Not Your Cat

I’m not your cat - please don’t say that!

I don’t belong to you.

A cat is wild - I’m not your child!

I hope you know that’s true.

But you’re my cat! I’ve told you that

I chose you, at that place

where you were left, scared and bereft.

And now, you live in peace.

I’m not your cat: in actual fact,

that day, YOU were MY choice -

good enough to buy my stuff:

my food, a bed, some toys.

You’ve done OK: I chose to stay

but don’t forget the rules.

Dogs obey; cats don’t do ‘stay’

or come when humans call.

I know all that, but you’re MY cat!

And where else would you go?

I wash your bed, I keep you fed

But are you grateful? No!

I’m not your cat! I’m happy that

you want to share my home.

But don’t forget, I’m not a PET –

I’m me. I walk alone!

Oh, don’t be sad, you know I’m glad

you’re here when I want fuss.

I like your lap for taking naps –

a cuddle’s good for us.

I’m not your cat, you do know that,

but everything’s still fine.

I show my love with purrs and rubs –

‘Cos you’re MY HUMAN! MINE!

© Sheila Norton 2025