I have been thinking about the human levels of terror. As far as cats are concerned such colors are really unsuitable. After all, red is merely a color that looks better on Kukka Maria than Gemini and green is a color that enhances Gemini’s fur. It’s not much of a terror level, unless the Empress is angry. Hmm.. Perhaps that’s what the humans are really afraid of?
At any rate, in my research on the subject of feline terror alert levels, I have come across TWO major systems.
System One:
The duck and cover system.
Alert levels:
- Watch Level: Watch from a safe distance
- Listen Level: Listen from another room
- Hide Level: Hiding Under the Bed
- Panic: Runinng and spitting across the ceiling
System Two:
The Tough Cat System
- Growl: Growl softly and let fur bristle
- Hiss and Spit: Growl more loudly, hissing and spitting
- Full Halloween Cat: Continue growling, spit, puff fur up to maximum and arch back
- Attack: Well, you get it don’t you?
So the question becomes, how do I satisfy every cat and human? I’m leaning towards the Tough Cat, because the Duck and Cover Cats will understand what to do at each level. After all, when confronted with a tough cat acting through their terror levels, well the Duck and Cover cat will react exactly on cue:
- The tough cat growls–duck and cover cat watches from a safe distance
- The tough cat begins to spit and the duck and cover cat moves to a safer room
- The tough cat puts on full Halloween mode and the duck and cover cat hides
- The tough cat attacks and the duck and cover cat panics…
I think both systems work well. However, to inspire fear into humans and to show our tougher side, unless I have feedback to the contrary, I will be going with the Tough Cat Alert Levels.
Interesting observations on the two systems, Chey. I don’t think I have ever engaged in either one!
As for my 200th post contest, I’ll be making the announcement later today. We’ve just been very busy since my dad came home early yesterday morning and my mom was busy all weekend getting ready for his return.
Hmm….I think both are appropriate at different times. I think its best to be offensive though, the outcome is usually better so I say go with tough cat!
I agree with the tough cat levels!
hmmmm. those is good systems. I am a terror cat and sammy is a duck and cover cat.
Yes Miles, a lot depends on our basic personality, but when confronted by a dogs nose in my face, I also use the lightning-quick claw swipe, then run away move. It’s very effective in getting your message across.
George
First of all, love the terror alerts. Now that is something I can work with.
Intrigued by your campaign. I’m a wondering about your concern for this “middle class”. Who is this “middle class”? Are you talking about the humans? I assumed that by our nature as cats we are all “upper class”, as we are far superior to all other species.
Those are my thoughts. Anyway, I’m off to take my nap.
–P
I think you have to size up the situation and decide which terror alert system will work better. Even very fierce cats will hide if they perceive the threat to be overwhelming.
We are both definitely duck and cover kind of kitties.
While in most cases I would be Tough Cat, if there’s a scary or clanky noise I can quickly become Duck & Cover.
hmmmmmm, this is a hard one CHey. We are not sure which one would be better, but the Tough Cat would probably be more aggressive while the Duck and Cover is much more likely to save the cat. Hmmmmmm… we haf to think about this one
I know Pooh takes on both roles. First, he’ll run and hide, but when cornered, he puffs up and hisses. 🙂
tough cat, all the way. I can’t speak for baby Mao, he is always too busy hiding like a little wimp.
xx
We are a two system kind of house. Split equally between the 4 of us. Me, definately the tough cat (of course!)
A good way is to engage in both systems at random. Works well to confuse humans, anyways. In real life I like to apply the duck and cover system with wildlife but definitely the tough cat approach with humans. Loud screaming while running towards their legs seem to work pretty well too.
Anastasia
Chey we now have competition in the political race. Skittles and Sly are running for office too.
Hmmm. Chey, I have to admit, you’ve summed it up quite well, but I’m afraid I use both systems, depending on the threat, and sometimes switch from growling to watching from a safe distance and back and forth.
This doesn’t imply disapproval of our own Gatorristas, like Ana, Luna, and me, does it?