Training Cats
by Krista Davis
There are people who believe that cats cannot be trained. Those of us who love cats tend to believe otherwise. The sad truth is that while we might think we’re training our cats, they’re really training us. It’s true. If you are owned by a cat, or two, or more, you might recognize some of these lessons straight from the Feline Manual of Proper Decorum.
1. Cats should be fed first. Should your person have forgotten to feed you, jump on the table and a) look indignant, or b) eat from your person’s plate. They will soon learn not to eat unless you have been served.
2. When the house is too cold, one of the following maneuvers usually conveys your displeasure with the setting of the thermostat. When your person has nestled down to sleep, drape yourself over the person’s neck. Be sure to purr loudly. An alternative position is on the chest as close to the chin as possible. You will know you are in the correct position when you are raised and lowered each time your person breathes. If said person does not respond quickly, try a few gentle nips on the chin.
3. Closing the bathroom door is a most irritating human habit, and one that is hard to break. Try to open the door by inserting an upside-down paw under the door, extending claws, and pulling. If this technique fails, yowl at the top of your lungs. If that fails, practice shooting ahead of the person when you see him or her heading for the bathroom. Sit quietly to teach your person not to be afraid. With time, he or she may leave the door open a bit for you.
4. Getting your person’s attention. By far the easiest method is the sit and stare. In a matter of minutes, your person should take note that you want something. If this fails and the person has any papers in front of him or her, sprawl across the papers. If the person is typing in front of a screen, walk across the keyboard or sit on it. This generally rouses people from their concentration on unimportant matters.
5. Keep your people in shape. Darting around their feet when they walk, especially when they walk down stairs, will keep your people nimble and able to continue to do your bidding.
About the Author:
New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Paws & Claws Mysteries for animal lovers that debuted in December with MURDER, SHE BARKED. The sequel, THE GHOST AND MRS. MEWER, will be in bookstores on December 2nd. She also writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries. Her 8th Domestic Diva Mystery is THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP, a Christmas mystery in bookstores now. Like her characters, Krista has a soft spot for cats, dogs, and sweets. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with three dogs and two cats.
Website/Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest
Holly Miller doesn’t believe in spirits, but the Sugar Maple Inn is filled with guests who do. The TV series in development, Apparition Apprehenders, has descended on Wagtail’s annual Halloween festivities to investigate supernatural local legends, and Holly has her hands full showing the ghost hunters a scary-fun time.
But the frights turn real when Holly’s Jack Russell, Trixie, and kitten, Twinkletoes, find a young woman drowned in the Wagtail Springs Hotel’s bathhouse—the spot of the town’s most infamous haunting. The crime scene is eerily similar to the creepy legend, convincing Holly that the death wasn’t just accidental. Now she’ll have to race to catch a flesh-and-blood killer—before someone else in town gives up the ghost . . .
Jennifer’s Review of The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer
Review (4.5 Stars): The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer is the second book in the Paws & Claws mystery series and you’re in for a spooktacular thrill ride with this delightful story. Holly Miller and the Sugar Maple Inn are hosting ghost hunters for their annual Halloween festivities and before they know it, a dead body is found in the same spot as a famous haunting. Holly must race against time to find the killer before the local legend becomes a horrible tragedy.
I loved Holly since Murder, She Barked and I love that she is finally settling down with her grandmother at the Sugar Maple Inn. She is fun, energetic and the perfect crime-fighting heroine for this series. I enjoyed following the crazy antics of the Apparition Apprehenders in this story and deciphering the clues with Holly to determine who was the true killer. The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer was a well-written murder mystery with the right combination of humor, eccentric characters and furry friends that is sure to keep readers entertained. Looking forward to reading the next book in this entertaining series.
Giveaway
I’m excited to give away a copy of The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 15th, answer me this question in the comments:
Do you believe in ghosts?
I do not believe that ghosts exist but I do like to read about them!
I don’t think they do, but my grandfather always said he had seen one!
Yes, I do believe in them.
Of course I do. My partner’s grandmother lived with us for years after she died. We’d find stockings and tights we’d tossed out washed and back in dresser drawers. She watched over our 4 children until they were old enough to take care of themselves before finally going on to her reward.
No, I don’t
When I was a kid I swear I could see ghosts but now I’m not so sure.
I didn’t believe in ghosts until I moved into a house that had one. So now I am a believer. Thanks for having the giveaway.
No I don’t but spirits yes!
I am a believer. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am definitely a believer. For years I felt the house I grew up in had a ghost there. Things would fall or move unexpectedly, I’d hear a sound like someone had taken a step, I’d feel like someone was standing behind or beside me, and there were times after my Nana passed I would feel her rubbing my arm or patting my back. We moved awhile ago and things still happen. A music box that we hadn’t wound started playing on its own and a cabinet door that was shut slammed shut again when everyone was in the other room. No telling if it’s the same ghost(s) but all the things happening have made a believer out of me.
Thanks for the chance to win what sounds like a great book.
I do believe in ghosts. So many people have seen them.