The Star: September 15, 2016

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Thursday September 15 2016 27
Murray the moggie is purr-fect
HE’S affectionately referred to as
the Big Brother of the family.
Our first baby. Our fur child.
Yes, our cat Murray (aka Muzz) is
now truly established as kingpin
of our property and fancies
himself as the centre of our world.
Not long after I fell pregnant
with our first child, hubby made
the executive decision to get in
some parenting practice before
our bundle of joy arrived. When
I was four months pregnant, he
gave me a kitten for Mother’s Day.
The runt of the litter, this little
ball of fluff stole our hearts and
gave us our first insight into the
requirements and demands of
looking after a wholly dependant
thing. Having been with us on the
parenting roller coaster from the
start, our cat is now an important
family member, and we couldn’t
be without him.
Over the years, Muzz has
watched our brood grow. As
the babies kept coming, he had
a keen sense of what was (and
wasn’t) permitted. When I held
the baby, he kept his distance and
cautiously watched from afar. Yet
when the baby slept, he whipped
around my legs and jumped on
my lap at any chance. He seemed
to understand the changes in the
household, and came to respect
the new dynamic.
As our little ones graduated
from the cot to the floor, he
started to show more interest. The
girls were intrigued by this fluffy
lion, who paraded himself so
close, yet remained so far. Close
enough to play, yet away from
grasping hands.
When they started to crawl, he
issued encouragement. He often
remained in one spot long enough
to entice, only to quickly to move
out of reach at the exact time a
chubby little hand reached for a
fistful of fur.
He purrs, she chats. He’s
King Muzzy, and she’s his
Princess.
I always marvelled at how
brave the girls were to be hanging
with a cat that was the same size
as them – it would be like me
mooching around with a teenage
tiger.
But he’s never provided them
with a cause for concern. He’s
quick to reinforce the boundaries
with a soft swipe of his paw when
they get too annoying – enough
to warn, but not enough to hurt.
He’s commanded their respect,
yet remained their close companion
and playmate.
When they head to bed, he
often darts into their room for a
quick good night. He knows he’s
not allowed to sleep on their beds,
but makes the most of his permitted
five-minute pat-down with
our eldest girl before lights are
out. It’s a kind of ritual, and meditative
wind down for them both
– he snuggles in to her, and she
showers him with love. He purrs,
she chats. He’s King Muzzy, and
she’s his Princess.
The most valuable thing about
having Muzz is the love, empathy
and sense of responsibility he’s
provided for our girls.
It’s their job to feed him, ensure
his cat door is open, and his
biscuit and water bowls are full.
He’s taught them to be gentle,
respectful, and understand that
animals need just as much attention
that people do, all the while
reciprocating their affection, time
and love.
For that reason alone, long live
King Muzz as the official “big
brother” in our family, and great
mate to our girls.
You’re purr-fect!
BIG BROTHER: Tabby Murray is the kingpin of the property.
up to
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14 Years History • 5 Year Warranty
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