Life Through Eddie's Eyes #1

#1: Wildlife Programmes

Let's make introductions first, so as not to be rude.

World this is Eddie:

This is his TV face

Eddie is my 2yr old-ish rescue cat. We haven't had him so long but he fits in with our small household just perfectly and we are still learning each others' idiosyncrasies.

We have learned he shares my love of wildlife programmes. 


His favourites so far are:

• any David Attenborough (we've watched Africa, Galapagos & The Life of Mammals), 

• Polar Family & Me (with Gordon Buchanan, a firm favourite in our house)

• he also enjoys Winterwatch (I'm less of a fan but it's a compromise and I think he liked it because of the birds and Gordon Buchanan's voice which he recognised. Clever cat)

• and we've (we being myself and my Mum, this was her doing - she defended herself by saying at least what he was watching was educational...) even started enabling his viewing abilities, this is how he watched the Natural World Special: Jaguars - Born Free

Next, I'm going to try to get him to watch Simon Reeve when he next has a show on. I'm sure he'll share my love for Simon. Positive.

In spite of the adorability of the above, I can't help but think how confusing watching a wildlife programme must be for the little guy. He sits watching birds through the patio window, plotting how he'll get his murderous way but understands that when he goes outside these are the same blasted birds that taunt him when he's inside. He'll have his way with them as soon as he's allowed out unsupervised (vets orders, honest).

On the flipside these animals on the TV are right there in front of him, so brazen and unaware of his presence; he pads at the screen trying to catch the baby ostriches, padding at the eyes of a ginormous bird and stalking leopards but even though he's touching them - he's not. He looks at the ceiling when the birds fly off, goes behind the screen to see where the big cats went and looks at me for help. Sorry little one, better luck next time. 

It results in one confused cat, who then takes his frustration out on my arms and feet.

What must cats think when they watch wildlife programmes? They recognise animals but they obviously can't comprehend the idea of a television and how it's a recording. I often wonder what goes through his mind (do cats have thoughts other than food, toilet, kill?)

Selfishly, I hope he never figures out that he won't be able to kill an ostrich or stalk with jaguars because I love watching him, watching the television so intently and climbing up to get a better look at those huge fish and brushing his face against the screen when he sees bear cubs. It's one of the many little things that makes being a cat-mum so fun, enjoyable and lovely.

But, not wanting to be biased I thought I'd let Eddie give his version of events.

Here's what he had to say:

``z ;./;./ggf/ftg./d./erdxe33333333µ

He hasn't mastered using a keyboard yet but let's not hold that against him eh? 

He was looking for an escape route, I was trying to make him wave

All photos are mine, please don't steal them. He's my kitty, very cute yes, but just say that they're mine, that be nice. Pleaaaase don't be a thief! Thank you, please, etc. Lovely people.

Oh god, I'm one of those internet people now aren't I? Any other photos of mine, feel free just leave the kitty!