Panther is still sleek, beautiful, black, and very special, as befits a cat who was able to call out to me telepathically as I walked through the county shelter, probably just days before they would have taken him out of this world. That’s pretty special indeed, because as cat listeners go, I’m pretty much deaf.

Panther is by far our oldest cat but still manages to get a twinkle in his eye and chase Jennifur around the living room every two or three weeks

Some of the things our cats say to each other are rather nasty. No wonder cats are renowned for getting into fights!

Luckily, Susan is a regular Dr. Doolittle and is in a position to understand most of this.

The other day, Panther came by the bedroom, where we have Glory behind a steel security gate for everyone’s protection. Susan missed the opening salvo of the exchange, but she did hear Glory call Panther an "unkempt vagabond". Panther drew himself up with as much dignity as he could muster in such circumstances, said to Glory, "Well, your breath smells bad", and stalked away.

After Susan told me what the to-do was about, I straightened Glory out a bit, reminding her that Panther was quite a well-groomed gentleman, even if he was (and he was!) formerly a wandering cat. I didn’t remind her that her breath does smell bad, courtesy of some periodontal problems that we’ve been working on with her.

I don’t know what set Glory off, but she’s not the only one to exhibit bad manners in conversation. A few weeks ago, Glory went to the vet because she had been under the weather, who told us that she should put on some weight (she was around 6 1/2 pounds at the time, and although she is quite petite, that is still too light). After we brought her home, I was carrying her through the kitchen past Jennifur, who said something that suddenly got Glory extremely agitated. I asked Susan what had happened, and she advised me to bring Glory into the bedroom.

After I had done that and came back out, I found Susan trying to stop herself from laughing out loud. She whispered at me, as though Glory shouldn’t hear and get riled up again: "Jennifur called Glory a ‘sickly pipsqueak’"!

(Anyone who doubts that Susan actually hears the cats talking like this should reflect on the fact that Susan never uses words or phrases like "unkempt vagabond" and "sickly pipsqueak". At least, I’ve never heard her talk like that, but then I’ve only known her for 27 years…)

Glory is a beautiful and talented Bengal cat. After successfully mothering many kittens, some of whom became Champions and Grand Champions in the TICA cat show circuit, Glory has found time in her retirement to communicate her philosophy and songs to her human family. Glory communicates with her human Susan, both through song and thought. With her permission, we share these with you.

Philosophy

On living:

Peaceful beginnings are best before starting any enterprise.

It is not necessary to capture the moment,
Relishing the moment is [what is] important.

Peaceful, restful time goes quick/slow
depending on how much you desire it

Restful thoughts always waiting
Beneath the surface of turmoil
Let them shimmer [shine] bright

Good going and coming
Through fields and streams
Silently go all cats

On exercise:

Exercise is best taken in small doses. Enjoy what you do and try different maneuvers.

Sometimes exercise can be creative.

On creativity:

I sing when I have the urge to create my songs. The desire to create shows itself at different times and in different ways.

Morning Songs

It is a wondrous day
Like many another
Full of smells, sights, sounds
Delicious

A mellow day starting slowly
Becoming
Brighter Still

The light enters in patches
Spots of golden light
Moving slowly across the floor

Evening Songs

Night comes slowly, light fading
Colors change, shadows deepen
Walk among the coolness

I walk my territory
Bold is my grace
Silent as I choose (to be)
Covering ground low and high