My new kitten is almost 3 months old, and I figured it was time to get him some things that cats “need”. Particularly a cat bed and some new toys. Then, I closed the computer and played with him before I paid for it.
And I realized what he was actually doing. Pouncing and play-mauling an old tea cozy. Chewing on the plug for the bathtub. Chasing old wool dryer balls. He is apathetic about the dedicated cat toys from the past; he doesn't care if he’s chasing a dollar store ping-pong ball or a 5$ “cat toy”.
So, I took the toys out of the cart.
When he went for his nap, he ignored his fluffy blanket and curled up, just like every night, on my old housecoat. It’s ragged and nothing special, but he can spend 20 minutes purring on it contentedly before falling asleep. He doesn't care if it is frayed, he loves it anyway.
So, I took the cat bed out of my cart.
Then I realized, to my cat, the cost does not matter. A balled up scrap of paper is just as fun as expensive toys, just like an old housecoat is the same as a new cat bed.
But, I already knew that. So, Why even search for new things in the first place?
My kitty was abandoned by his mom (a stray) at 2 weeks old, and found by a friend of my brother’s, who gave him to me. I syringe fed him around the clock for weeks. Once he was old enough for toys, I wanted to give him everything. I wanted to show him affection the way that society taught me: by buying things.
But, my cat does not care. He would be much happier if I used that time and energy to play with him. Just like how we would all be happier if we spent less time thinking about what we “should” do, and how society dictates we “should” spend money.
Maybe we are all happier with a balled-up scrap of paper and someone to play with than alone with something expensive.
February 06, 2021 at 01:35AM
