• Featured Links

Pet of the Week

These are two kitties that were saved, brought to a cat shelter, and adopted out to fine homes! It's easy to get your pet into the Pet of the Week feature - here is what you need to do!

Well, I THOUGHT I Chose The Cat

Once upon a time, actually about 5-1/2 years ago, I decided to get a cat. I had recently lost my husband and my beloved corgi had passed away as well. So a cat it was going to be. And not just any cat. I wanted a really big Maine Coon Cat. I searched and searched and found my cat in a classified ad. He had been abandoned. All 25 pounds of him was looking for a home. I paid the adoption fee, I brought him home, and was thrilled at my good fortune.

Shoot forward three or four weeks (the time you need to give a cat to adapt, although it can take much longer but that is another topic for another day). You would think I would have a wonderful home with an affectionate cat winding lovingly between my ankles and purring upon my approach as I scratched his oh-so-royal chins.

No way. Patch hated me. He despised me in fact. He wouldn’t even look at me, let alone purr. Our relationship did progress however. To growling.

He would growl with a terrible menace. And then Patch starting making a new sound. Whenever I picked him up or sat down on the sofa with him, he did this growling/howling thing. I dismissed this off to my mother while on the telephone, as being a tornado siren. I’m not kidding.

I tried everything. I have been around cats all my life and I have never had one take such a dislike to me. And I couldn’t figure out why. I never did. I don’t think there is an answer why. I think cats like who they like. It can be a risk getting a cat; you can’t guarantee the cat is going to feel the same way about you. They say that a dog is the only love money can buy. It may be true because you sure can’t buy the love of a cat.

I wish I could give you some magic potion that would make a given cat fall crazy in love with a given person, but there just isn’t such a thing. Just like people, cats have their own minds and will love those they please to love. I have since had cats fall in love with me to the point they have always been underfoot, on my lap, under my blankets… well, virtually everywhere except the shower.

If you do wish to earn a cat’s love, you can however, tilt the odds a bit in your direction. How? Have the cat pick you!

• If you are buying a purebred from a breeder, spend some time with the litter you will be choosing a kitten from and follow the kitten’s judgment, if one seems particularly interested in you.
• If you are getting a kitten from a cat shelter (congratulate yourself first, because that is doing a great service), spend time and narrow your hunt down to two or three cats. Talk to the owner of the shelter and ask if you can visit those kittens or cats for a few days to determine which is the best match for you. I am willing to bet that the owner or manager of the shelter will be happy to see your commitment and will give you that time. The whole goal of a shelter is matching the right cat to the right person.
• If you get a kitten or cat as a gift, you will have to resort to the time honored traditions of giving treats, cat nip, extra lovings, and pray for the best. It is out of your control as far as kitty’s preferences go; all you can do is be the best friend you know how to be and let it work itself out. Hopefully you won’t have a Patch!

Cat ownership is a rewarding experience and it is a whole lot of fun!! Don’t let what I say discourage you. Instead use it as knowledge that you might have to hunt a bit further to find the cat that is also out there, looking for you!

Did Your Cat Choose You?

Comments