Gracie Hates Having Her Picture Taken

I don’t know whether it’s modesty, anxiety or plain old cat quirkiness, but Gracie  hates having her picture taken. Describing her extreme reactions to the camera is difficult. The best way I know how is by doing an interpretive dance. But it usually starts with the formation of the Earth, the story of dinosaurs and the first appearance of the Big Cats. By the time I get to my kitty’s camera anxiety, most people have lost interest. Here’s the short version.

Gracie’s first photo freakout occurred the day I brought her home. I took my camera from its bag and thought I’d mark the day and make an artistic statement. Panicking, Gracie made a statement of her own: She lifted her leg and marked my camera bag. I have a photo of her, uh, work. But there are decency laws preventing its publication.

My vet suggested a Valium. So, I took one. Soon, though, I was too busy drooling to shoot. My vet then reminded me that the Valium was supposed to be for Gracie.

So, for the time being, I’ve taken my pen and sketched my cat. Perhaps, next, I’ll draw a picture of a camera. Then, show it to Gracie, so she can get use to the real thing. If she tears up the page, I’ll have to find another way to get my cat to relax. Maybe some jokes. If all else fails? I have my stand-by. Yep, there’s always the art of interpretative dance!