By George Robinson; Easy Does It

How do you and your cat get along? It’s often a delicate relationship that leaves plenty of room for give and take. Understanding cats can be as simple as looking at the stars. We’re talking feline astrology here.

In a fascinating little book simply titled “Cat Astrology,” published in 1993 by Tribune Publishing in Orlando, Fla., author Michael Zullo uses astrological signs to give us a paw up on understanding our cats and their diverse, often complex personalities.

Knowing your cat’s birthday can be a challenge, but not necessarily a requirement to put astrology to work for you. Like many humans, cats are reluctant to divulge their age, specifically the month and day they came into this world mewing in a cardboard box with their brothers and sisters all competing for mom’s attention.

Or showing up on your doorstep, hungry and cold, with no baggage or references or next of kin, and asking for a handout. Then after a feast, it’s time for nappies and there’s no waking a miniature sleeping tiger to pry into small details of a very personal life.

The best advice in these trying, crying circumstances is to determine which astrological sign under which your new best friend was born. It’s easier than you think. Watch the cat’s personality and mannerisms.

For example, if your new best friend is energetic, impatient, playful, friendly and combative, the cat was born between March 21 and April 19, and therefore is an Aries. That means this finicky feline is usually found on top of the refrigerator during the day, and at night, sprawled on your bed.

Calm unless provoked describes the Taurus tabby. Born between April 20 and May 20, this kitty likes to keep routines, stay at home, and is stubborn and predictable. This cat gets along with everyone unless her personal schedule is compromised.

The Gemini cat, arriving between May 21 and June 21, is spirited, mischievous, fun-loving, attention-getting, and clever. Tabby has too much energy, similar to owning two cats in one.

While the Cancer cat, born between June 22 and July 22, is affectionate, devoted, moody, sensitive, and nurturing, the Leo kitty, arriving July 23 to Aug. 23, is proud, self-centered, showy and loves attention.

Prefer a curious kitty? Then invite into your home a Virgo cat, born between Aug. 23 and Sept. 22. This pussy-pussy is fussy-fussy, very shy, and prefers being on her own. Don’t pull any surprises on her, because she hates the unexpected and would have been an income tax CPA if she were born human.

The Libra feline is happy, vocal, sociable, indecisive and well-behaved. With her birthday falling between Sept. 23 and Oct. 23, this cat is very friendly and outgoing and finds it hard to remember if she’s a cat or a person.

Watch out for the Scorpio cat, entering the world between Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. She is demanding, territorial, strong-willed and fierce. She sees the world on her terms and has the nerve and pushiness to do what she wants whenever she wants.

Like playful? The Sagittarious cat likes plenty of toys around, and you’re one of them. Born between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21, she’s active, daring, curious, messy and naturally happy.

The cat born under the Capricorn sign between Dec. 22 and Jan. 19 is crafty, persistent, reserved, moody, and possessive. Extremely loyal, this tabby will always be there for you and likes to make a cave under the blankets on your bed.

A sure attention-getter is the Aquarius cat, born between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, and is described as unpredictable, frisky, curious, and sociable. She’s a creature of action and is thought to possess psychic abilities that enable her to predict the future. She’s great to have around election time just before you pull the voting booth lever.

The Pisces purring machine, coming into the world between Feb. 19 and March 20, is quiet, easy-going, sweet and devoted. Nothing is a big deal to her, except sleep. She will sleep more than any other cat, so be sure to tiptoe quietly when you’re walking past royalty.

Meow. Translation: Good luck!

Retired editor George Robinson can be reached at yrdezdoesit@comcast.net.