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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7915-Mews-Muse-Or-Why-cats-do-what-they-do.html
Comedy: October 12, 2016 Issue [#7915]




 This week: Mews Muse. Or: Why cats do what they do.
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Ever notice how many cats are the muse
for how many creative people?
Merit Badge in Kit's Award
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Happy Birthday, Sonali! I hope that you are having a lovely day, and that this next year in your life will be filled with smiles and joy and laughter. *hugs* *^*Smile*^*
Surprising, isn't it?
Or not.
But it can definitely be funny.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Dear Readers



I have to thank Vivian Author Icon for inspiring me, it was her 'cat' update on Facebook that triggered this newsletter. And I PROMISE that was before all the Trinkittens were released! *Laugh*

Vivian's status: October 1: ·
My Panther is so funny. He wants to go outside but be able to come back inside in a few minutes. I began to let him out and barely close the door so he could bump it open and come in. When he would, I would close the door. I fell asleep in my chair and didn't close the door when he returned this last time. Not a happy cat. He does NOT want the door open when he is inside and wants to stay in. Silly kitty.


See Panther's behaviour, and see how well Viv has observed and documented it. Also, notice how well Panther has Viv trained to do what he wants her to, and to recognise his displeasure when (woe betide) she gets it wrong! *BigSmile*

Now, the question is: What is happening in Panther's head?

The answer is: We can keep guessing, but we'll never know.
We aren't felines. We can attribute human motivations to felines, but, till we become Dr. Dolittle and understand mewish, we'll never really know. Dash it, that's a bit frustrating, isn't it?

So let's start guessing.
Panther wants to go out because he thought he saw an acquaintance / special friend, and wants to get back in immediately, because he was wrong.

---- Ditto, but replace the object of his attention with 'mouse'. ----

He wanted to pee, and is trying to be discreet about it when he gets back.

And so on, so forth.

But see, that's our human perspective on it. However outrageous we get, however big a creative leap we take, we aren't cats. We don't have their eyes, their noses, their instincts or their motivations. We can't know why Viv's cat crosses the threshold so many times, or wants the door closed when he isn't crossing the threshold.

Maybe that's why there are more pet cats in literature than pet dogs. (Think about it!) Dogs are more predictable, more 'human', if you like. Cats -- well -- they have minds of their own.

Which means that you can write about them either very seriously, or, by attributing human attributes to them, and doing it with a dead-pan face, in a pretty hilarious manner.

This one wants to join WDC, apparently.



And this one probably wants to play hide-n-seek.



The thing is -- is that what they are really doing? Why is Snowy actually at that screen, or Ringo actually tucked away up there, back there? If we try and give them Feline Cattributes, instead of Human Attributes, would we get funnier? And what are those, anyway?

So -- when we give animals human attributes, are we adding to the humour in a situation, or taking away from it? Being human, will we ever know?

Thanks for listening!
- Sonali


Editor's Picks

Feline good! *Cat2*
Furball Rodeo or Kitty Gymkhana Open in new Window. (ASR)
A cat poem with a moral
#404750 by Pita Author IconMail Icon

 Birthday Cards for Dogs and Cats... Open in new Window. (E)
Entry for the Writer's Cramp contest for Sept. 4!
#1152781 by Bella Bunny Author IconMail Icon

 That Ol' Skeezix Open in new Window. (13+)
My people need some help. And I'm just the cat for the job.
#532635 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#841628 by Not Available.


All time favourites!!
GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon

GROUP
The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon


This had to be included in a discussion about cats.
It was last edited a long time ago and many of the links in it are now invalid, but the sentiments hold true.

STATIC
Cats Are Family, Not Small Game! Open in new Window. (13+)
Wisconsin hunters are proposing that cats be treated as "small game"...
#947773 by The StoryWitchress Author IconMail Icon



Harry Potter charCATers!
https://www.facebook.com/HPTheCommonRoom/photos/a.187709341273668.48502.18236838...

 
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Ask & Answer

Question for dog-lovers.
Why are pet dogs as funny as pet cats, to write about?
Send your answer via the response section below!! *Dog2*


In other news, some copies of the trinket I made are still available!

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