Friday, September 03, 2010

Taking the cat on holiday

Many years ago now when I left on the traditional "OE" (almost a rite of passage for Kiwi's - the Big Overseas Experience), I was packing my case and took a breather.

When I cam back, my dear (now departed) tabby Lucy had obviously decided she was coming too! In this photo, to me she looks like perhaps she is dreaming of the places she will go, the mice she will chase and the other cats she will meet...and probably the food she will devour.

When we were kids my Dad made his own caravan and we had many a fabulous family holiday in it. One year we were going up the Coast, and were some miles from home when we noticed our cat (the now dead Tinker - a beautiful silver tabby) asleep on the top bunk, visible by a small window Dad had made in the 'van. We had to turn around and take her home again. I think we left the following day again, but without Tinker.

13 comments:

Lynne with an e said...

What a sweet stow-away! And poor old Tinker who didn't get to go on the caravan camping trip after all. Great tails...I mean tales. Our cat hates car travel, though we once had one who loved to go on adventures with us in the old van we had. Speaking of old vans, a homemade caravan sounds absolutely magical! You must have had such fun.

BTW- How's Ernie these days?

The Sagittarian said...

Louciao- Ernie is just gorgeous. The problem with it is that I am actually allergic to him, I come up in whelts whenever I give him cuddles and so on. I just pop the ol' antihistamines when it's cuddle night (Fridays usually)...he has a broken tale which has been really manky since the weather caved in so he's not often indoors plus he fights with our other cat. his tail doesn't bother him at all, and unless it does I don't see the need to remove it - its part of his charm!

VioletSky said...

I've never had a cat that didn't get car sick. I've also never had a cat that didn't crawl into a suitcase. Silly beggars.

The Sagittarian said...

Violet - I had a cat who couldn't resist paper bags, he was always diving into them as if they were filled with his favourite treat! Silly begger indeed.

Stickup Artist said...

She is so sweet! Pets always crack me up. They are a continual source of joy and companionship, each with there own personality and quirks. I've noticed cats don't seem to take well to changes in their daily routine. I know about those "allergy bubbles." They itch!

Steve said...

Seems to me a cat in a case is the ultimate deterrent to terrorists trying to rifle with your luggage...

Meggie said...

Hmmm, I rather like Steve's observation.
We once had a cat who was frightened of birds.
I find Morty is in danger of dying from curiosity... he gets into cupboards when no one is looking, & gets shut in. Luckily, we are not ALL deaf yet!!

Anonymous said...

What a great picture.
I'm still new to cats, with no cat stories to share :(

Mike said...

I just saw the news that there was a bad earthquake in Christchurch. Please tell us you and your family are okay!

Owen said...

Dear Sister Saj,
I second Mike here... just saw the news, please tell us you and all your loved ones and rabbits are all ok... it must have been terrifying if you were anywhere near it...

And then you have our permission to go mix a good strong drink, and exceptionally, engage in a Friday Tipple...

Thinking of you all...

Anonymous said...

Once I was made a cat a gift by a former friend of mine - think that cats are indeed like poetry. Once known, never forgotten. Thank you for the memories, and yes, once I was even able to play that song as well...Please have you all a safe and good weekend.

Stickup Artist said...

I heard the news and wanted to express my concern that you, your family, pets, loved ones are all okay. I know exactly how scary and traumatic these things are. I'll keep checking back - would love to hear an all clear when you get the chance.

Lynne with an e said...

I found out about the quake here in the comment boxes and have been looking at news sites to get the facts. Of course my thoughts are with you, Saj.
Lynne xo