Ornery cats find a niche

Associated Press ^ | 10/22/2017

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Gary wasn't used to being around people. He didn't like being touched, or even looked at. If anyone came too close, he'd lash out.

He was perfect for the job. Because at the "Working Cats" program, no manners is no problem.

Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team established the program about four years ago to place unadoptable cats - the biters and the skittish, the swatters and the ones who won't use a litter box - into jobs as mousers at barns or stables.

The shelter recently expanded the program to move cats that were less-than-ideal pets into urban jobs at places like factories and warehouses as a sort of green pest control.

[Jamestown1630]

They are fascinating and very comforting to have around.

[adorno]

Cats not like dogs?

Dusty (now dead, 2 months ago, cloudy lungs; diagnosis cancer), would oftentimes greet me or my wife waiting by the window and would then walk to the door as we walked in, wanting to be picked up.

He would often jump on my computer desk, looking for attention and often “requesting” to be fed. When it was bedtime, he knew and was the first one upstairs, climbing into bed before us.

We have another cat, and a 12 pound dog. When Dusty was around, he commanded respect from Nugget, our dog. The other cat was/is a pushover, and lets Nugget junk and walk all over him. Dusty would have none of that, and Nugget knew to keep his distance from Dusty.

When it was time to say good buy, Dusty let us know, and looked at us sadly, as if wanting to let us know that his time was up; we HAD to put him to “sleep”. I don’t think we can ever get another cat like Dusty, who was more of a companion than most dogs could ever be.

[boatbums]

I like dogs but I LOVE cats. Right now I catsit for a number of people in my building and each kitty is unique. I really enjoy getting to know each one and what they like or don't like. Some have been standoffish at first, but usually come around after a few days or visits. Others are sweet and affectionate from almost the minute I meet them. I've noticed that the red tabbies seem to be the friendliest - males or females.

I grieve with you for your loss. When you think of Dusty you will remember the great life you gave him and the love and joy he gave you in return. There will never be another Dusty, that's for sure, but I hope you will open your heart again to offer another kitty the chance to help you heal and develop into the great buddy we know they have the ability to be.

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[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL
Oh, how cute!
One is all I can handle right now!

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[MS.BEHAVIN]

This is the cutest photo of a kitten
that I've ever seen!
The timing is perfect!

[radu]

ROTFLMBO! That is too cute!!

It hasn’t been long since we had much smaller pile of behbehs that age here. Our four little darlings are now almost old enough to be spayed. With 42 cats, the last thing we need is ANOTHER litter. LOL

[boatbums]

Luv it! Kinda hard to beat little kittehs in the cute department.

We were in Key West one time and this scruffy guy was sitting at the outdoor bar holding a little kitten. Talk about “chick magnet”! Something tells me he knew all about that weakness. :o)

[radu]

I hope I didn’t wake Hubby when I guffawed. The look on that lil feller’s face is priceless! LOL

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I know, he’s so darn cute!
Maybe we should tell Luv to look at it.
He’s a ginger kitteh after all!

[radu]

Yep, I agree. LUV needs to check out post #49. She’ll love it too!

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[MS.BEHAVIN]

LOL!
Too funny!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I's doin da dishes!

[radu]

Boy, is THAT ever a familiar scene. LOL! It's a constant here.

Ever try to herd cats? It's easier said than done.

[radu]

Kitteh likes water a little too much. LOL!

[luvie]

Love that! LOL!

Here is my Peaches....

I dare you to cross that line, dude!