimes he’ll give me a hug. And he won’t listen to a word I say unless he wants to. If he does listen, it’s only sometimes. But sometimes is plenty, I think, considering I listen to his pleas for a second breakfast even less. 

Maybe I would listen a tiny bit if he bribed me with cheese.