I was installing new solid vinyl tile in a beautiful home in a beautiful suburb—the hardest part being the preparation. In order to achieve the optimum result I first needed to lay a lauan sub-floor. This plywood was hand nailed with 1.25 inch ring-shank with spacing between nail no more than two inches at seams and five inches elsewhere—properly counter sunk. This helps reduce the chance of movement as floor ages. That complete, every nail head and joint was covered with floor leveler. This step ensures a smooth surface and inhibits nail from moving upward. Enough flooring 101. I list these steps to set the scene. I was busy, I was focused, and as the work rendered the kitchen unusable, I wanted to complete the job in as expeditious a fashion as possible.

Mid-morning, the owner informed me she had to run errands and asked if I could continue my work without input. I said yes, and knelt to carry on with job at hand. Thirty minutes later, perhaps it was closer to sixty, I heard cat’s loud meow. Not realizing a feline was resident, I doubted my second sense. Then it came again and moments later a greyish-black joined me on floor in progress. I paused to take stock of visitor and she stepped cautiously in my direction. Heeling two paces away, her eyes met mine. Was I worthy of trust? That seemed the question, if you can call instinct a question. Apparently I passed muster as she decided to close the gap, checked my scent, and permitted a head scratch. I smiled, she produced faint meow, and I thought I was accepted as temporary family member. She had another request, that wasn’t immediately clear.

As I proceeded with work she persisted to cry out. I extended hand to create further bond, but she chose to circle just out of reach. I moved slightly toward and she moved away in equal measure in what appeared an effort to get me to follow. Okay, I’ll play and set down tools. Her meows intensified as if to say, yes human, learn how to speak in a language that matters. With every forward motion she moved further in direction of hallway. As I stood looking down carpeted corridor a decision was required on my part. The homes’ owner trusted and I didn’t want to violate said trust by wandering through her home, yet the furry noise maker a yard or two ahead was so insistent. What if access to litter box had unintentionally been blocked? I crossed fingers and followed cat. At hallway’s end she stopped at closed door looking up at knob still enunciating with all her heart. Ah, I was right I thought, first knocking then carefully opening door. She raced inside and I swung hinged barrier fully open revealing a full bath. There was no litter box in plain sight and I peered into tub and found kitty—no littler. Now she looked up at spigot and begged.

My general experience is that, other than for drinking, cats hate water. So why is this animal claiming affection for H2O? I decided to call its bluff and to turn on faucet to a gentle pour. When water flowed, krazy kitty lowered head and allowed water to drench fury head. It was content to hold its position under water’s fall and I walked away so I could get back to work. I later returned to bathroom and found tub vacant and turned plumbing off.

When owner returned, I told the tale and owner’s answer was, “Kitty does that all the time, she likes water.” I chuckled as did she and we moved on with our days.