“You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals.”~- George Mikes-~
As I’ve mentioned before, I did not grow up with cats. I always thought I was simply a dog person because that’s what my family had when I was growing up.
But when I went away to college, I was adopted by a couple of cats. I’ve always known I’m an animal lover, but a cat owner? Until Einstein and Sneakers came along and adopted me, I never considered that I could have my own cats instead of just loving on those belonging to friends.
After Einstein and Sneakers, I didn’t have cats for a long time. Then Mr. Meow changed that and adopted me.
Tabby more or less adopted Murphy before she adopted us. But she made it clear from the get go that she would be perfectly happy having us as her humans.
As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. ~-Ellen Perry Berkeley-~
And now that I have a bit of cat experience under my belt, I’ve realized that a rumor I always heard about cats is true: you don’t adopt them, they adopt you.
Lately some friends of mine have also come to realize this. Cindy, our across the street neighbor, has been adopted by the new people’s cat, Cuddles, who moved in next door. And my friend Kim, who I used to work with in Phoenix, has a cat who’s trying desperately to get her to realize her and her dog Rusty are the family for him.
It was actually Kim telling me the story about her cat experience that made me come up with the following list for how to tell when you’ve been adopted by a cat.
10 Signs You’ve Been Adopted by a Cat
David Letterman-style, these are in reverse order, ending with the best for last.
10. The cat is always hanging around your house.
9. The cat prances to greet you when you come home or open the door to leave.
8. In inclement weather, the cat seeks shelter on your property.
7. If you leave a door open, the cat walks in.
6. If allowed inside and you leave your lap open, the cat claims it.
5. You start finding “presents” or “prizes” at your door of the mouse, lizard, or bird variety.
4. The cat does not permit other cats on your property.
3. The cat shows you affection whenever possible, either rubbing against your legs or demanding you pet him or her.
2. The cat follows you to the mailbox, on walks, around the yard while you’re gardening, etc.
And the number one way to tell you’ve been adopted by a cat…
1. The cat does all of the above and you’re not even setting out any food for her or him!
Courtney Mroch writes about animals great and small in Pets and the harmony and strife that encompasses married life in Marriage. For a full listing of her articles click here.
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