[Andrea]

Our lives have been blessed with cats. We never made the decision to have cats. The universe placed our 11 cats with us. Yes, I said 11 cats. However, most are outside, feral or semi-feral, so only the cats know we belong to them.

So now to the reason for this thread: I am always amazed at the number of cat rules in our household. Some are actually for the cats, such as no cats allowed higher than the seat of the chair when in the kitchen. But most are for the humans care givers.

1) If we are both sitting down and one has a cat on their lap, the other must do the getting up to get the drink of water, etc.

2) If both are sitting down and both have a cat on their lap, the one moving the cat must do everything possible to not disturb the cat and the one remaining in place must take the moved cat.

3) If a cat is on the bed when it is time to retire, the cat must not be disturbed when climbing under the sheets.

4) Should a cat be snuggling when it is time to get up from bed, the cat must not be disturbed. Human must take an alternate way out of the bed, even if it means exiting on the opposite side or squeezing up against the headboard.

5) If a cat wishes to play, the human must stop and play.

6) If a cat wishes to receive a treat, the human must stop and give the cat a treat.

7) If a cat wishes to go outside, or inside, the human must stop and open the door.

8) If a cat wishes to be pet, the human must stop and pet the cat.

9) At no time should the bottom of the food bowl show.

10) Cats enter first when the door is opened.

Those are some of the cat rules in our home. What are your cat rules?