Joy and sorrow
This entry was inspired by Starlight42 who reminded me how deeply I feel about my cats.
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My mother once told me (before I was married) that I would get rid of my cats if I fell in love with a man and he lived in a country like England where there is a 6 month quarantine for animals entering the country. Her point was that I would choose the man over the cats. I told her that she was wrong. And I proved to be right.
I married a man who didn't like cats particularly. He's actually more of a dog person. He had a dog growing up. He hasn't owned an indoor animal ever - before now. Boy has he changed! We've been married for 2 years now and we have 4 cats in the house. He is very partial to the grand dame, Zoe. Actually, he absolutely adores Zoe. He talks baby talk to her. (He calls her his 'boo boo kitty'.) He misses her when he's at work. He gets miffed if she doesn't want to be held and loved on. My husband is amazed at how much he has changed. I'm not. Cats have that effect on you.
I got my first cat when I was 12. My parents took my sister and I to the pound. My sister picked out a puppy and I picked out a kitten. I named him Frisky. He was black and white and very sweet. When I would lay on the living room carpet to watch television, I would lay my long hair out behind me. Frisky would lie down on my hair and flex his paws in my hair, gently carressing my face. I have many fond memories of Frisky.
I've had many cats since Frisky. Forty to be exact. I presently have 30 cats. I have a very large walk-in cage in the backyard. They are all domestic cats that were abandoned or born to a feral mother. Every one of them have a name and unique personality. I never intended to have so many cats. There are so many needy animals in this world. Some people adopt children. I adopt cats. I do what I can for them. I get them their shots every year and they are all spayed or neutered. I make sure they have plenty of good food and fresh water. They are warm in the winter and safe year-round. I love them all and they know it.
Maybe I love cats too much! I do, but I hardly think that is a bad thing. I have experienced much joy as a result of loving cats. There has been much sorrow along with the joy. Holding a cat/friend/baby, (they are all this and more), while they are dying is both an honor and heart- wrenching. I would not give up one single moment of the joy or the sorrow. Caring for cats continues to be one of the most worthwhile endeavors I have undertaken.
4-5-03@8:49 p.m.