Cats can be dear friends. Cats can be pests. A cat was the first domesticated animal I met as a toddler, and it was a female who was soon delivered of four or five kittens. I have always suspected she took me on as a big slow-witted kitten along with her brood. I payed close attention and developed good cat etiquette without knowing it. Ever since, when I meet cats, they see that I was well brought up from a cat's point of view. Alas, mama cat was killed in traffic soon after her kittens were placed. I then grew up with a much beloved Springer/Cocker mix dog, who deserves his own post, a wonderful guy who lived about 15 years, a powerful little guy with fire in his heart and joy in his soul. But a cat got to me first, and cats have always been an easier fit for my habits and ways of life. I'm quiet and meditative, and not quite kinetic or loud enough for dogs, love them though I do. Though I still have George's photo on the wall, the dog. Many cat photos too. I can't even imagine growing out without animals. It is an impossible thought.
