Since I have been busy preparing “Dark Excursions: second set” for
electronic publication, and goofing off on Twitter, I haven’t written anything
new. So, for your eyeball and mental
enjoyment, here is a classic “tales from the freakboy zone…” that I originally
e-mailed to my chosen cohorts back in 2006.
Enjoy…
I watch him from across the room as
he stretches in preparation. He then easily reaches and carefully grabs
what he can. His movements are slow and deliberate. That is how it
begins anyway.
A moment soon arrives when his pace
quickens. It's as if an auto pilot switch has been flipped in his
mind. His motions become borderline violent. His eyes appear wild
and without thought.
Suddenly he is finished. He
becomes as calm as he was before he started. I sit in awkward silence
while he stares upon the aftermath his actions produced...
Several clumps of white hair are strewn
about, forming a half-circle around him. He pulled the hair out.
Much of it from his legs and some from his lower back. I find some
comfort that his behavior is not from a skin irritation.
"Psychological problems,"
the veterinarian explained. Snowball is going to be 17, so age may be a
factor. A change in his environment can also play a part. If the
problem worsens, medication is an option.
Thankfully Snowball does not indulge
in his hair-pulling process often. For now he will remain our drug-free,
sporadically distressed kitty.
~~~~~~
2/14/06
P.S. Snowball
has since passed away, but he lived a good long life. He became part of my family way back in 1989
when my mom spotted him along a stretch of highway, scared stiff in the middle
of the yellow center lane. We stopped,
saved his life, and in return he gave us years of crazy joy.
I wonder if it's like how we bite our nails sometimes? (probably not.)
ReplyDeleteThat's a possibility.
DeleteIt definitely seems like a nervous thing.
Thanks for sharing this cool little story about a unique cat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Barry!
DeleteHe was something special.
Aw wee soul, and so lucky Snowball met your understanding and caring family.
ReplyDeleteHe was a good cat and he lives on in our memories!
Delete