Night blessings

Most nights, about ten minutes after we have turned out the lights and settled down to sleep, Pepper stalks through the house, meowing loudly for a few minutes.  I have finally figured out that, as alpha cat and head of our house, she is pronouncing the night blessing.

"Oh great Alpha cat and Mother of us all,

Be kind to your kittens this night.

Keep the rats of famine from our door

that we may never see the bottom of our bowls.

Shelter us with your thick fur in warmth and safety.

Bestow on us the comfort of your purring.

Chase the squirrels of evil off our roof

that we might sleep in safety and peace.

Have mercy on our thick-skulled servants

And grant them laps of warmth and stillness.

All praise to you, great Alpha Cat,

mother of us all."