Charles Goes on a Rampage

I recently adopted a cat named Charlie from a local no-kill shelter. I chose this cat on the soul basis that he seemed like the chillest cat ever. I ignored the fact that he's 8 and thus labeled a senior; the fact that the reason he was sent to the pound was because he bit the neighbor; and the fact that he tested positive for FIV. All things considered, not exactly a top of the list cat.

But I picked him because he's chill, he likes to play, and he's an affectionate bugger. In other words, completely awesome.

However, Charlie likes to do this thing where, with little precaution or warning, he will shoot off around the house like he's suddenly become a rocket or the ensuing fountain when you put Mentos in a bottle of Coke. The only warning you get is a short chirp that happens about ten seconds before it begins. If I wasn't so freaked out by his sudden crazy, I would be impressed. Unfortunately, I'm too freaked out and worried that this bout of insanity will accidentally run him straight into our other cat, Karma.

Karma is the exact opposite of Charlie. Where Charlie is loving and playful, Karma hides in a closet and only comes out when there's the possibility of food. We got Charlie about three weeks ago and Karma is still leery of him. Instead of lashing out, she just hisses and hisses until Charlie slinks away, winning the "Better Man" part of whatever cat disagreement they're having. Because he could destroy her. I feel it in my bones.

This is how I imagine their conversations go:

Charlie: WE FRIENDZ NAO YES??? :D :) :] :}

Karma: HIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Charlie: ...Ok. :[ :( :< :{

During one of his rampages.

It's kind of pathetic since it's obvious all Charlie wants is to be friends. Karma, however, will have none of it. So Charlie usually gets revenge by eating all her food when she's hiding in her closet and rubbing his cat stink all over her stuff.

Of course, then he pulls out these rampages (which we have lovingly dubbed, "Kitty Freak Out Time") and proceeds to rip through the house like it's the most important thing in the world. Many times he will hide under a pillow or his fancy cat bed that he never sleeps on to recoup and regain energy for another bolt through the house.

In retrospect, it's incredibly adorable but when it happens it's simply frightening and nothing you can do will delay to inevitable or bring it to an early conclusion. Charlie has to simply run himself out.