Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Feline Mystique

Our two cats, Eddie and Miss Susie Hutchins, have a somewhat adversarial relationship. She, who was our only cat for the first year of her life, sees no reason that this hulking black monster of an ex-tom should even exist, much less live with us. So she attempts to ignore him as much as possible. He, on the other hand, is compelled by some inner need to leap on her whenever he sees her and bite the back of her neck.

Fortunately for Hutchins, she is lighter and more agile than her pursuer and can usually find a lofty perch Eddie has no hope of reaching.

This is as close as he can get. So he sharpens his claws, just to show he doesn't care.

A number of folks have asked why Elizabeth doesn't have any cats. My original reason for excluding them was that I didn't want the pets taking over. And cats, particularly, have a way of dominating some mysteries -- talking, solving crimes, etc. Also I was trying to avoid any more "cozy" connotations in my books -- there are already gardens and quilts and herbs and food -- enough for some people to assume the books are cozies (though you and I know they're not.)

But somehow cats have crept into the upcoming In a Dark Season. There are not one but two 'cat people' (by which I mean they have lots of cats) in the story -- plus a mama cat and new-born kittens. I don't know . . . Elizabeth may be tempted . . .

(If you want more cats in your reading, check out my friend Clea Simon's website http://cleasimon.com/ Clea writes the Theda Krakow mysteries -- fun reads with a serious take on cat related issues. The cats don't talk, beyond a mew now and then, nor do they solve crimes. And thanks to Clea for the title of this post -- she used it for a non-fiction look at the relationship between women and their cats.)
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8 comments:

Clea Simon said...

Thanks for the shout out, Vicki! And good luck with the warring felines. It's funny, usually once dominance is established these things settle down, but I guess these two enjoy the squabbling somehow. Looking forward to your "cat ladies." - Clea

Vicki Lane said...

This has been going on for several years -- I think they do enjoy it in some weird cat way.

Christie Russell said...

This is just a hoot!!! Especially Eddie scratching the post!!! Love it.

Vicki Lane said...

Hey, Christie -- Somehow I get the impression you're a cat person . . .
;-)

Christie said...

Yes, I am a cat person...actually an animal person, but cats need me more. :) I am Drew's aunt and have been reading your blog for some time. I really enjoy it...I went to your place for their wedding! Beautiful! My other cat friends love reading about Eddie...he is one of a kind!

Vicki Lane said...

Well, okay! Drew Walton, right? Drew Cooper, Amelia's brother got married here too but I don't remember an aunt. The Walton wedding was so big and I was so distracted that I don't remember anything much about it.

Anyway, I'm glad to know who you are! Where do you live? Louisiana? Baton Rouge?

I'll do another Eddie post soon -- I know he has other fans,

Christie said...

Drew Walton's aunt...yes, it was a very big wedding and we really enjoyed it. I do live in Baton Rouge...but am very envious of anyone living in North Carolina...I love it!

Vicki Lane said...

Well, cool! Glad to have part of the family on board!