Willie's New Best Friend

"We had visitors for the recent 4th of July holiday weekend.  Mom's friends from Ohio, Nikki and Shelly, came to stay for a few days.  We've had adult human visitors before (and it was a repeat visit for both of these ladies), but this time there was something special.  Nikki's five year old daughter E came too!  I am the first to admit my lack of experience with human children.  Their strange habits puzzle me.  For example, why are their voices so loud and high-pitched?  Why do they sometimes run around erratically?  Why do they crawl on the ground and play with our cat toys?  I may never have the answers.  What I can do is tell you how well E fit in, or didn't fit in, with the feline crew.

First, the good news: Willie is in love with E!  The two of them became fast friends and Willie was continually amused by all the attention paid to him by E.  And in return, I think E was amused by Willie.  They're kind of on the same wavelength and maturity level.  The thing is, E will continue to learn and grow, but Willie is about as smart and mature as he's ever gonna get.  I've gotta give Willie props though.  He had more patience than I did when E picked him up (not an easy feat for her, because Willie needs to lose a couple pounds).  He never lashed out, clawed, bit, or otherwise showed aggression toward E.  Not even when she chased him.  Not even when she played patty-cakes with his paws (he just patty-caked her right back). 

On the other extreme of the feline spectrum, Grayson was scared witless by E's presence.  Poor Little Gray.  He's shy to begin with, and is very cautious around adult humans.  I think he just wasn't ready to be exposed to a human kid.  Grayson pretty much hid out in the bedroom, behind the bed, during E's waking hours.  He ventured out cautiously when she went down for afternoon naps, and after her bedtime.  But he had never met Nikki or Shelly, so he was timid around them too.  Mom felt bad that Grayson was so scared for four days.  I, on the other hand, think he got his just desserts for being such a pest to me over the last year.

Zorro was shy with E too.  That wasn't any surprise.  He's always shy with strange humans.  He kept his distance, but wasn't nearly as freaked out as Grayson.  The thing about Zorro is that he loves everyone...he just hates sudden noises or movements.  Zorro and I had no problem hanging out with E while she was sleeping, as you can see from this picture. 

Like Zorro, I think I prefer my human kids asleep.  But I do make exceptions.  E was very willing to play with me and Willie and our favorite dangly toys.  Mine is the Cat Dancer, and Willie's is a 'fishing pole' toy with metallic plastic streamers.  E could use some work on her technique with these toys, but she more than made up for it in enthusiasm and endurance.  Mom never plays with us for quite as long as E, who never seemed to tire.

So, was it worth it to have guests for the long weekend?  Yes, if you ask Willie and me.  (Willie definitely missed E after she left, and I was sad that this sociological experiment had to end.)  No, if you ask Grayson or Zorro.  (Actually, Zorro was kinda neutral about the visit, but Grayson breathed a huge sigh of relief when the weekend was over and he could go back to his normal routine.)  There you have it.  Our first experience with a human kid, and with mixed results.  E, you're welcome to come back anytime, just don't expect Grayson to be quite as welcoming as your best bud Willie!"