Words to Live By?

As part of my frustrated but multi-pronged effort to downsize, I've been selling books on Amazon. Today someone purchased my copy of Scottish Fold Cats: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual.

We're not getting a Scottish Fold...this is just one of a zillion books I've accumulated that needs to leave our House of Too Much Stuff for a good home where it will be paid a little attention. This book found that home today, in Simsbury, Connecticut, with a man named George.

Before I packed it up, I flipped through and found this passage, which made me want to keep the book. But off it goes, leaving behind this bit of wisdom on the nature of cats, and no doubt, humans:


"No matter what the occasion, when your Fold speaks to you, there is a reason. Folds seldom talk to admire the sound of their own voices. You should, therefore, always respond when a Fold speaks. The cat stuck in the closet wants to hear how sorry you are for its misfortune and how you will never let this indignity happen again. The cat whose fur has been ruffled wants a similar apology. The cat waking you up for breakfast would like a cheery "good morning" and some food on its plate. The cat who is making a joyful noise would appreciate a soft "Hello," and attentive "What is it?" or a fond "You don't say?"