ThursdayThirteen - He Ruled The House

 

 This Thursday Thirteen is a list about someone who ruled my house.
First, his name is Cat, Tighe Cat. Because of his tuxedo coloring, he considered himself aristo-"cat"-ic and demanded to be treated as such.
He let us know there are health benefits to allowing a cat to own you. And that we could thank him later. Preferably with cheese and a snack.

Tighe was the inspiration for felines that inhabit the world of the Dragshi and that of the Windmaster Novels. 
On clear, winter days he would stand at the kitchen door demanding to go outside. Until I opened the door and cracked the screen door. The cold air hit his nose and he turned and tail up strode away giving me the "Are you crazy?" look.
Would not take as an answer when he thought it was time to get up and we didn't. Of course, his time when when the first bird chirped.
Tighe loved to explore. During his time as a barn cat, he would often disappear for a day or week ... or two. It turns out he was at the next farm down the road. Apparently he preferred the feed and easier life they provided.


When his original owner moved into an apartment, the tiny ball of fluff that was Tighe as a kitten, went missing. Everyone thought he had fallen off the second floor balcony. It turns out he hid in the box spring and when decided we had fussed enough, popped his head to give us a rasberry.Later, when supposed more mature, he squeezed himself through a hole in the wall where a pipe was being replaced during a bathroom renovation. When tired of exploring the space between floors, he demanded to be let out. But refused his hooman's help, jumping out of reach over beams every time they reached for him. Lured to the edge of the hole cut in the ceiling by a can of tuna fish, he finally lingered long enough to be snatched.  He traveled by plane to Florida. (And did not spend the entire time in his carrier. He was so quiet and stealthy no one knew he had opened the door or objected when he stuck a paw out.) Going to a kennel was not acceptable. He tolerated being spoiled for a week with his fur grandmother, but preferred camping in New England. Except when there was an attack dog demonstration going on where we were camping. He shrank into a tiny ball and although well-trained to walk on his leash, refused to leave the crook of my arm until the dogs left.
Tighe's favorite vacation spot was the deck of his fur grandmother's lakeside, mountain cabin.
Like many a small child, Tighe had his own version of "Are We There Yet?" In additional to the verbalization, he would stand up when a red light was encountered. But he truly showed his "hurry up" attitude when he sensed the salt marshes several miles north of our house.
I hope you enjoyed this Thursday Thirteen of the feline who ruled our house for more than fifteen years and that you will come back again.  If any of my published titles intrigue you, click on the cover in the banner or for the series, the pull-down menu for blurbs, excerpts, a free read of the first chapter, and of course, buy links. And of course, be sure to visit the http://newthursday13.blogspot.com/ to see other thirteens.

~till next time, Helen