Kitty Kitty

About a month ago Derek crawled under the china hutch. This is one of the cat's fortified anti-dog positions*, so when Derek crawled under there, he looked like the cat and I called him kitty-kitty. I expanded on the idea and fed him goldfish crackers from a tiny bowl. He ate them without hands and meowed a lot. A phase was born.

He also likes being scratched and petted and cuddled like a kitty. He also insists on being called kitty-kitty. So I'll say "Derek, time to get dressed," and he'll say "Meeeoow!" so I'll have to say "Kitty, time to get dressed" to get results.

I was parent-helping at preschool a week ago or so. Derek started randomly meowing at the table and the teacher barked back. Pretty soon all the kids at the table were meowing or barking at Derek and each other. They seemed to be pleased that they could engage Derek in a game. Derek was really happy to be part of the snack time conversation, giggling and quivering.

I think he's figured out that he can just meow when a response is required of him. When you put him on the phone to say hi, he will meow. He also uses this technique with all those pesky strangers that ask incomprehensible questions. So you get conversations with people like this:

Stranger: Hi little boy, do you like grocery shopping?

Derek: Meoooow

Stranger: Helping your mom, huh?

Derek: Meoooow

Stranger: How old are you?

Derek: Meoooow

Stranger: What's your name?

Derek: Meoooow

Stranger: Nice coat, do you like motorcycles?

Derek: Meoooow

Etc.





*Smokey Cat's Dog-Invasion Diary, Day 123: A random pile of boxes dropped by the humans has further fortified my bunker under the china hutch. Executed three successful strikes on dog's nose. Victory is eminent!