Missy Cat &Friends : Midnight Snacks

Our cats are very much like children in many ways.

They depend on us for food.
They depend on us for water
They depend on us to take them to the vet when they don't feel well.
They need reassurance at times. (Especially, our Ruby who hides from "strangers."
They need us to clean up after them.
They like to spend time with us.

Snuggling
Just hanging out with us when we are busy. This often ends in a cat nap.
Playing. Whether tossing a pom-pom ball or using a wand toy. This is great interaction!

They know when it's time to eat. They seem to have a seventh sense about meal times.

Although we keep food out for grazing, it the middle of there is an empty spot in the bowl, they think it is empty. Pretending to put fresh food in the bowl doesn't work. They know the difference.
They know when it is 9pm which is the time we give them their "midnight snack."

My husband started the tradition of their evening snack when our two Maine Coons were kittens.

He would actually hand-feed their food in the evenings and they remember. They are delighted when "Daddy" sits on the floor by their food and hand-feeds them. He doesn't do this every night anymore because he started the tradition of giving them a 9pm snack. (Actually, he gives them a probiotic, another chewy "treat" that is good for them and then gives each one several tiny kitty treats.)

Sometime around 8:45 each night Ruby gives us "the look." At nine she stares at him. Then stares at me for a few minutes and then stares at him again. If he hasn't gotten the treats out by 9:15, she nearly panics and cries out. "It's time. I will not be ignored!"

She is just fine after gobbling up her treats and the other two are delighted. After scoffing up the treats, she and our other Maine Coon take off to the bathtub for a drink of water from the faucet. Are they spoiled or what?

A few weeks ago, John went out of town for a several days. I think Ruby was nervous and afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the routine. So she started with "the look." I didn't want to disappoint them so at nine o'clock, I headed for the kitchen. They reminded me of my former pre-schoolers as they followed me - all in a row. They took their normal spot and all three began chattering as to make sure I knew how to give out treats. It went very well! That first night, I sent John this picture and the following night, I couldn't resist taking a video.