Are you thinking about bringing a new feline friend into your home? Mornings with gentle purrs and evenings with the soothing presence of a curled-up companion? The joys and responsibilities of owning a cat can be an unforgettable blend of charm and companionship.
But cats can also be demanding. They need constant attention, proper nutrition, and a stimulating home environment. Over time, new cat owners need to learn how to interpret their silent language – a flick of the tail, a slow blink of contentment, or insistent meowing at dinnertime. Even their litter box can be a big part of cat ownership. Together, the routine of feeding, grooming, and playing with your cat fosters connection and trust. At least, most of the time.
But how do you know if you’re successfully meeting your cat’s needs? Guesswork is one approach. Trying to interpret your cat’s body language is another. But, in our home, my cat Dewie takes a more direct approach by conducting my annual performance evaluations. Just like the ones I get at the office, only tougher. In the beginning, my evaluations were glowing, but as time went on, I guess I started to relax a bit. Maybe too much.
My First Annual Performance Evaluation
Dewie the cat:
Hey Allen, are you ready for your annual performance evaluation? Let me tell you right off the bat, you’ve been absolutely amazing this past year. Seriously, you’ve gone above and beyond in attending to my every need, and I couldn’t be happier. Let’s go through the details, shall we?
Starting with feeding performance, you’ve been impeccable. Every meal has been served right on time, without fail. You’ve consistently given me my favorite foods—those gourmet chicken treats and that exquisite seafood pâté. Everything has been fresh and presented with care. I haven’t had to suffer through a single subpar meal, and that’s all thanks to you.
As for the goals and objectives we set for you last year, you’ve surpassed every single one. Not only do I get my three treats per day, but there are always extra ones sneaking in, just because you love spoiling me. Your lap is a constant source of warmth and comfort, always available whenever I need a nap. And the litter box? It’s like you have a sixth sense of knowing when it needs cleaning. It’s always pristine and sparkling, making my life so much more pleasant.
Playtime with you is always fun and engaging. You know just how to follow my lead, whether we’re playing with the feather toy on the end of a stick or having a chase around the house. You also give me my space when I need it, respecting my need for quiet alone time.
Allen, your communication skills are outstanding. You’ve mastered the art of interpreting my meows, purrs, and body language. You always know exactly what I need and respond accordingly. Whether I’m hungry, in need of a cuddle, or just want to stare out the window, you’re always there to make sure I’m content.
Reliability and dependability are your strong suits. I can always count on you to be there for me. My daily routine is never disrupted, and I always feel safe and secure knowing you’re around. Your consistency is something I treasure, and it makes my life so much easier.
Finally, cultural fit and values alignment are perfect between us. You respect my independence, understand my quirks, and have created an environment that suits my feline nature to a tee. We share a bond built on mutual respect and love, making our home a wonderful place to live.
Allen, you’ve been an extraordinary cat owner this past year. Your dedication, love, and impeccable care have made my life memorable. So, here’s to another year of your exceptional stewardship and our wonderful companionship. Keep up the good work!
Two Years Later…
Dewie the Cat (DTC):
Hey Allen. Nice to see you. Well, it’s time for your annual performance evaluation. Do you have time? Good. I have a few things to discuss with you, so why don’t you take a seat over there next to my litterbox? Overall, you’ve generally met my minimum needs, but I have to admit, there are quite a few areas where you’ve dropped the ball. Let’s get into them.
Allen the Human (ATH):
Whoa, Dewie. What’s up with the attitude, bro? You know I’m trying my best!
DTC: Really? Is that your genuine response? Let’s begin with my mealtimes. When you first brought me home, my meals were spot on. Like clockwork. These days, they’re completely unpredictable. And the food quality? Questionable at best. Do you remember the time when you gave me that crappy off-label kibble? What was that about?
ATH: Dewie, the store was all out of your usual stuff! I had no choice, dude. Total wipeout in the pet food aisle!
DTC: I hear ya, but couldn’t you have stocked up in advance to avoid running out? Or, maybe go to another store? I’m a gourmet cat, Allen. You and I both know that I deserve better than that.
ATH: Okay, okay, bro, I’ll make sure it never happens again. Gotta keep things gnarly and not choppy for you.
DTC: Good. Now, about your goals and objectives. Three treats a day, remember? That’s what we agreed on. These days, I’m barely getting two, if that. And hopping into your lap? You’re never available because you’re constantly glued to that stupid computer “working” at all hours of the day and night. What’s your excuse for that, mister?
ATH: I am working, Dewie! Gotta meet those deadlines, dude. It’s like being in the impact zone during dawn patrol.
DTC: I see, but couldn’t you ask Alexa to remind you so you don’t miss my treat times? Maybe your priority should be me, not surfing porn sites on the Internet! A cat needs a warm lap and treats. It’s not rocket science, Allen.
ATH: Uh, I guess I could take more breaks and chill with you. But you know, I do have to work to keep us both fed and housed, bro. Gotta shred the gnar at work too.
DTC: Fair point, Allen. But I need more attention. Now, let’s talk about my litter box. It’s a mess. I have to step around my own poop, just to take a leak. Do you have any idea what that’s like?
ATH: Whataya talkin’ about? It’s clean! Maybe not pristine, but come on, I do my best. Trying to keep it from becoming a total closeout.
DTC: I understand, but maybe you could handle a quick clean-up every once in a while during your lunch breaks? I’d do it myself, but I don’t have opposing thumbs, so it’s tough holding onto the litter scoop. Allen, we both have high standards where we do our business. I thought you understood that.
ATH: Alright, alright. I’ll step it up. Anything else, dude?
DTC: Yes. It’s about your attitude and professionalism. You’re often distracted and slow to respond to my demands. Why can’t you drop what you’re doing and give me the attention I deserve? After all, I am a cat. Is that too much to ask?
ATH: Whoa! I’m not a mind reader, dude! Sometimes I just don’t understand what you want right away, dude. It’s like trying to spot a set wave in mushy conditions.
DTC: I get where you’re headed, but you’re going to have to do better. And speaking of learning, your communication skills need work. A lot of work. You misunderstand my meows and body language more than half the time.
ATH: I’m trying, but it’s not easy, bro! You have a lot of different meows, you know. It’s like trying to carve it up on a gnarly A-frame.
DTC: I understand your viewpoint, and it does make sense. But you should know what each of my meows means by now. After all, we’ve been together 24 hours a day in the same minuscule apartment for over two years. And, where’s your initiative and innovation? Where are the new electric catnip toys you promised me? Playtime is getting really b-o-r-i-n-g. And how about the new cozy spots for my nap time? You promised me, Allen.
ATH: I thought you liked your old toys! And what about those cozy spots I set up for you underneath the refrigerator and outside next to the dumpster, dude? But I guess they’re getting a bit like a flat spell.
DTC: You can say that again. You need to keep it fresh, Allen. Like most other cats, I get bored easily.
ATH: Alright, Alright, more toys and new cozy spots. Got it. Anything else, bro?
DTC: Yes. Let’s discuss your cultural fit and values alignment. You don’t respect my independence or understand any of my unique quirks. Our home should reflect my needs, not just yours.
ATH: Okay, okay. I’ll make more of an effort to understand you better, bro. I gotta ride the wave of your quirks.
DTC: Good. Now, what are we going to do to make things better for the upcoming year? Let’s set some specific, achievable goals for next year’s performance evaluation.
ATH: Well, I’ll take more breaks to hang with you, and make sure your food and treats are high-quality and on time. I’ll clean your litter box more often, and find you new toys and cozy spots. I’ll also work on understanding your needs and being more responsive. We’ll make sure things stay tubular, dude.
DTC: Sounds like a plan, Allen. Let’s make this year the best yet.
ATH: You got it, Dewie. Let’s do this.
