A Cat Taught Me That
A Cat Taught Me That Life’s Lessons Learned from Felines
Charlotte E. Gerber
Illustrated by Jessica Gerber
Copyright © 2014 by Charlotte E. Gerber All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission. Charlotte E. Gerber www.charlottegerber.com Book Layout © 2014 BookDesignTemplates.com A Cat Taught Me That: Life Lessons Learned from Felines/ Charlotte E. Gerber. -- 1st ed. ISBN-13: 978-1500308995 ISBN-10: 1500308994
Cover Art by Svetlana Shirokova - Dreamstime.com
Dedication This book is dedicated to all of the cats I have loved through the years. I’ve enjoyed their company immensely.
CHAPTER ONE
A Little Indulgence Is Okay I’m Louie and I’ve been told I have a problem with cat treats. Of course, a problem is in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes, loving cat treats isn’t a problem unless I run out of them. After I was rescued, I learned three things about my caregiver and new best friend. First, food was readily available day or night; I would never be hungry again. Second, I was now living in a house that was warm and cozy; freezing outside in the winter was highly unlikely. Third, I learned about this tasty food called “snacks”. I would come to love it when my caregiver announced the magical words with enthusiasm – “Kitty treats!” When I was first introduced to this fabulous dining experience, the flavors included turkey, beef and chicken. Eventually catnip and dairy-flavored treats entered the scene. Once I tasted those little nuggets of goodness, I was hooked. I perfected the sad kitty face, which is subtle and very effective when done properly. The trick is to look longingly at your target and try not to blink. Raise a paw in a slightly pathetic manner towards the treat container as the caregiver opens it – a classic move. While my owner swears that she may check me into a clinic for cats with food addictions, she is more purr than hiss. I know that the next time she comes home from the pet store with kitty snacks, she’ll rattle the bag because she knows I’m listening. I’ll come racing into the kitchen like a furry, 16 pound bowling ball on steroids, and she’ll love me for it. And give me treats. Take it from me; you can never be too furry nor have too many treats!
Awesome Louie
Nom-nom!
CHAPTER TWO
Don’t Be A Doormat It is a good thing to try and please others, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them walk all over you. Be nice, share your toys, but know when to say ‘enough is enough’.
Mewsings by Awesome Louie Dear Awesome Louie, My owner is always picking me up and rubbing my tummy a little too roughly. I tried meowing, but then I lost my temper and bit her hand. Now I’m in the dog house. What should I do? ~One Sorry Kitty
Dear Sorry Kitty, Haven’t you heard that you shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you? Alas, you can’t go back in time and take back your nipping incident, but going forward do try and control yourself. I suspect your owner knows that she was a little too rough, otherwise you wouldn’t have reacted the way you did. And for pete’s sake, don’t stay in the dog house too long – you’ll get fleas! ~Louie
CHAPTER THREE
Catnap Often Catnaps can rejuvenate the soul and the mind, making it easier for you to take on the challenges of the day. Pick a nice warm and quiet place where no one will bother you (a sunny porch will do), stretch out, and snooze away. You’ll awake rejuvenated, think clearer, and ready to take on the world again, even if it is only from the comfort of your own front porch.
Tip from Louie
When lying on a porch or patio, choose a spot that provides a little shade. Your caregiver’s favorite large, potted tropical plant is ideal.
Napping on the front porch is awesome!
CHAPTER FOUR
Love One Another Cats understand the value of loving one another, especially when it comes to cuddling on a bed or couch. Caring for and loving someone else makes you feel good, and in the case of these two kitties it can keep you warm as well!!
Tip from Louie When choosing a bunk buddy, select a cat or kitten that likes to cuddle, one that doesn’t have tuna breath, and won’t bite you when you lick their head.
Otis and Bingo are best friends and bunk mates.
CHAPTER FIVE
Be Vigilant Keep a watchful eye on everything in your world, but try not to become paranoid. Watch out for sneak attacks, pay attention to odd noises and smells, and remember to lock your doors at night. This will keep you, and your treats and catnip toys, safe.
Charlotte E. Gerber
Illustrated by Jessica Gerber
Copyright © 2014 by Charlotte E. Gerber All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission. Charlotte E. Gerber www.charlottegerber.com Book Layout © 2014 BookDesignTemplates.com A Cat Taught Me That: Life Lessons Learned from Felines/ Charlotte E. Gerber. -- 1st ed. ISBN-13: 978-1500308995 ISBN-10: 1500308994
Cover Art by Svetlana Shirokova - Dreamstime.com
Dedication This book is dedicated to all of the cats I have loved through the years. I’ve enjoyed their company immensely.
CHAPTER ONE
A Little Indulgence Is Okay I’m Louie and I’ve been told I have a problem with cat treats. Of course, a problem is in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes, loving cat treats isn’t a problem unless I run out of them. After I was rescued, I learned three things about my caregiver and new best friend. First, food was readily available day or night; I would never be hungry again. Second, I was now living in a house that was warm and cozy; freezing outside in the winter was highly unlikely. Third, I learned about this tasty food called “snacks”. I would come to love it when my caregiver announced the magical words with enthusiasm – “Kitty treats!” When I was first introduced to this fabulous dining experience, the flavors included turkey, beef and chicken. Eventually catnip and dairy-flavored treats entered the scene. Once I tasted those little nuggets of goodness, I was hooked. I perfected the sad kitty face, which is subtle and very effective when done properly. The trick is to look longingly at your target and try not to blink. Raise a paw in a slightly pathetic manner towards the treat container as the caregiver opens it – a classic move. While my owner swears that she may check me into a clinic for cats with food addictions, she is more purr than hiss. I know that the next time she comes home from the pet store with kitty snacks, she’ll rattle the bag because she knows I’m listening. I’ll come racing into the kitchen like a furry, 16 pound bowling ball on steroids, and she’ll love me for it. And give me treats. Take it from me; you can never be too furry nor have too many treats!
Awesome Louie
Nom-nom!
CHAPTER TWO
Don’t Be A Doormat It is a good thing to try and please others, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them walk all over you. Be nice, share your toys, but know when to say ‘enough is enough’.
Mewsings by Awesome Louie Dear Awesome Louie, My owner is always picking me up and rubbing my tummy a little too roughly. I tried meowing, but then I lost my temper and bit her hand. Now I’m in the dog house. What should I do? ~One Sorry Kitty
Dear Sorry Kitty, Haven’t you heard that you shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you? Alas, you can’t go back in time and take back your nipping incident, but going forward do try and control yourself. I suspect your owner knows that she was a little too rough, otherwise you wouldn’t have reacted the way you did. And for pete’s sake, don’t stay in the dog house too long – you’ll get fleas! ~Louie
CHAPTER THREE
Catnap Often Catnaps can rejuvenate the soul and the mind, making it easier for you to take on the challenges of the day. Pick a nice warm and quiet place where no one will bother you (a sunny porch will do), stretch out, and snooze away. You’ll awake rejuvenated, think clearer, and ready to take on the world again, even if it is only from the comfort of your own front porch.
Tip from Louie
When lying on a porch or patio, choose a spot that provides a little shade. Your caregiver’s favorite large, potted tropical plant is ideal.
Napping on the front porch is awesome!
CHAPTER FOUR
Love One Another Cats understand the value of loving one another, especially when it comes to cuddling on a bed or couch. Caring for and loving someone else makes you feel good, and in the case of these two kitties it can keep you warm as well!!
Tip from Louie When choosing a bunk buddy, select a cat or kitten that likes to cuddle, one that doesn’t have tuna breath, and won’t bite you when you lick their head.
Otis and Bingo are best friends and bunk mates.
CHAPTER FIVE
Be Vigilant Keep a watchful eye on everything in your world, but try not to become paranoid. Watch out for sneak attacks, pay attention to odd noises and smells, and remember to lock your doors at night. This will keep you, and your treats and catnip toys, safe.
