Although I do not look forward to leaving Lexie Lee when I go to work, I do look forward to our morning ritual. It provides consistency in her life and reinforces our bond. As a college professor and author, my schedule is varied. However, our morning ritual is always the same.

First, she follows me from the bedroom to the kitchen to be fed. As my tea brews, I put down her wet food, dry crunchies, and fresh water. Then I head to the living room with my tea to slowly start my day. I sit in my favorite rocking chair and gaze out the picture window. I open one section of the picture window where Lexie Lee sits on the ledge eyeing insects, birds, and chameleons. I also open another window that faces the courtyard. She jumps from a wingback chair to the top of that window sill to check out what is happening.

The next stop is my home office. Lexie Lee lounges on the window sill overlooking the front driveway. From this third level of the house, she oversees lots of morning hustle and bustle. Next I move to the bedroom and begin my dressing routine. Lexie Lee jumps up on an end table to reach another window sill where she can watch the antics of birds and squirrels in the giant fichus tree in the backyard.

As I return to the kitchen, she trails along side me. To keep her occupied, I ask if she wants her nippie now. She runs faster when she hears "nippie!" The catnip is kept in the kitchen. I pinch a few dry catnip leaves between my fingers to release the aroma and drop them on the floor where she has already stationed herself. She immediately sniffs the leaves and eats some of them. By the time I walk out the door, she is rolling around on the floor and oblivious to my departure!

What is your morning ritual with your cat?

Happy Purrs!