From I.A. in the big TX: Speaking of felines....

The cats are not only the frosting on the cake, they're now the first thing I check for when I visit your web site. A day with a new cat picture or anecdote, is always a good one. Speaking of felines, some questions I've been pondering: Why does a cat who will only drink out of his water bowl if it's re-filled with fresh water twice daily happily slurp down water from the gutter any time he makes it ouside? Why will a cat who turns up his nose at roast chicken and beef gobble down any scraps that fall on the floor, including vegetable peelings and bread crumbs? Not to mention all sorts of disgusting insects? Why is the cats' favorite toy the one that looks like a diseased rodent and makes a maddening clunking noise when dropped on hardwood floors? And, the corollary: Why is this the toy that always appears in the middle of the living room, or peeking coyly out from under the sofa, when I have guests over. (One of whom developed a sort of twitch after she found it next to her foot.) Why won't the cats sleep in the attractive cat beds I bought them? Why are their favorite sleeping places the living room sofa (white), living room chairs (white) and living room throw rugs (you guessed it, white). Needless to say, the white furnishing were acquired before the cats. I'm now looking for something in a tabby grey. (In a pinch, they'll also sleep on these really tacky white squares of material that look like grubby fiberglass that I got at PetSmart, which means I'm stuck with these abominations in my bedroom.) Why did they spend all their time trying to get in the house before they became my cats and, now that they are my cats, why are they hell-bent on going back outside every time the door is opened, regardless of the hour or weather outside? Why do they hate water, unless it's in the toilet or I'm taking a shower in it, when they suddenly want to play in it? Why does a cat only throw up on freshly washed floor or rug, never a dirty one? These questions have been preying on my mind for some time.