Teenagers And Cats
For all of you with teenagers or who have had teenagers, you may want to know
what they have in common with cats:
1. Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name.
2. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all humane efforts
are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and
foot.
3. You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being,
and it can be safely said that no teenager in his or her right mind wants to be
seen in public with his or her parents.
4. Even if you tell jokes as well as Jay Leno, neither your cat nor your teen will
ever crack a smile.
5. No cat or teenager shares you taste in music.
6. Cats and teenagers can lie on the living-room sofa for hours on end without
moving, barely breathing.
7. Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if they did.
8. Cats and teenagers yawn in exactly the same manner, communicating that
ultimate human ecstasy — a sense of complete and utter boredom.
9. Cats and teenagers do not improve anyone’s furniture.
10. Cats that are free to roam outside sometimes have been known to return in
the middle of the night to deposit a dead animal in your bedroom. Teenagers are
not above that sort of behavior.
Thus, if you must raise teenagers, the best sources of advice are not other
parents, but veterinarians. It is also a good idea to keep a guidebook on cats at
hand at all times. And remember, above all else, put out the food and do not
make any sudden moves in their direction. When they make up their minds, they
will finally come to you for some affection and comfort, and it will be a triumphant
moment for all concerned.
