Dinner is Prompt-ly at Eight - 6. The Animal Psychologist

Prompt 336 – The Cat Psychologist

“Oh God. This isn’t what it looks like!”

Nathan and Grant looked at the cats meowing at them with concern. Kong had peed on the big teddy bear Nathan won for his boyfriend at the fair, again. No amount of washing could deter the cat. They watched the two male cats as they gently licked each other contentedly pausing occasionally to mewl at them. Otherwise they seemed fine, but when it came to the peeing issue, something was obviously amiss. Both men looked over at the distinguished animal psychologist for answers.

“Nathan, Kong is obviously having issues with you moving in.” The silver haired man removed his glasses and smiled at them.

The two men had fallen in love but after Nathan stayed over for a few nights in a row, Grant’s two cats had become more and more unruly. Concerned at Kong’s sudden peeing on things, they’d called in noted animal psychologist Dr. Avis Montague for a consultation. Sure, it had been a lot of money, but they were genuinely worried about the animals’ behavior.

Grant nuzzled Nathan’s neck and ran his hand over the man’s balding, closely shorn head. It had been only six months but the man made him feel so good. Being around him was soothing. His heart ached when Nathan left the condo and he had to spend the night alone, but what could he do? Grant loved his cats so much. From his observations and experience, Kong and Dash weren’t comfortable with this new relationship. It was either the cats or Nathan.

“I’m marking the bear because I like it,” Kong meowed to the men. Of course, the men only heard a distinct whine.

“Kong is acting out territorially because Nathan’s presence is stressing him,” Dr. Montague opined. He chewed on the ear piece of his glasses while watching the two men closely, the lithe Grant especially.

“I love Nathan,” Kong purred. “Tell him Dash. Maybe they’ll listen to you.”

Dash looked at his friend, his best friend, and nodded. “Grant! We love Nathan. Please reconsider. He makes you so happy,” the jet black cat meowed in frustration. He scampered over to Nathan and rubbed against his leg leaving his scent, a scent that showed possession and affection.

Nathan leaned over petting Dash who purred so deeply. “Grant. Maybe Kong just needs a little more time with me. Dash seems to like me.”

Grant watched as his boyfriend lovingly caressed the cat. Maybe it would work if they took it slower. Obviously Dash was loving on the man. He took in the scene but then Kong ran over to Nathan’s shoes and squatted.

“Kong no!” he shouted. He got up and raced over picking up the orange cat quickly.

“See. I love the guy!” Kong howled as Grant scooped him up before he could spray. “Don’t throw this away you idiot!”

“Kong just can’t take you being around. I’m sorry.” Dr. Montague shrugged. He looked Grant over and his eyes seemed to linger on him.

“That man’s looking at Grant like he’s some catnip,” Dash snarled angrily.

“Why don’t they understand us?” Kong meowed jumping down to run over to Dash.

“I don’t know. They are perfect together,” Dash mewled back biting Kong’s neck with care.

“Stop fighting you two,” Grant said wiping his eyes. He looked at Nathan with regret. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I think Kong is a very possessive animal and Nathan’s presence is disconcerting to him. Perhaps there is something in his scent that offends the animal,” Dr. Montague said eying Grant’s slender frame and comely face. And that behind! Grant returned to the couch sitting next to Nathan.

“That man is creepy. He’s trying to get Grant for himself!” Dash howled to his friend.

“I’ll bite him,” Kong meowed back. “I’ll bite his conniving ass.”

“See, that’s a defensive sound,” Dr. Montague said. “Cats are attuned to danger.” The animal psychologist gently patted Grant’s knee. Nathan looked at him with some anger.

“I’m not sure I’m the problem,” he snarled at the doctor.

“This is outrageous,” Kong howled. “Get that nasty, lewd man outta here!”

“I told you not to pee on that plushie. They don’t get us,” Dash mewled to his friend.

“Grant. It’s your choice of course, but I’m not sure Kong can handle Nathan’s prolonged presence in their living space. I only say so because I care about the animal’s well-being,” the silver haired man said, his lips pursed.

Grant looked at Nathan and sighed. “Maybe Kong just needs a little more time with you. I’m sure he’ll like you the more you’re around,”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” the doctor said clearing his throat. “You don’t want to harm the cat’s psyche.” The doctor’s ogling of Grant’s body was making Nathan furious.

“I’ll pee on him, though I hate him. That will get their attention,” Kong purred. “They don’t get us, do they?”

“No. They don’t.” Dash stared at the doctor. “They really don’t.”