Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day.

My parents recently moved from a city apartment to a small country house. After I got over the traumatic experience of my entire world being torn apart, I grew to really love this country house.

It felt like a homecoming of sorts, because when I first met my mom, she lived with two other ladies in a country home. I had missed the panoramic views and watching the birds—and now I get to enjoy these sights again.

My favorite part of our new home is that now, my  parents let me sleep on the bed with them—all night long! I am thrilled that the closet where my food is doesn’t have a real door—because if it did, they would likely make me sleep in there.

I also love how cool the uncarpeted floors ar on my furry belly! Mom has area rugs and blankets, though, if I feel like getting cozy and warm.

BUT THEN…COMPETING CRITTERS!

First, a racoon lived under our house. I know those things can hurt me, but luckily my dad is kind of Daniel Boone like—and he trapped him and took him away.

Next, a possum took his place. If my parents knew then what they knew now, they would have kept him, because those ugly beasts eat ticks.

Later, squirrels scurried above our heads between the ceiling and the roof! We were all trying to take a nap one Sunday, and these noisy nut-seekers were so loud that they were disturbing our peace. Well, my dad wasn’t going to stand for that, and he went outside in a hurry! I’m not sure what he did, but we haven’t heard them since!

Then, ants and worms invaded my “party in the potty.” I love to go to the loo whenever one of my parents do, so that’s what she calls our time together there. I know my mom wishes that I would eat the bugs and worms, but I think they are gross—just like she does.

Speaking of the potty, we had to get a new one. Yep, for at least three days, my parents had no indoor plumbing. It was pretty gross, and they were gone a lot. At least they didn’t try to use my box! They are too big!

And, now…the worst critters of all—FLEAS and TICKS! These monsters must have been mad when my dad got rid of all the other critters and they found their way to me. I itch everywhere, and the first medicine made me really sick. I got another kind after mom and dad took me to the Kitty ER the other night.

It’s supposed to take a few days to work, and mom and dad are washing everything in site. So, for a few more days, my cozy home is kind of crazy.

But, I can deal with all these critters, as long as my mom and dad are here, and they love on me—which they always do.

So, here’s my Insightful Insight for this weekend:

Don’t let the distractions get you down. You—and your loved ones—can defeat them by focusing on what’s most important.

If you want to read more about how to deal with ticks, read my dad’s blog, Hiking With Your Honey.