Buffalo Gal

I woke up startled with the recognition I wasn't in Georgia (or Kansas) anymore. In a previous blog I generously referred to my across-the-hall neighbor's incessant, tunesless Sunday morning vocalizations as singing. On three hours sleep, let's call it what it is.... caterwauling.
Remember the guitar guy next door? He's been replaced by a pair of apparently young lovers playing the squeaky springs symphony... fortissimo. Never imagined I'd miss the guy... or that he'd get out of the month-to-month temporary trap before me.
I haven't checked my week-full mailbox in the lobby yet, but I'm pretty sure my official notice is there from the Bureau of Losers.
Unfortunately, I can't get to my mailbox until the Catwauler stops. Her door opens directly across from mine and it is her tradition to keep it wide open while she sings.
Our rooms are so small that an open door is a window on every secret. No one else in this building invites interaction. We keep our cells sealed and like it that way.
When I opened my door on arrival from the airport, I held my breath until it was quickly ascertained that no one had discovered my computer or small appliances in my abscence. The seal was unbroken. This is the way things are done -- by all but the Caterwauler.
With a dozen errands to attack and a car to unpack, I wait impatiently for the sound of her door closing.
Googling her new name took me to www.thedailycat.com and the following:
"What turns a cat into a caterwauler? It could be that the cat is in physical pain or feeling stressed about something at home, and meowing is his way of telling you something is wrong. Perhaps your cat is meowing to intimidate intruder cats outside the house. If you've got a sexually intact female cat, she might be vocalizing to try to attract a mate. Or, maybe your cat is meowing a lot because he thinks that's the way to get what he wants: a snack, the door opened, or attention from you."
http://www.thedailycat.com/mind/communication/archive/caterwauling/
Certainly several possibilities to consider. It goes on to say persistant wauling requires veterinary attention.
So much for internet science.
I can't afford to take her and she probably wouldn't go.

Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) Share on Facebook		2005-04-10 9:48 AM Caterwauling I woke up startled with the recognition I wasn't in Georgia (or Kansas) anymore. In a previous blog I generously referred to my across-the-hall neighbor's incessant, tunesless Sunday morning vocalizations as singing. On three hours sleep, let's call it what it is.... caterwauling. Remember the guitar guy next door? He's been replaced by a pair of apparently young lovers playing the squeaky springs symphony... fortissimo. Never imagined I'd miss the guy... or that he'd get out of the month-to-month temporary trap before me. I haven't checked my week-full mailbox in the lobby yet, but I'm pretty sure my official notice is there from the Bureau of Losers. Unfortunately, I can't get to my mailbox until the Catwauler stops. Her door opens directly across from mine and it is her tradition to keep it wide open while she sings. Our rooms are so small that an open door is a window on every secret. No one else in this building invites interaction. We keep our cells sealed and like it that way. When I opened my door on arrival from the airport, I held my breath until it was quickly ascertained that no one had discovered my computer or small appliances in my abscence. The seal was unbroken. This is the way things are done -- by all but the Caterwauler. With a dozen errands to attack and a car to unpack, I wait impatiently for the sound of her door closing. Googling her new name took me to www.thedailycat.com and the following: "What turns a cat into a caterwauler? It could be that the cat is in physical pain or feeling stressed about something at home, and meowing is his way of telling you something is wrong. Perhaps your cat is meowing to intimidate intruder cats outside the house. If you've got a sexually intact female cat, she might be vocalizing to try to attract a mate. Or, maybe your cat is meowing a lot because he thinks that's the way to get what he wants: a snack, the door opened, or attention from you." http://www.thedailycat.com/mind/communication/archive/caterwauling/ Certainly several possibilities to consider. It goes on to say persistant wauling requires veterinary attention. So much for internet science. I can't afford to take her and she probably wouldn't go. Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top