Cats, why did I get them?

Cats, cats, everywhere I see cats.  They peek out from behind the curtain.  Their swishing tails are all I can see when I look at the bed (they are under the bedspread).  I see ears peeking above the table.  Fur is everywhere.  Dander is everywhere.  Why did I choose to get cats?  These thoughts often cross my mind, especially when I am cleaning up a mess they made or changing the litter boxes.  Why, oh why, did I think cats would make good pets?

"Hey, get out of there, you've already had lunch!
Microsoft Office-Public Domain

Then, as I sit in the living room chair and feel tears crawl down my cheeks because of something sad that happened that day, a small furry creature crawls into my lap and begins to purr without so much as an acknowledgement from me that they are there.  Soon, they are sitting up and rubbing their head against my cheek.  Then they are tapping me gently with their paw (no claws).  Then they look me in the eyes and I melt.  I pet them, they purr, and I feel better!

Hmmmmph, how do they read me that way?  How do they know?  Are cats the only ones who can do that?  I know that dogs can sense when there is trouble, but most of them just go lie down somewhere out of the way until the air clears.  Once or twice a real attentive dog will come looking for pets.  But they only stay long enough to get the pet and then they go lay down somewhere content with their life.  Cats will remain for as long as you will allow them, sometimes longer since they are stubborn.  Cats seem to know that you need them. 

Am I biased?  Perhaps, but if you talk to a real cat lover (like me) you will see that I’m not alone.  Although cats are individualized, picky, spoiled brats, demanding, pushy, and, at times, crazy; they are still one of the most emotionally sensitive creatures I have ever met.  I have had many pets in my life including a skunk (would like one of them again), ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks.  Cats rule them all!  Cats will fight for you (well for them really because you provide their food).  Cats will defend their territory (because they know when they have it good).  Cats will thank you for the attention (because they love their pets and want more).  And cats will take over your house; and your heart! 

Does that make me a crazy cat lady?  Yeah, I guess it does.  But I bet I’m not alone! 

Here’s to all the crazy cat ladies, and men, in the world!!!