Beware of the cat

I used to have a cat with a large personality and mildly homicidal tendencies.  This one's for Spike.

Beware of the cat
First, purge yourself of free will.
There is no rule book
but, seeing one, he would ignore it.
Don't attempt to take control, 
he will stare you down.

His hiss dictates
when meals are served.
when sleep can happen,
when doors will open.

And then, 
When you have lost all pride,
all sense of yourself,
and you are wholly subjugated,
he will crouch on the stairs,
in the fetid darkness,
and, stretching suddenly,
will catch your feet.

Grab the bannister
If you still hope to survive.