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Never take a nap with a cat.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

Over the past few years, I have learned something very important. Never take a nap with a cat. I've always been a big dog person. I understand dogs. I know dogs. Now, I have a cat. One thing is for sure, cats are not dogs. I've always heard that dogs have masters and cats have staff. There is more fact than fiction to that witticism. 

A few years ago, my last dog died and I was heartbroken. It happens to all pet owners and over time, I adjusted to a hair-free, noise-free, pet-free zone. I would gladly get another dog, but during my period of mourning, my wife brought my son's cat home. My son wasn't giving her the kind of attention she needed, and since we were pet free, she was a welcomed addition.

That's when I learned that cats are not dogs. She has her own routine, and it doesn't matter what our routine is. She sleeps all day, prowls all night and is prone to nip the wife on the ankles. For some reason, she seems to like me. She likes the first wife too, but she does seem to gravitate to me when I'm around. Hence the nap issue.

Recently, my wife was out of town for a week, so the cat and I have expanded our connection. I did the unthinkable and let her sleep on the bed while Buffy was gone. She had been baned from the bedroom at night time because she was prone to end up on my chest sniffing around my face at 3:00 am. A couple rounds of that and she was locked at at lights out.

This time, she did incredibly well, but there was a problem. She loves to sleep on a leg, an ankle or between my legs with her head on one leg and her caboose on the other. I found myself being unable to move most of the night. 

The first night was difficult, but I assumed (there's that word) it would smooth out and we'd get into a flow over the week. We did. She sleeps on one leg and I stay stuck in limbo for hours on end. My head is constantly saying, "Don't roll over, you'll smother the cat." So, my sleep is more like dozing with a little snoring in between.

Today, I had a short day so I decided to take a short nap. Nap time is cat time. She nestles right up, but at nap time (and she seems to know the difference), she snuggles up to my left side, and begins kneading in my arm pit. I can only imagine that this must be what it feels like to go to an apprentice acupuncture student. I keep thinking if I could just think hard enough she might capture the brainwaves and realize that you can only knead on those body parts that have a thick layer of comforter on them, but so far, it hasn't worked. 

So, nap time is over and I'm blogging about sleeping with a cat. Oh yeah, she does snore a little. Not enough to wake the dead, but enough to keep the guy who is afraid to move awake. Trust me on this one, never take a nap with a cat.

Comments (11)

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Hi Mike. This is too funny. Maybe it is time to get another dog.

Nov 18, 2017 02:11 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

That keeps swirling around in my head, Sheila, but then I think, what will happen to the cat. She now she controls everything? 

Nov 18, 2017 02:13 PM
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

Great advice, from an expert!  I can't even image.  We have been pet free for a few years now and I have a hard enough time trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in.  Great story - I enjoyed it!

Nov 18, 2017 02:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Oh Mike- cats are their own rulers of their domains!!! Ours used to sleep above our heads!

Nov 18, 2017 02:43 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Kathy, my wife always says if the cat weighed 40 lbs, we'd all be dead. For now, I keep her on a diet. 

Nov 18, 2017 02:45 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Pets have their own personality,.  Fror me my life style is so that a pet would not get the attention they deserve.

Nov 18, 2017 03:20 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Hearing about your kitty cuddle troubles, I can't help but laugh! What a sweet problem to have, even if it means it cuts into your sleep time. My husband is the same way with our oldest daughter's cat. He says he doesn't like her sleeping on his chest, but he also never tells her to get off!

Nov 18, 2017 06:06 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

It's cat mind-control Michelle. Mine does the same thing, and do the same as your husband.

Nov 19, 2017 06:32 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Mike.

Well it has been about 30 years since we've had a cat.  We do have on rescue dog and when he goes there will not be another.

Nov 19, 2017 02:44 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

I do wrestle with that option, James. I've gone back and forth more times than I can remember. Right now, no new rescues.

Nov 19, 2017 06:26 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I've had cats and dogs.  And, as you point out, they are very different beings.  Currently, I live with two cats.  I love them both, but face those bedtime issues you speak of.  Especially that sniffing around my face at 3:00 am.  But, I wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world!

Nov 19, 2017 05:38 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I remember the between the legs sleeping when I had cats. Silly me, I wouldn't disturb her even with my discomfort.

Nov 19, 2017 06:24 AM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Hi Mike, my cat kneads in my hair and doesn't end with kneading, he pulls on it which is so annoying when I'm trying to sleep. He snores as well, sometimes, I have to get out of bed in the middle of the night and put him in the living room and shut my door. 

Nov 19, 2017 08:33 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

That sounds very familiar, Beth. 

Nov 19, 2017 08:44 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Mike - Cats do whatever they want, whether you like it or not - they're the patent holders on attitude. We sleep with 3 dogs and a cat, and the real problem is jealousy about who gets the good spots - and Mary and I are the ones who are usually jealous.

Nov 19, 2017 02:26 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

That's hilarious, Dick.

Nov 19, 2017 02:37 PM