Do you know what a tuxedo cat is? It is a black cat with a white neck and chest – as if it had on a tuxedo. They look very dignified and formal. One of these cats has made his home with us.  Last winter in the worst snow and cold, I observed him wandering the neighborhood, and began feeding him.  He had no real shelter, so I took care of that also.  As winter turned to spring, he felt comfortable enough to come closer to the house and eventually to the back porch.  Now, he occasionally comes in the house, but really prefers to supervise the back yard.

Tux is the most laid-back cat I’ve even seen. On our first visit to the veterinarian, he purred as she examined him.  When Molly goes she is so scared that she will hardly let them touch her.  The two have gotten acquainted over these months.  It was so funny to watch as Molly was on the inside of the door and Tux was on the outside.  Molly, the princess, would hiss and growl then the next second be rolling on the floor in front of him. He just observed and then yawned.  He has never growled at her – as if to say, “Go ahead and be drama queen. I’ll watch.”

The personalities of cats are as different as people. Molly is more nervous, wants loving, but when she wants it.  She purrs easily and falls over to have her tummy rubbed. Molly loves to play and has an assortment of toys that she will bring for me to throw – so she can chase them.  Fighting with the rug is a favorite game of hers and of course she always wins. She is friendly with visitors, but wary.  Tux on the other hand, rolled over for me to pet his tummy the first time he was brave enough to eat on the porch.  His favorite activity is to curl up on my lap and sleep.  He is a big boy with huge feet, long legs and tail, so there is a lot of cat to hold.  It’s like having this ball of fur with appendages sticking out everywhere. In fact, he spends most of his time on the back porch in a cushioned chair, asleep.

I have watched and considered how these two creatures are a reflection of me, and what I can learn from them.  Molly is more nervous and anxious, but loves to play.  In fact playing with her has taught me just to stop working and be at play.  Tux is very relaxed and seems to go with the flow. It’s as if he knows that “all is well” and he can take another nap.  If he could talk, his word might be, “Chill!” So, he is my teacher to practice “it is as it is”, hold me, love me and let’s be at peace. What do your creatures have to teach you?  How are they a support in your life?