The Study

by carolynholm

Dear Mia,
I heard that there is a recent Japanese study that concludes that cats know their own names!
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
That’s insulting. Of course we do.
Love, Mia

Dear Mia,
It’s not all that obvious. Cats usually act like they don’t. In fact, the study pointed out that they generally prefer to ignore their humans.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
Of course cats don’t respond when they don’t feel like it. That’s just being smart.
Love, Mia

Dear Mia,
Still, the Japanese seem to have a special place in their hearts for cats. They brought us Hello Kitty. And this cat teapot.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
They are wonderful people. They understand that we are superior to other animals. Especially to dogs. There is probably a study that says that.
Love, Mia

Dear Mia,
Let’s not get competitive. Cats and dogs are simply different.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
Dogs are like children. Cats are adult.
Love, Mia

Dear Mia,
That’s true. Living with a cat is like living with an adult. A difficult adult. But an adult with a lovely long tail and silky fur.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
You envy me for my tail. Maybe you can get one. The Japanese have invented a robotic tail for humans!!!!!
Love, Mia

Dear Mia,
That sounds weird and awkward. Not nearly as nice as a long silky cat tail. Once at a dinner party, you sidled up to me, and while everyone was admiring you, I stroked you and ran my hand along your tail. And I said “I think it would be wonderful to have a tail” and the table went completely silent. And I realized I had said it aloud. It was a bit embarrassing.
Love, Carolyn

Dear Mom,
I remember that. You are quite right to want one. There is probably a study that looks into tail envy.
Love, Mia

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