Cats Need Attention Too

You think I’m low maintenance
Like I’ll just sort myself out
Leave me with a metal bowl
Like something I should be grateful about
Of dry food, tap water
And a half-hearted pat
You say, “Well, what more could you want?”
Well actually… that

I didn’t sign up
To be furniture with fur
I’m not a plant, mate
You can’t just water and observe

‘Cause cats need love, yeah, cats need time
Cats need someone who’ll try to speak feline
From “Here you go” to “How was your day?”
Sit on the floor, let me sit your way
I don’t just eat and drink and sleep
I bond emotionally, surprisingly deep
So put the bowl down, come back again
Be my human, not my warden then

You walk past with your phone out
Talking loudly to the screen
I’m doing slow blinks at you
Like, “Hello? I exist, I’m keen”
I brought you a dead thing once
That was love, that was art
You screamed, which was rude
But I gave you my heart

I watch you get ready
I supervise your life
I sit on your clean clothes
Out of principle, not spite

‘Cause cats need love, yeah, cats need proof
That you’re not just the landlord of the roof
We need routines and secret games
And seventeen affectionate nicknames
I don’t just eat and drink and cope
I need eye contact, drama, hope
So put the bowl down, look my way
Bond with me properly, okay?

I’m aloof, but it’s strategic
I ignore you ’cause I care
If I sit slightly near you
That’s me saying, “I’m aware”
If I leave when you touch me
That’s not rejection, it’s style
I’ll come back in five minutes
Pretend I wasn’t gone a while

I mean…
I could’ve been a goldfish
But I’m not, am I?

‘Cause cats need love, yeah, cats need more
Than a bowl that slides across the floor
We need bonding, mutual respect
And the right spot scratched, to spec
I don’t just eat and drink and wait
I choose you, even when I hesitate
So sit with me, you’re doing fine
Be weird with me, I’m yours, you’re mine

Now you can go
But leave the door a crack
I might ignore you
But I’m definitely coming back