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A list of things my cats taught me

7 Jun 2026

My partner and I adopted Geo and Kalala nearly one year ago. Here is a list of unexpected things they taught me:

• Some cats make funny noises when they see birds. Kalala seems to mimic them, making a fast, jumpy, trill sound that she reserves solely for the birds. But Geo does not make any sounds when she sees birds.
• Just because cats sniff something does not mean they want to eat/drink it. Geo consistently tries to smell everything I eat or drink, but she doesn't always try to steal it from me. For example she will sniff my green tea but not drink from it. However if I make chicken wings I need to prepare for battle.
• Kiwi plants can be like catnip to cats. Kalala really liked our small palm tree, until she completely destroyed its leaves. So we purchased a kiwi tree to replace it, and the cats immediately fell in love. Whenever we opened the terrrace door they would run to the tree and sniff it. Then they would reach a euphoric state. Now Kalala meows at the door for us to let her outside.
• Cats will let you do forbidden things if and only if they are relaxed. Geo allowed me to trim her nails without resistance after a large meal and long nap. Otherwise, she would unleash her full strength on me and I would only clip 2 or so.
• There is a secret way to give belly rubs. Kalala is timid and normally would never let us pet her belly. However in the afternoon, after she eats and is mid-nap in her favorite spot on the cat tree, she just might open up and C-shape her way into a pose that lets you give her belly rubs for a few minutes.