Posted on 09/03/2015 1:03:32 PM PDT by dennisw
Written by someone who doesn’t have a clue about cats...
I agree with much of what you say. I also think it depends on the cat. I’ve known cats that genuinely like people and I’ve known many who were really, truly quite aloof. The cat I have now would follow me around all day if he could. He’s a cat of the people. lol
Those were sweet stories you shared about your own cats, especially the one that waited by the phone while you were away. They can be great pets. :)
Cats are wild animals. That’s why I like them. They’re always plotting to kill you.
I don’t think cats are any different from other animals, including humans, in that their natures are formed not only by Nature itself, but by the animals’ experiences. So, they’re all going to be different.
As an aside: I had a discussion today with a co-worker about Pit Bulls. It’s popular to say that the pit bull isn’t any more dangerous than any other dog, and they cite statistics of dog-bites, showing what a low percentage are caused by the pit bulls. But which pit bull, where?
I lived for years in a neighborhood where the local teenagers thought it was ‘cool’ to have a pit bull, especially a mean one; and a lot of them abused the dogs horribly to MAKE them mean. The people in the neighborhood were terrified of these dogs - especially because one of the stupid kids let the dog roam alone. For awhile, I was carrying a baseball bat whenever I went out to my car, just in case.
And that doesn’t even address the genetic/culling issues: if you don’t know where your dog came from, you don’t know whether or not it comes from a line that was culled, for generations, for aggression. A lot of people don’t believe in this; but while I’ve known sweet pit bulls, I wouldn’t have one unless I knew its own experience and its human handling going back generations before.
The lower animals are no different than humans, in that they are the products of both genetics and culture.
We once had a rescue cat that was missing teeth, and we couldn’t figure out why, because its remaining dental health was fine. Then we noticed that every time we walked toward this cat, it was afraid of FEET. We became convinced that the poor cat had been kicked in the face.
It was a great day when my husband was down with the ‘flu, and that cat finally climbed up on his chest and lay there with him, allowing petting, for hours. (Husband finally had to pee, but held it in as long as possible, because he didn’t want to disturb CAT ;-)
-JT
When my sister and I lived together we trapped and tamed a small family of feral kitties. After I moved out it was several years before I stayed over night at my sister’s house who kept the kitties. I could not believe the joyful reception I received from those kitties. They couldn’t show more joyful happiness towards me if they wanted to. I didn’t even know if they would remember me, say nothing about the kitty love they poured out on me. It was quite a treat!
“I swear they cried when she came home. They slept on top of her at night to make sure she couldn’t get up and leave again.”
I’m picturing that and laughing so hard my sides hurt!
This chick Victoria is clueless when it comes to cats.
All of his teeth removed? That’s very sad. I guess all he can eat is soft food?
A kitty blanket!
I have four, but only one ever sleeps on top of me.
No she’s pretty quiet for a meezer.
Actually he eats both....this cat was basically on his own so vet said looked to him like he probably ate mice and birds as his muscles and bone structure were solid. His foot pads were calloused and one of the indicators the vet used as to how long he’d been on the streets.
He’s a tabby cat so very smart for a cat....which has been a pleasant surprise. But he’s not an attractive cat by any means...you can see his face has had many a fight wounds and one of his ears points the wrong direction....vet also said he had been hit by cars as he has nerve damage...
At any rate the cold snowy night I found him under my grill cover , all wet and pathetic looking...he just melted my heart so I brought him in without hesitation. Fed him tunafish and made a fluffy blanket bed for him until the next day when I bought everything a cat would love. Then off to the vet.
Because he was implanted they would not treat him...so I told the vet I wouldn’t tell anyone and gave my phone to the tracking company if someone called for him. Learned that because the owner left no current phone number nor address they forfeited their legal right to him if they did call. It’s been three years so he’s mine anyway.
I went past feeling sorry for him as he made it so easy to love him, as much as one can love an animal. He knows every sound I make ....I think he checks on me as much as I do him! Ha! And he’s such a gentleman cat....never demanding....just that sitting tall glare they can and do give you.
probably a part Amish cat.
...”He doesn’t have a broken heart anymore”....
That’s a perfect description!
....”Husband finally had to pee, but held it in as long as possible, because he didn’t want to disturb CAT ;-)”....
Why is it we don’t want to disturb them when they’re sleeping! I’ve been in an uncomfortable position but didn’t move...I mean they are just cats after all!
You are the best thing that ever happened to that cat. My male cat had a bad life before I got him.
He was rescued by an animal rescue friend of mine. Had one eye gouged out, a broken jaw, numerous injuries. When she found him, she immediately scooped him up and took him to the vet. A couple of thousand $$ later, she was looking for a home for him, and I KNEW I had to have him. I felt he needed me. I know I needed him. He has been with me for nine years now and is a totally wonderful pet. He may have to have more teeth pulled and I have wondered how he was going to eat very well. I’m encouraged now, after hearing your story.
Perfect on a cold winter’s night.
Sometimes,those ‘just cats’ are your loved-ones; and a touchstone to something - a value - more important than ‘just cats’ :-)
-JT
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