The Cupertino Courier
Letters & Opinions
People and cats: We're not crazy about change
By Michael Cronk
I've learned a lot from my cats this past week. The main thing is that we're not entirely comfortable with change.
There's a remodeling project going on at our house--a complete re-do of the main bathroom, right down to the studs. We are not do-it-yourselfers (my wife and I, not the cats), so the job is in the hands of competent professionals, orchestrated by an efficient design firm that is taking care of details and keeping to a brisk timeline.
But, even with the best possible way of going about it, any construction project is disruptive to the normal ebb and flow of a household. Using a different bathroom for showering than normal, having work crews arrive early in the morning, seeing a port-a-potty in the driveway. All minor inconveniences, to be sure, but they still create upheaval.
The biggest impact has been on the cats. They're freaked.
We don't let them outside because of concerns about traffic and the occasional coyote (and raccoons too!) that wander down our street. So, when we knew there would be a lot of in-and-out by workers, we decided to corral them in my wife's office for the day. It has two closets where they can hide, if they choose, and a bathroom perfect for holding their food and litter box. There are two big windows where they can look outside, and a cushy sofa with pillows and blankets if they felt like napping.
Sounds like cat heaven to me. But, these are cats, and therefore, they're not totally happy unless they are doing what they want to do, when they want to do it. One in particular took a closed door as a personal affront to her royal status [she's a Turkish angora and knows it]. Every entrance and exit from the room is an opportunity for her to make a break for freedom, although the one time she did escape she didn't know where to go or what to do.
So the whole week has been a good reminder of how much we are like cats. We like our routines and change is upsetting, but it's more tolerable when we feel we are in control. It is our choice to hide in the closet, or not. Our choice to venture out, or not.
The next few weeks will see the start of the annual spring remodeling season with lots of homeowners beginning new projects to spruce up the house and yard. I can't count how many couples I know who've considered divorce during the stress of modernizing a kitchen or deciding on a paint color for the bedroom.
My advice is to forge ahead with making your home just the way you want it, but remember that you are entering a period of anxiety and discomfort. Just keep the door open and, like the cats, you'll be fine.
MichaelCronk is the editor of the Cupertino Courier. Contact him at 408.200.1055 ormcronk@commu nitynewspapers.com.