Teens
and Cats
Some may not have made the connection, but
there are many similarities between teenagers and cats. Who knows? Maybe
those finicky felines can help you understand the teen in your life -- so read
on. . .
1. Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when
you call them by name.
2. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all
humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on
them hand and foot.
3. You
rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being, and it
can be safely said that no teenager in his or her right mind wants to be seen in
public with his or her parents.
4 . Even if you tell jokes as well as Jay Leno, neither your cat nor your teen
will ever crack a smile.
5. No cat nor teenager shares your taste in music.
6. Cats and teenagers can lie on the living room sofa for hours on end
without moving, barely breathing.
7. Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if
they did.
8. Cats and teenagers yawn in exactly the same manner, communicating that
ultimate human ecstasy--a sense of complete and utter boredom.
9. Cats and teenagers do not improve anyone's
furniture.
10. Cats that are free to roam outside sometimes have been known to return
in the middle of the night to deposit a dead animal in your bedroom.
Teenagers are not necessarily above that sort of behavior.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thus, if you must raise
teenagers, the best sources of advice are not other parents, but
veterinarians. It is also a good idea to keep a guidebook on cats on hand
at all times.
And remember, above all else, put out the food and do not make any sudden
moves in their direction. When they make up their minds, they will finally
come to you for some affection and comfort and it will be a triumphant moment
for all concerned.