Ralph

The Ralph Experience


Original date composed on May 4th, 2007 at Friendster Lalyn's blog: Nature of the Mind

Ralph is the most amazing cat I’ve ever known. My apology to my childhood cats all named Ming and to my calico cat in Naga, Ling. Ralpn and I have been companion and friends more than a year now and he have finally accepted me in his territory.



The first time I met him, Jeff put this giant black cat with tiger like brown stripes on my lap and Ralph proceeded to smell my face and hair with such careful attention. I learned that he do that to every woman he met. So what I heared is true, he check-smell the ladies.



Then after that, Ralph initiated me with his scratches, whenever I passes him by the hallway; a quick marking scratch on my legs, whenever I reaches out to pet him; a contemptous seconds of controlled tolerance  then followed by a hiss or a growl then a bite or a paw smacks with claws out. He was really puzzled and jealous whenever I snuggled close to Jeff on the couch while we watches t.v. Ralph sits on the table in front of us, blocking the t.v. giving us the look, "why the hell is she still here?!?" Also Ralph sleeps with Jeff so when I moved in, naturally my pillow occupied the space where Ralph sleeps and it was disorienting struggle between me and Ralph. We will both wake up before the break of dawn looking at each others eyes in the dim darkness, him wondering why there is a stranger head on his space and me wondering why am I having a cat as a pillow.



But it was during those nights before dawn that I think Ralph finally gave in. I woke up one night, feeling the softest feathery brush on my eyelids and cheeks. Its Ralph’s paw, thank God claws retracted. I moved my head to give him space on my pillow, between me and Jeff and Ralph snuggled slowly and carefully and arranged himself so he would be facing me, his litte, cute and fuzzy head ( instead of the usual butt or back treatment) on the pillow next to me. That’s also the time I realized this is a one of a kind cat. Before, I just gives him food and water and took the wary coexistence path ( mostly to spare my legs, hands and arms from cat scratches and scars ) that night it dawned to me that Ralph is the king and I am his lowly servant and might be elevated to a companion status if I cater to all his whim very well.



It came clear to me that King Ralph runs the house, its his territory, he owns Jeff and I’m the neophyte. It was a humbling experience that I enjoyed so very much. Its so amusing and just so worth it because Ralph takes notice every nice things I do to him and he rewards me very well. No more scratches, smacks and bites. Most of all no more loud , angry hisses and growls for me. He started snuggling next to me, hopping on my lap, following me around, runs to the door when I arrives ( half of the time he is planning a quick escape to the garage or the front stairs) and watches like a lifeguard ( also drinks the bathwater with his paws) while I'm in the tub. He started acknowledging my usefulness and to me that is a big improvement and reward. Especially, to date my stuff is not yet pissed on or worse pooped on.