La Rue Bijou - Just How Much French Does a Cat Need?

At my cat’s suggestion, we examined the vocabulary needed by both owner and cat.

A note on pronunciation. There is no question, cats excel at the French “R.”

Here are French expressions that might enhance experiences of both cat and owner.

The adoption - – Ce qui est à toi est à moi

                                                A cat chooses to go home with a small boy. 

Rescue organizations recommend leaving an adopted cat in a quiet room with a bed, litter box and food until it adapts to its surroundings. Most cats advance immediately to the sofa and the remote control. Allow flexibility. Sometimes the French refer to the Système D, loosely translated to go with the flow so both cat and owner are at ease, or bien dans leur peau.

The Daily Routine – L’Emploi du temps

Cats have distinct perceptions of schedules. Early mornings begin with purrs (oh that French R), then taps (la petite tape) and kisses (les bises) to remind owners of breakfast, le petit déjeuner, even though the feeder is on a timer. It's much nicer to be together. 

The wait is long - l'attente est longue! 

 

                                                                 Finally! Enfin, sauvé

Games – Les Jeux et les blagues – Leisure – Les Loisirs 

 

Cats relish mental stimulation. A cardboard box (le carton), fragile objects (les vases de grandmère) as well as pencils, pens and paperclips provide sources of entertainment. 

 

Ah, temptation!

The monster! Le monstre! 

The Snooze or Cat Nap – Le petit somme et la siesta – Ne pas déranger

Active cats need frequent naps. They may fall asleep anywhere but in their cat bed. And they do not like to be disturbed. 

 

Work – Le Travail – Le Boulot

Definitions of workspace (yours or mine) seem to be a source of conflict between owner and cat. But as long as both parties collaborate. . . .After all, think of those literary creations done with the help of a cat! Hemingway, Dickens, Twain, Gorey, Highsmith to name a few. . . .

 

Food & Snacks – La Nouriture & les amuses gueules

Small helpings of a special treat (les lasagnas or le saumon) make the day more interesting. If a  cat politely asks, “Je peux goûter?” by all means, share! 

 

                                                    If service is too slow. . . . On se sert! 

 

Pats & Cuddles - Les Caresses – les câlins

Your cat will let you know when and how much. Body language (les gestes) such as an exposed belly, large claws or pupils make this apparent. The same holds true for owners. 

 

Maybe . . . C'est oui ou c'est non?

                                    

 

The bath – On fait sa toilette

Cats do not like to be disturbed when bathing. A ne pas déranger! Cats may your bath (le bain) or shower (la douche), but only when the water is not running. 

 

I look like a million bucks! Je suis beau comme tout! Je suis magnifique! 

 

Companionship, or l’amitié, with a cat is a fulfilling experience. Over the years, the four cats of my life have had unique personalities. But all have been independent, dedicated, caring (and caregivers) and attentive. We share a morning coffee and time on the sun porch. We enjoy TV, books and even exercises. And both of us--well, especially my current cat Gracie--love hosting neighbors. 

French for Cats serves as a good primer for cat and owner. But your cat and you may want to develop your own French-English entries with a title like. . . .

Me to the Cat - Oh, would you like to add something? 

Cat - I told you, we make a good team! Je t'ai dit qu'on ferait une bonne équipe! Et. . . tu oublies quelque chose? 

 

 Me - Que je suis bête! La vie est bien petillante avec un chat!

Cat - Ronronne . . . . purr 

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 Based on interviews done over time with numerous family cats.