Teenagers and Cats

For all of you with teenagers or who had teenagers, you may want to

know why they really have a lot in common with cats:



1. Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name.



2. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all

humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of

waiting on them hand and foot.



3. You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult

human being, and it can be safely said that no teenager in his or her

right mind wants to be seen in public with his or her parents.



4. Even if you tell jokes as well as Jay Leno, neither your cat nor

your teen will ever crack a smile.



5. No cat or teenager shares your taste in music.



6. Cats and teenagers can lie on the living-room sofa for hours on

end without moving, barely breathing.



7. Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if they did.



8. Cats and teenagers yawn in exactly the same manner, communicating

that ultimate human ecstasy -- a sense of complete and utter boredom.



9. Cats and teenagers do not improve anyone's furniture.



10. Cats that are free to roam outside sometimes have been known to

return in the middle of the night to deposit a dead animal in your

bedroom. Teenagers are not above that sort of behavior.



Thus, if you must raise teenagers, the best source of advice is not

other parents, but veterinarians. It is also a good idea to keep a

guidebook on cats on hand at all times.



And remember, above all else, put out the food and do not make any

sudden moves in their direction. When they make up their minds, they

will finally come to you for some affection and comfort, and it will

be a triumphant moment for all concerned.