Pearl's Purrl of Wisdom #8- Accompany your human to the human litter box room

Pearl: Students, you must accompany your human to the human litter box room.  There are several reasons for this.

First, they may get lonely.  They need constant companionship.  They are kind of needy like that.

Second, they need reassurances that they are doing it right.  Go human!  You can do it!  Don't forget to wash behind your ears!

Third, they have limited mobility and you can get the best uninterrupted petting!

Lastly, if you are lucky like us, your human may have treats near by.

What are some of the reasons you accompany your human to the human litter box room?

Pearl's Purrls of Wisdom #7 - Use the Litterbox Right After Your Human Cleans It

Pearl:  Attention, kittens!  Today's lesson is that you must always use the litterbox right after your human cleans it.  This shows your human that you appreciate their efforts.  Can you think of any other reasons you should do this?  Yes, Liam?

Liam:  Cos ye 'ave to go?

Pearl:  Ummm.  No.  Next?  Oh, wait!  Here comes the Mama to clean your litterboxes.  This would be a good time to practice.  Ok, she has one box done.  Now the other. Go!  Kittens!  Go!  Great job Liam!  Way to crowd in there Otto!  Looks like there is still room for you, Asha.  Ok, now your turns Giovanni and Cosette.  Great job!  You all get an A for today.

In order to protect the privacy of our minions, we aren't going to show them actually using the litterbox.  This is Liam waiting for the go ahead from Pearl.

And yes, all five of the kittens used the litterbox within seconds after the Mama cleaned it.

Pearl's Purrl of Wisdom #6 - Ignore your human after they leave you for an extended period of time

Pearl:  For today's selfie I am showing my annoyed face.  How do you think I did?  Do you think I looked properly annoyed?

The cause of this annoyed face leads me to the sixth purrl of wisdom to add to my lesson plans - Ignore your human after they leave you for a few days.

Our mama had to go out of town for work and then stayed in Atlanta for the weekend to go to a wedding.  Our neighbor took care of us while she was gone.  She's really nice, but it is always essential to show your displeasure to your human about being left.  When the mama gets home, I always come out to let her know I know she is home.  Then I ignore her a for a least several hours.  The exact time is proportional to how long she has been gone.  When I do come back out I always give mama the look of annoyance and disapproval.

Jaq on the other hand, only ignores the mama for about two seconds.  Then he is all like "I missed you so much, Mama.  I love you, I love you!  It is Sunday, Mama.  Can you help me take my selfie?"

Jaq is sooooooo annoying!

Gus isn't quite as forgiving as Jaq nor does he hold a grudge as long as I do.  He has to smell the mama, then smells her suitcase, and then smells the mama again.  Finally, he forgives the mama and lets her pet him.

Today though, while smelling mama's hand, Gus noticed that it looked a little different.

It had these brown swirlies on it.  Mama called it mehndi.  She had it done Friday night before the wedding.  The mehndi didn't smell or taste different (Gus licked it) than Mama usually smells or tastes.

Mama's friend that got married is originally from India.  Mama had never been to a Hindu wedding before.  I decided to forgive mama for leaving me just so I could hear more about the wedding.  It sounded so cool and mama got to wear this beautiful saree.

Doesn't the mama look gorgeous?  Normally, I wouldn't forgive her this quickly but what can I say?  I'm a girl cat that loves weddings!

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This post is part of a blog hop hosted by The Cat on My Head.  Please hop on over there to see the other entries.

Pearls Purrls of Wisdom #5 - Help your Human through the Sads

Pearl:  I was hoping I wouldn't have to share this lesson for a long time, but sometimes life happens whether you are expecting it or not.  Sometimes humans get "the sads".  Humans get the sads for all kinds of reasons.  Mama has the sads because her Aunt died.  Her Aunt had cancer and lost her battle this weekend.  Mama is especially heartbroken for her cousin, Madison who should have been happily celebrating her first Valentine's day as a married woman but instead Madison was grieving not only her Grandma but her dog, Big Mike who died yesterday too.

It's our responsibility as cats to help the humans through the sads.  Sometimes when humans have the sads, water comes out from their eyes.  You can lick it if you want.  It tastes kind of salty.

The best thing you can do for your human is to just be there for them.  They may want to talk.  If so, listen to them.  You don't have to say anything, but you can purr if you would like.  Sometimes, they don't want to say anything at all.  That is OK too.  Just be their best friend.  They will appreciate the support you give them.

Rest in Peace

Aunt Dorothy

Big Mike

Pearl's Purrls of Wisdom #4 - Take Care of Humans when They Are Sick

Pearl:  Mama wasn't feeling well today.  It's just a sore throat but it reminded me that I need to add "Taking Care of Humans when Sick" to my lesson plans.

It is a big job to look after your humans when they don't feel well.  Did you know that purring has healing powers?  Purring can lower a human's heart rate, heal infections, and many other things.  The best thing you can do for your human is sit next to them and purr.

You also need to keep them warm so snuggle up really close to them.  Check if they have a temperature by walking across their head.
The most important thing is to show them how much you love them.

Pearl's Purrls of Wisdom #3 - Humans are trainable

Pearl:  Yes, you can train your human.  Mama keeps treats in her bathroom.  If I meow and meow and meow while she is getting ready for bed at night, she will give me treats.

Gus just needs to jump up on the bathroom sink and Mama will turn on the water for him.  He's even got Grandma trained to turn on the water for him.

To train your human, start by looking cute.  Give them one of those looks that is hard to refuse.  Gently nudge them to do your bidding.  If that doesn't work, rub against them.  Wind between their legs if you need to.  Then give them one of those sweet little meows.  As a last resort you can meow has loud as you can.  Keep meowing until they give in to your request.

Once they do your bidding, keep repeating to reinforce the behavior.  Makes sure you reward them with lots of purrs and snuggles.

Do you have any tips for training your human?

Pearl's Purrls of Wisdom #2 - Most Humans Are Good

Pearl:  The next purrl of wisdom is that most humans are good.  This is a very important lesson to teach our students.  Unfortunately, many of the kittens don't already know this.

I have to remind MYSELF of this rule everyday. It is a hard one.  Sometimes I forget and I run from my Mama.  What can I say?  I like to reap the benefits from humans on my own terms.  Mama blames herself because she didn't "socialize" me properly when I was a baby.  I think it all turned out OK though.  Because of me, Mama read and read about how to socialize cats.  Now she helps other cats.  I think she is getting pretty good at it.  Of course, she couldn't do it without me, Gus and Jaq!

You'll notice I said most humans are good.  Unfortunately, there are some bad ones.  Gus knows about bad people first hand.  He had a "traumatic accident" that took off 2/3rd of his tail before he came to live with Mama.  Gus has blocked it out, but Mama and I think a bad man hurt him because he is afraid of men.

Overall, humans are good.  They give us good food and treats.  They play with us.  They cuddle with us.  They have nice warm laps.  They give great massages.  I love my human!  I think everyone should have one.

Mama, will you turn on the heating pad for me now?  Aaaahhh, humans are good!

Pearl's Purrls of Wisdom

Pearl:  Since it is the first full work week of  2015, I thought it would be a good time to start my lesson plans for the next set of minions students.  Kitten season will be here before you know it and I have many pearls of wisdom to share.  Get it?  My name is Pearl and I have pearls of wisdom.   We could also spell it p-u-r-r-l because I'm a cat and I purr.  Get it? (laughing hysterically)
Ok, so maybe I'm not a comedian.  Anyway...here is my first purrl:

#1 - Cats are always in charge.
The humans may think they rule the roost but we all know the cats rule.