Thursday, May 01, 2008

Cat on a hot windowsill


I have written before about my cat, Bob, the namesake for this blog. He has been a feature in my life and a companion for a looong time. In fact it's coming up to 17 years now. I have no idea exactly how old he is as he is a rescue cat but he was estimated as being between 2-4 years when I adopted him, so he's quite an old boy.

Bob likes to 'help'. This is the alternative cat definition of 'help' which seems to translate as getting in the way and sitting on stuff. Through out my MBA studies, he has helped in this manner. He has walked over the keyboard, sat on my books and papers, head butted me while I was trying to work, stood in front of the monitor and stuck fur to my mouse mat. I wouldn't have it any other way though as through those long and many hours of studying he has also sat quietly on the window sill next to me. Just being there. Sometimes he watches the world outside and other times he would nap. Sometimes he would snore and I would gently poke him to make him stop, and he would open his eyes so that they were narrow slits and give me the 'look'.

I took this photo of him one day when I took a short break while completing my final MBA essay. He was sat on the sill as always, enjoying the afternoon sun and taking a nap. I know he isn't human and therefore does not understand the moments of pure despair I have had at times trying to do my studying with work as well, but he has been there right beside me, all the way through. Now, doesn't he look peaceful?

28 comments:

Gwynne said...

He's beautiful! In body and spirit. It's been a long time since I've had cats (my husband has caged birds and the two don't mix), but I remember fondly those same moments of "helping" me study and sew (batting at the needle as it races up and down is an invitation to the vet's office though!). Long live Bobkat. :-)

Linda said...

Ah, that I could rest as peacefully (and easily) as Bob.

We have an unfriendly stray that looks much like Bob...we named it Scaredy Cat...because every time it comes up on our deck, it pops a look into our house and if any one makes a move toward the door, it runs off, scared.

kenju said...

He, like my two girls, just wants to be near his mama! Mine do that all the time.

Anonymous said...

Human or not, you cannot deny the connection. When he "interfered" with your work, he could probably sense you needed a break and maybe a whiskey and a massage.

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

He certainly does look peacefull BK. And no, he's not human, but our pets DO manage to obtain a special status in our lives. They develop personalities and ingrain themselves into our daily routines. You gotta love these furry friends.

Thanks for the great post.

Mike said...

We have two cats in our house and they both like to "help" occasionally.

Michele sent me

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That is the DEAREST Picture, B-K....Bob looks so much like my cat "Baby" that lived to 20 1/2....I must say Bob looks very young and one would never guess his age, at all! I know what a GREAT Companion he is to you, my dear. Loyal and True and pretty patient--Well, a lot of the time....LOL!.....Cats are so incredibly special, aren't they? There is a quiet peacefulness about them and they are truly loving....!

Jacinta said...

What a beautiful picture of tranquility. I love how animals manage to get your attention when they think they are being neglected. And they do make such placid companions.

Pat said...

He certainly hasn't lost his looks and must be a great companion.
Over from Michele's. Have you finished your MBA now? Good luck with the results.

Jean-Luc Picard said...

That's one tranquil cat.

Michele sent me here.

MaR said...

Bob is such a cute cat, I love this peaceful picture!

Dianne said...

that's a great picture of bob. I love his perfect nose. he looks good for an old guy.

I could not get by without a little "help" from my 2 furrry ones.

and they may not understand the same way people can but they feel so much. they get it.

Pat said...

Michele sent me again Bob-Kat but I'm having problems with her comment box.
Either it doesn't work or does a double or enters on a different page.
Ho Hum - time for bed. Night everybody!

Russ said...

Hi from Michelle's place.

Nepharia said...

Hi Bob! Nice to meet you. Love the cat picture -- looks like one of mine. :D

Michele sent me!

David Edward said...

bob is a fine cat and a great adornment for any windowsill.

craziequeen said...

handsome, handsome boy, our Bob :-)

Missing you, babes - home in a couple of days.........

cq

Pat said...

I'm here again from Michele's. There is something really weird going on in the comment box. Just now the last message was on from me - last night, I entered another and suddenly all the nights comments appeared. Is it just me? Am I going bananas? Time will tell. Have a happy Bank holiday Sunday.

Anonymous said...

Bob looks so peaceful on the sill. Cats always seem to know how to help. Mr. Mao loves to help reading the newspaper. I guess it would be a bigger help if we were outside reading and the wind was blowing, it's not so helpful in the living room!
Love your previous pictures, especially the one of the bench.
Ramona

Sara said...

He is absolutely beautiful! So peaceful looking. I think it is wonderful how they share our lives.

I'd be lost without Killian...

rashbre said...

lovely pic.

Omykiss said...

hello bobkat ... michele sent me to enjoy your beautiful blog ... i'm not much of a pet person but I do understand that, for many people, pets are a great source of comfort and joy ... you're blessed!

Smiler said...

That's a beautiful photo - very touching. And your description of him "just being there" almost had me shedding tears. I know how precious that is because when my little boy does that sort of thing with me I just turn to mush.

Bobkat said...

Yeah Smiler, sometimes their company is invaluable. I know many a time I have been grateful for Bob's company and happy that he wanted to be near me.

TorAa said...

Hi,
did find you from Naomi.

You have a beautiful Cat. We are Cat lovers. The two we have is more or less of the Manx breed.

Here is the youngest
http://www.fotothing.com/taaboe/
the important thing to remark on this first photo is the anatomy of a Cat.
Seen form left to right.

Anonymous said...

He's beautiful! What a wonderful shot. Even though when they "help" it can get exasperating, us cat owners secretly love it!

Leslie

Shephard said...

He looks like the ultimate Helper Kitty. lol What a sweet sweet face.
~S

Dawn said...

I found your blog through Dust Bunny Hostage comments.

I'm partial to black and white cats. Mine was a rescue, too, and he also likes to "help" in the same ways as your kitty.

See here: http://dkwwrites.blogspot.com/2008/05/some-days-i-just-cant-accomplish.html