Recliners, are not by nature nasty beasts. They sit, rather unassumingly in our front rooom and occassionally serve as a receptacle for claws and paws as kitties mark their territories. On rainy days, they offer comfort and support when wrapped up in a blanket, I can lie back and have kitties pile on top of me for added warmth. Knowing, from past experience that cats and kittens can get underneath the recliner and sometimes come to great harm. I have provided for that by putting pillows underneath and always checking the floor before I un-recline (if that is even a word?) I thought I had it all covered…I was wrong.

Recently, we bought two new recliners as our old ones were starting to show wear and tear. They are quite comfortable and we got such a good deal on them, that Mike’s is actually heated. I diligently stuffed every part I could see with pillows and blankets so kitties wouldn’t get caught in dangerous situations. Like I said, I have it all covered….Hmm well maybe not.

Last night as I lay back watching television and enjoy the kitty pile-up on my lap, I kept hearing a noise behind the chair. Mike, who was parked next to me, turned on a flashlight and looked (at my request) to see what kitten was scratching the back of the chair…nothing, nada, zero, nope, he assurred me, no kitten in sight. Hmmm

Again, the sounds and the vibrations along my back. It felt strange, like the recliner was possessed. I got the kitties to scramble off my lap, shooed them out of the danger zone and tipped the recliner over. All pillows securely duct-taped in place, no kitty in sight. I poked my hand up through the pillows because we all know how small a hole a cat or kitten can get through. Nothing, nada. I tipped the chair back and sat down and told myself I was being silly. That I was just over-tired and my mind was playing tricks on me.

As I sat down, I felt the claws at my back. I sprang out of the chair and went to take the bottom cushion off the chair but it was attached securely to the chair. Gone are the days of removable cushions (I guess) I stuck my hand down the sides of the cushions, nothing but dust and a small cat toy. Frowning, I stepped back, then plunged my hands into the main back cushion on the side. The kitten, undoubtedly terrified by being up-ended several times, bit me! It took us about 45 minutes to figure out how she got inside and to get her out took some doing. I finally (after dodging claws and teeth) was able to scruff her and bring her out through the front because the bottom of the chair (we discovered when we removed all the pillows) was sealed up tight.

No, recliners by nature are not nasty beasts, but I suppose in our case, mine was hungry for kitten. I am glad that no kitten was harmed during this experience, only miffed because I had the audacity to remove her from what she figured was the neatest hiding place in the house!