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Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.
It’s hard to think about the winter, while it’s summertime. But with all the heat and everything it brings, it’s nice to recall last winter with a little bit of nostalgia. We had some snow, a disappointingly small amount, if you ask me, but way too much if you ask Miki. It was his first snow and he absolutely hated it. I was devastated.
I had been looking forward to it for months, checking the forecast, and even taking him out on a harness and lead late at night, while staying on my brother’s farm, in hope it would snow. There is just a certain sense of stillness and calm, when you open the door in the morning, and step on a white soft and slightly crunchy blanket of snow.
A Bubble Burst
My dogs love snow, well, Lava does. Hela, being a Greek rescue, is not very accustomed to it, by her reaction this winter, when she walked like on eggshells and couldn’t wait to get back in. Lava rolled in it and couldn’t get enough. And Miki? He stepped outside cautiously, a sense of disappointment and disgust clearly written all over his face and declared by his body language. Miki looked like this was one of the worst days of his life. Probably even worse than the day he had to go for a 1 hour car drive to get neutered.
I was so sad, both for him and myself. I always pictured his first snow day to be magnificent. Him jumping in and out, catching the flakes, having the best day of his life. But, wait? I assumed Miki would be so much like Lava and the previous dogs I had, who all loved snow. Except Miki is a feline and he just hates getting wet. And snow is just water in a very awkward shape and form.
Not Impressed
The rest of that day passed quite uneventfully. Unfortunately, that was one of the rare days we got to enjoy snow, and as soon as it started melting, as if I could see relief in Miki’s behavior. He was walking more graciously and confidently now, as there were actual spots where there was no more snow, and he stuck to the path where it melted. As cute as he looked, a small black cat against a white dreamy background, his facial expression said it all.
Bravery and Persistence Above All
Despite his clear lack of excitement for the first snow of his life, he was still out and about. It was obvious that he got annoyed by having wet paws and belly, but he wouldn’t give up on joining me and the dogs for a walk. It was actually funny to look at, as if he tried to please me in a way. I mean, we all know that’s not true, but let me enjoy it for a second. He didn’t venture as far as he usually would, which is a sign of his disapproval, but he also realized it’s not that dramatic.
There’s Hope
I keep thinking, maybe this year it will be better. Maybe he will copy Lava’s behavior more, as he is very attached to her, and does behave like a dog in many ways. But in all reality, even if he spends the rest of his life hating snow, I won’t blame him. It is my favorite time of the year, but having him cuddled in my lap on a cold winter day will be just as fulfilling as outdoor activities. After all, there aren’t too many cats that love snow, as it turns out.
This article is a part of Dr. Maja and Miki’s series.
