There’s usually a good ebb and flow in the house between our pets. For years now, we’ve yo-yoed back and forth between 1 to 2 cats and 1 to 2 dogs. For the most part, they’ve all figured out how to work and play together. But everything changed when we moved three years ago.
We had one cat, Josie (who looks like a marshmallow), and one dog, Emma. Both were calm, quiet girls happy to give me love when the men in the house got out of the way. And we had to go and mess things up. First, we got Roscoe, a vivacious young shih tzu who seems to terrorize her simply by his presence. And then we got Beamer the cat because for some strange reason, I really really thought Josie might like a companion.
I think she would have been perfectly happy with her preferred companion being a big bowl of chow. There were a lot of territorial struggles and eventually Josie just thought it would be better for everyone if she went and hid lived in the basement. It’s okay. It’s a finished basement.
Josie had her territory and Beamer had the rest of the house and everyone was happy. That is, until Emma passed away. Roscoe became lonely and longed for companionship, something Beamer wanted nothing to do with. So we invited Layla, a vivacious young Tibetan terrier (aka Tibetan Terror) to come and live with us.
Beamer decided that he, too, might be better off taking refuge in the basement. He and Josie settled most of their squabbles but we know they long to come back up and spend time with us. I’m hoping that as these puppies mature, they might allow some kitty love on the main floor. Until then, I’m trying to find ways to make these poor tortured souls still feel loved.
Typically you’ll find then hanging out by their food bowls. They wait for us to feed them twice a day where we sneak in a few pettings. It may look fancy in this picture but we keep their chow and water on a table only because one of the dogs (ahem, LAYLA) will try to eat it all if given the chance.
I feel sorry for them. They deserve to run free throughout the house clawing the furniture in every room of the house and leave balls of hair fluff in every corner. So I tried to find a way to WOW them in their basement hideaway with the fanciest of feasts.
How to create a true Fancy Feast for your cats
1. Find a nice table. Cats like to be elevated anyway. It gives them a sense of safety. And this one was in a nice bright spot in the basement.
2. Create an inviting tabletop. A tablecloth (washable, of course) would be a nice touch or personalized placemats. For my cats, I used a table runner from Thanksgiving. It was already covered with turkey gravy anyway so what would be a little bit more.
3. Set the table for them. Who wants to eat out of the same bowls every day? These kitties were treated to a fine china setting (don’t worry – it’s dishwasher-safe). Each had their own teacup and saucer full of fresh, clean water. And each had a plate for their entree because we all know cats don’t like to cram their whiskers into little bowls.
4. Give them a menu selection worthy of their time. In this case, I presented a variety of Purina Fancy Feast Broths, including four new, carefully-crafted chicken recipes. On one plate, I served Classic with Chicken, Vegetables, & Whitefish in a decadent silky broth. Now, I can’t personally attest to the decadence but it was enough to pique Beamer’s curiosity.
It didn’t take long before Beamer was all about them broths. The little marshmallow was either afraid to jump up given her girth or just unfamiliar with such a fancy setting so I helped Josie up. And before long, they were dining in elegance.
When I set out a second course of Tuna, Shrimp, & Whitefish, also in a decadent silky broth, Beamer was again intrigued. He was cautious as he heard the dogs rustling upstairs.
But he couldn’t resist the delicacy presented to him on the finest china.
When Josie heard there was seafood to be had, she hopped on over to “help” Beamer with his meal. It’s so nice the way they share.
Ever the lookout, Beamer made sure his dining experience wasn’t going to be interrupted by those foul canine beasts and while he was standing guard, Josie helped herself to some shrimp, which she stuck in her mouth and jumped off the table so she could eat in solitude.
After a few minutes, they switched places, like an elegant dance and made sure to leave the dishes clean.
I have a feeling that my cats would have been WOWed by the Fancy Feast Broths even if I had served it on a paper plate but at least, for a few moments, I felt like I gave them some of their dignity back. I just hope they don’t expect this every meal from now on.
How do you spoil your cats? Do you give them too much chow so they look like marshmallows? Do you buy them special food? Make them wear a fancy collar? Share your cat love with me and let me know I’m not the only freak out there.
This post is sponsored by Purina. All opinions are my own and no cats were harmed in the photographing of this post. In fact, I think they quite enjoyed it. But no, they will not be receiving compensation outside of their delicious Fancy Feast.
3 comments
This post makes me miss my cat, especially because Beamer has the same markings she had!!! So pretty. My cat had dry food all day, but got wet food at dinner time with the humans. She would hear the can open and come bolting into the kitchen. Meowing, rubbing herself against my leg, and dancing around in anticipation. So funny that cat.
I got Beamer because he reminded me of my previous cat Arnie. And I got Arnie because he reminded me of my childhood cat Tojo! I always hold a special place in my heart for kitties.
Like little furry people … just like in our house.