The Moke

His name is Moke or Mokerson or Moke Moke. Well, those aren’t really his names. More like call signs, tag lines, depending on our moods and his behavior. Moke is one of our six cats and the loudest, most annoying, territorial, rambunctious, intelligent, and exacerbating. Fortunately for him, he’s playful, cute, and likes to snuggle in bed. He sleeps beside me most nights, hogging the pillow. If he sees I’m awake in the middle of the night, he’ll give me a soft mew and a light nudge with his head. Melts my heart and resolve. But before long, he’ll be patrolling the perimeter, harassing and goading the other cats, meowing at the top of his lungs for breakfast.

Moke wandered on to our porch about 7 years ago, sleeping in a pizza box for two weeks while we got to know him and decided to add him to our family. The vet warned us we’d have our hands full. Moke has an extra thumb on one paw, which means it’s easier for him to open cabinet doors to dig in the trash can. Or pry open plastic containers. He is constantly on the move, prowling his territory. Mewing to go outside. Climbing on forbidden countertops. Licking dishes in the sink. Pushing pots filled with food off the stove.

He’s lucky he found us.

I don’t know if anyone else would have the patience…

Edited 8/08/09 to add...

And he's at it again tonight. Trying to pry the lid off a plastic container. Because he wants some WATERMELON!

Nap Time

And this is my nap I'm talking about not the semi-constant state of couch potato-ness my cats exist in during the day. The funny thing is once I try to rest, it's like a switch has been thrown. Often I fall asleep with one cat pouncing on my feet (sharp little teeth and claws going right through the covers) and another draped across my back. My bedroom is an amusement park, me being the main attraction. If I'm not paying them sufficient attention, which I'm not since I'm trying to sleep, they will lick any exposed body parts or pull my hair. So, I'm tucked into a coccoon, and I open my eyes to check the clock, and that's the cue for whoever is sitting right by my head to meow in my face. And not just any meow but the loudest, most whiny sound you have ever heard. I'd say it's the opposite of blood curdling, but just as piercing. Occasionally, I succeed and squeeze about 20 min of sleep into an hour and a half. Most of the time, I stomp downstairs, annoyed and grouchy.

The trick is - don't let them know you're awake. And this may take practice and patience because you have to slip under the covers, tuck in all your wings, clamp your eyes shut and remain still, ignoring all onslaughts. And it's tough because they will do everything in their power to engage you. Stick to your guns and you just might become part of the scenery.

Good luck and sweet dreams!