My Cat is a Narcissist

Finally, I have a good relationship . . .

In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. — — Terry Pratchett

Moon in a box on the kitchen counter/photo by author

It’s obvious really. Of course cats are narcissists. They have an exaggerated sense of self importance (at least, according to us it seems exaggerated). They are entitled, easily slighted, require constant attention, praise and adulation, and treat others as mere means to their ends. They are unwilling or unable to consider the needs of others; they are manipulative, insecure and demanding.

I’m a narcissist magnet. My upbringing landscaped my psyche in such a way that I tend to only believe people who are harshly critical of me. (The nice ones are probably lying. Yeah, I need work.) Worse, I tend to believe I am contributing to a relationship when I mirror others and please them. Knowing this, it’s best that I don’t date more humans until I’ve re-arranged my belief system and emotional triggers. So, for now, my cat will invalidate and ignore me in the ways in which I have become accustomed. It’s workable! He smells good. He’s soft.

Every morning, Moon comes inside from a night of hunting. If it is at all wet outside, his paws and underbelly are probably wet, so he leaps into bed with me, his human warmer, and cuddles up atop me. All 4 wet feet, complete with a light layer of sand, rest on my…