Kitty's Mewsings

These cartoons were created by Ro, a special friend of mine from Brazil. You can see more of her very nice work at
Meia's Home Page.

The cat is in essence a perfect animal - one of nature's designs that works supremely well: it look good, functions precisely, owes nothing to anyone, gives much and demands little. Quintessentially aware, it is always finely "tuned-in" to the world about it. All felines have the stamp of innate aristocracy. The domestic cat's family tree boasts the most cunning, subtle, dangerous, handsome and valiant mammals on this planet. Your pet is quite docile compared to a puma, but unlike other domesticated animals such as the dog, it has an independent streak that smacks of its wild past. Indeed, the cat was tamed much later than other domestic beasts. Its inclination is never to fawn or creep - if you want an obedient servant as a pet you shouldn't choose a cat; pick dog instead.

Here are some more words of wisdom from the same book:

Unlike dogs, cats don't take lightly to being "owned" - their individuality is never up for grabs. For a good relationship with your cat you shouldn't treat it as a possession. Instead try to see it as a sojourner in your household, choosing to spend its time with you and asking nothing in return apart from a modest supply of food and drink.

A cat's affection has to be won - unlike a dog, it won't remain with a poor owner out of a misguided sense of loyalty. On the other hand, a cat will recognize an understanding, appreciative owner and respond with affection and respect. In order to get the best out of your feline friend you must understand its nature and behave toward your household companion accordingly.

Here is another quote from a book. The book is entitled The Touch by F. Paul Wilson, a work of fiction. The subject of the book is not cats, but my human was touched by this poignant passage about how some humans treat their pets:

On the way to the veterinary clinic, she had told him of people who moved away and simply abondoned their pets, leaving a faithful animal sitting at the back door of an empty house, waiting for days to be let in. Finally, when hunger and thirst got to be too much, the creature would take to the streets, ill-equipped to fend for itself after a lifetime as a house pet.

How sad.

From How to Live With a Cat by Stephen Baker:

Kittens are born with their eyes shut. They open them in about six days, take a look around, then close them again for the better part of their lives.

The Miracle of Life...

"Come quick, come quick", their mother said "The time is getting near"
She feels that when the kittens come the children should be here.
She told them that a big orange Tom took "Kitty" as his wife
"It's wonderful, a gift from God, the miracle of life"
At half a year young "Kitty" feels too painful and too scared
to appreciate six miracles, blind-eyed and yellow haired.
But she knows these lives depend on her and nature tells her how
and as she cleans them, children ask "Mom, can we go now?"
But now and then for six more weeks the children visit her
to play with six new magic toys made of life and fur.
The six weeks pass, the newness gone and new homes yet unfound,
Mom bundles up six miracles and takes them to the pound,
Where lovingly, with gentle hands and no tears left to cry,
the shelter workers kiss them once and take them off to die.
And "Momma Kitty" now shes called mourns her loss and then,
she's put outside, and of course, she's pregnant once again.
Dad tells "Kitty" STOP THIS NOW or you wont live here long!
but deep inside of Momma Cat, this time something's wrong.
Too young, too small, too often bred now nature's gone awry,
Momma Kitty feels it too and she crawls off to die.
She too is freed from this cruel world, and from her time of strife.
How harsh the truth, how high the price this "Miracle of Life"?

Barry Taylor, DVM

A Prayer for all the Street Kitties

From kittenhood you lived your life upon unforgiving streets,
Tough existence for a cat, though you never asked for peace,
And now all I can offer you is the needle's final peace.

Think of a world where every litter's planned,
Where every cat is wanted in every town and land,
Why are so many homeless? It's hard to understand

Why every shelter in the land is full of surplus cats and strays,
Praying for adoption within their seven days,
Accusing us of negligence in each compelling feline gaze.

If I took you to a shelter you wouldn't stand a chance
When even cuddly kitties don't get a second glance;
And you just growl and hiss and spit while they all purr and prance.

I hope the goddess understands why I cannot offer more,
Than a filling bowl of cat food placed outside my door,
And a blanket in the garage so you can rest your weary paws.

You are too wild a spirit to live inside with me,
You need my protection, but you still need to be free,
To neuter and to nurture, that is my responsibility.

And now you're old the time has come to bring you final rest,
That you let me pick you up at last, I feel that I am blessed,
Though I know it's just because you're too weak to resist.

I pray that God has mercy on me and will understand,
That for his wild creature I've done the best I can,
And loved you from a distance, my wild street kitty friend.

For all the other kitties that live upon the street,
I pray someone will neuter them and give them food to eat,
And a helping hand right at the end to ease them into sleep.

S. L. Smith

Alone

I'm an animal who was left to roam,
Cast aside and left alone.
I have no choice what humans will do,
Turning me away, and leaving me blue.

The choice wasn't mine when I was born.
Nor to be tossed out hungry and worn.
If I'm lucky a shelter I'll find,
Where hands are loving, and hearts are kind.

Maybe they'll find someone out there,
Who'll give me love, and show they care.
I've found a shelter I'll wait awhile,
Til someone stops with a friendly smile.

My gate is open they're taking me away,
I found a new home where I'll forever stay.
I look at my friends I'm leaving behind,
Hoping it's their turn the next time.

To all the humans who have a kind heart,
Open it up, and do your part,
Give to a shelter, they can't do it alone,
To give all my friends a happy home.

Juanita M. Cole

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