The Other Side of Bella

Yes, that's right, I'm writing a post about my cat. Don't groan please… I'll add pictures!

Bella is a sixteen month old Ragdoll cat. I'm pleased to enlighten any of you that don't know your cat breeds. Ragdolls are playful, affectionate and (technically) docile cats that flop in your arms like a ragdoll (hence their name). 

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Bella is definitely playful, can be affectionate (occasionally giving my mother kisses and patting me on the face with her paw), but I'm not sure I would call her docile. Sure she can sleep a lot and will stretch out for a scratch but her creepy switch can flick just as often. Mid-rub she will suddenly stare at you wildly, expose her claws and latch on to your arm with a strength you wouldn't think a cat possessed, kicking at your arm with her back paws. She very rarely causes injury (but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt). Usually, at least once a day, we will hear a strange yowling and will slump down quietly so as not to disturb this crazy animal. That yowling signifies that true craziness has emerged. Soon after she will shoot in through her cat flap, sprint across the room to the other side of the house (where she will yowl again) then race back. If she notices you watching, her fur will stand on end, her eyes will widen, her tail will twitch then she will run at you sideways with her back arched. I cannot truly explain how CREEPY this is. My mother and I call it the 'Crab Run'.

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Before Bella joined my family I had no idea cats could possess so much personality. She treats my mother as, well, her own since she provides her with what she needs (mainly food). I am like the annoying older sister that gives her too much attention and scolds her when she scratches at the carpet. My dad is the one to sit on since he allows her to cling to his arm while he watches TV. This is how she treats us:

Mum – Bella will sit next to my mum patiently but will not be man handled, yet she will poke her in the leg with her paw if she doesn't get attention (or food). When she becomes really impatient she will meow with a whine and you could swear she is saying "mum"! She will follow mum around the house like a duckling following the mother duck, often getting in the way of house chores; getting under the bed covers while they are being changed, sliding around in the bath and shower while the bathroom is being cleaned, and jumping on top of the toilet (she nearly fell in once when the lid was up!)

Dad – The only person she acts as a typical lap cat with is dad. She will curl up next to him or on his lap for a nap and a scratch. Sometimes her only reason for associating with him is to claw at his arm and chew his wrist. Luckily, his skin is like leather!

Me – I am the one who scolds her for scratching furniture and the carpet (and she knows it). I've come to realize that she does this to antagonize me. She will ignore my scolding until I stand to come after her. She will then sprint away, trying to get me to chase her. If I do and then attempt to walk back to my seat she will run at me and pounce on at my ankles. She resembles a ninja, one that likes to play tag.

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Bella is always the center of attention; she makes it so. Either by whinging, antagonizing us, running about, or getting in our way. As a university student in my third year I have a lot of study that needs doing (I swear it will never be finished). Almost as soon as I sit down and get out my books and notes she will jump on the desk and sprawl out on my homework. If I move her she will try to chew my pen as I write or play with my other utensils so that I can't work. I think she knows exactly what she is doing.

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The only times the world does not revolve around her is when she is asleep and when she hides in her boxes and bags. Sometimes she hides so well that you can't tell she is in them. You know, however, when a paw darts out of the box to swipe at your leg if you pass by too close. She is very territorial about her bags.

All of these things have only led us to love Bella, the mad queen of this castle, even more. 

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Scarlett Van Dijk