Posted: June 4, 2010, 3 a.m. EST
Murray – looking for toes? |
This weekend, I was booked to stay with Murray and Qzarina, two cats I petsit on a regular basis. Their owner likes me to stay overnight with the kitties every other day or so because she likes them to have the company. They are wonderful cats; both are very affectionate with lots of personality.
Murray has one behavior that does try my patience a little – he’s a toe biter. The first time this happened, I was sound asleep and all of a sudden I woke up with teeth around my big toe. I wasn’t sure what it was at first since it was dark, and Murray ran off right after waking me up.
But he came back. I was awake now, so I wiggled my feet a little under the sheet and, sure enough, Murray was back and intrigued by the movement. I kept very still and he soon left me alone.
He never bites hard and doesn’t draw blood. I believe Murray thinks my toe is prey and is just playing with me. And now I have figured out how to ensure I get a good night’s sleep when I stay over.
Even on warm nights, I now keep my feet under the comforter. That way, Murray can still pounce, but he can’t hurt me. I also play with Murray with a wand toy before bedtime to try and wear him out a little. These strategies have worked, and this weekend I got a good night’s sleep and Murray still got to have fun!
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