Conference misery::feline_v1

1136.0. "A CAT IS FOR COMFORT" by SOFBAS::CAISSIE () Wed Feb 24 1988 11:58

    Recently, somewhat to everyone's surprise, cats pulled ahead of
    dogs in the American pet popularity polls.  One reason for this
    may simply be that we're all so much busier nowadays, and cats fit
    into our life-styles better.  Cats can be left alone all day - or
    even all weekend - with bowls of food and water.  They can attend
    to their own sanitary needs and even get their own exercise - by
    balancing along the curtain rods or chasing imaginary mice down
    the hall.
    
    All this independence is too much for some people, who resent the
    fact that cats make up their own minds about things.  Some people
    don't know what to make of this creature who doesn't even look up
    when we order her off the couch.
    
    Dogs will follow and obey their owners as they would a pack leader.
    This makes dogs feel guilty when they disobey.  A cat simply doesn't
    understand this awed humility.  She learns immediately that if we
    see her on the dinner table, we're going to shout and wave our arms.
    She doesn't stop walking on the table, she just gets down before
    we see her.  Cat haters interpret this behavior as sneaky, but to
    the cat it's merely a way to keep us from making disagreeably loud
    noises.
    
    Many think the solution is to "train" a cat.  This is tough, though,
    since cats aren't interested in learning tricks or obedience and
    don't need training in what comes naturally to them.  In fact, the
    lazier you are about disciplining your cat, the better.  A cat is
    ready for domestic life just as it comes from the package.  It doesn't
    need a lot of tinkering to make it suitable for human use. 
    
    Perhaps the only thing you must do to welcome your cat to your home
    is show it where the litter box is, much as you would show a guest
    the powder room.  Having welcomed your cat, you then have two choices.
    You can let the relationship stop there, or you can encourage intimacy.
    Cats are funny about intimacy, though.  While a dog is likely to
    adore you whether you want it to or not, a cat will decide either
    to love you and seek affection from you or to simply inhabit your
    house politely, offering and expecting no deep feeling.
    
    Some people feel that cats are basically cold and calculating. This
    isn't true, of course.  If you want affection from a cat, you must
    invite the cat to love you.  The best way to do this is to speak
    to the cat often and stroke her as much as possible.  Eye contact
    is also important.  When your cat looks at you, look back.  Then,
    half close your eyes slowly.  This is a feline caress.  If the cat
    answers you with her eyes, you have won her heart.
    
    Cats not only provide comfort, but it's been proven that pets lower
    blood pressure, lift depression, and speed convalescence.  Pets
    are better for us than brussels sprouts - and a lot more fun.
    
    Welcome the cat, then, the new all American pet.  It's an animal
    that needs little and offers much - and it's the only miracle drug
    that purrs.
                                               
    [Reprinted, without permission, from Good Housekeeping, March 1988]
    

    I've always known cats are the best - that's why I have 3.  What
    you should do to celebrate this fact is to get Brat a playmate!!
    
    Mary
    

    Due, I believe, to the fact that a cat (Polly) left a claw in my
    finger when I was about 6 (I probably deserved it), I always hated
    cats.  That was until I got one because my wife wanted one.  Now
    I wouldn't be without at least one (preferably two).  They are very
    endearing creatures.
    
    Gary

    but I sometimes think they are responsible for RAISING my blood
    presure,not lowering it.
    
    Deb

    I wouldn't be without one (actually two!)  They're the greatest!
    
    Erin

    RE .1
    
    Karen,
    
    I know about T.K. and Bandit (that makes two).  Who's the third?
    
    Sandi (Lightning's & DejaVu's mom)
    
    

    Re: .6
    Cinamon is visiting.
    
    (other) Karen