The Problem at Playgroup & The Problem with Cats

By Laura Yates on Nov 25, 08 10:01 PM

When my friend Henman-Hill gave away her family cat when her baby was 2 months old I did wonder why. I mean, cats are fairly inoffensive animals, aren't they?

I can understand why new parents might re-home their pet pooch. Some of them don't make for the most child-friendly pets, but unlike dogs you wouldn't find a boisterous moggy bounding around a living room upsetting any moses basket that may be in its wake, would you? And I've never really bought into the idea that cats are attracted to the smell of the milk.

Yes, I've always thought that cats made perfect pets. That was until last Thursday at playgroup.

It was snack time and I was chatting to a fellow mother while our little ones mashed slices of banana between their fingers and shook drops of juice all over the table. Then I saw it. I tiny little flea, moving on top of The Kid's head!

What was I to do? It didn't matter that the flea could have come from anywhere. The fact was it was on my son. I tried to catch it, but it was too fast, and anyway, I didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I was picking something out of his hair.

The whole time I was chasing it round his head I was trying to continue my nice little chat with the mom next to me, without her seeing what I was doing.

Finally it leapt off out of sight. I don't think anyone else saw what happened. I shall soon know if I get any funny looks when I go back. I'd be mortified if anyone found out. (She typed into her public blog.)

I lay the blame for the flea incident firmly at The Moll's paws. She may be smothered in Frontline donated by the now catless Henman-Hills, but she continues to 'entertain' other less well groomed cats in the street. God knows what they're bringing in when they break through the cat-flap.

I'll have to wait until next Thursday to see if environmental health have been alerted and are waiting for me and The Kid at playgroup because this Thursday I may be taking The Kid to the hospital due to his persistent upset tum. I've had enough of waiting around for doctors to arrange appointments with specialists. I shall let you know how we get on.