Letter to a Cat

Dear Mouse, Your name is Mouse, but you are a cat. You don't seem to mind this indignity as long as we pat you, let you climb aboard our laps, and sit in front of us while we type on the computer. You purr and purr mostly when you are nestled warmly in the cradle of our elbows, or resting snugly against our legs as we sit or lie down. On the days when you are let out into the backyard, you delicately explore the terrain. You hide down deeply into the grass and peek through the longer blades. You observe the pecking hens who sometimes walk within a few feet of you. When the gang goes inside and you are accidentally left outside, you cry at the door and scurry through as the door opens for you. Mouse, sometimes we find you on top of the finches' cage. We hiss at you like snakes, to scare you off of it. This sometimes works, but other times we must hoist you off of the cage with both hands. Mouse, when we hold you, your legs become stiff and your toes stick out, with claws protruding. You remain still in this stiff position until you are let down. We like how you fetch and retrieve certain toys, and sit on command in order to receive a treat. We think you are very smart as well as sweet. As I write you this note, you have rubbed your head on my shoulder, purring, and now sit in front of me waiting. Waiting for pats, waiting for love, waiting for companionship. We love you Mouse, with your apricot colored nose, your grey and black striped fur, your sea green colored eyes, your long white whiskers, dainty paws and long tail that curls into a question mark, but most of all Mouse, we love your heart. Thank you for sharing it with us. Sincerely, Your Family, the Humans