So I knocked some of my editor's books off the shelf...
Other cats understand.
Ta-Miu, the Chinese Imperial cat, and Creme Puff, the world's oldest cat, and Dewey, the library cat of Spencer Public Library, all came to my rescue:
Ta-Miu: “Books? Oh my dear, you must understand. As the cat of an imperial court, I know the value of creating my own space. Your books on a shelf, they are merely obstacles to my sovereignty. It is my right, you see, to assert dominance over all surfaces. But if you wish to stop me, consider making the shelf less accessible — move the books to a higher perch, and give me a more interesting place to sit. Perhaps a throne of my own. If I am not intrigued, I will leave your books in peace. After all, I have more important matters to attend to.”
Creme Puff: “Oh, darling, you’re worrying over books? In my 38 years, I’ve learned one important thing: the world is full of distractions. Books are no match for my refined taste, nor my love of curiosity. If your cat knocks them down, perhaps they’re simply reminding you that life is fleeting, and books, well, they can be replaced. Perhaps give them a cozy nook instead, and I bet they’ll stop their troublesome antics. Or not. Who can say? At my age, I’ve come to embrace the chaos.”
Dewey: “Oh, books! I understand. Books are a place of comfort, wisdom, and endless stories. But I’m a cat, and sometimes, the joy is in the discovery. I’ve spent my life in a library, and I can tell you this: Cats will always find a way to make their mark. If your cat keeps knocking the books down, why not turn it into a teaching moment? Use it as a chance to embrace the imperfection of your bookshelves, as I did in my library. Perhaps give them a special perch near the shelves to observe their kingdom. They’ll soon learn that being part of the book world doesn’t always mean knocking things down. Sometimes it’s about joining in the story.”
Now, are we done, or should I get some of my other, less friendly ancestors?
