Cats can do good things

[Planogirl]

A nice article from Purina's website, Petcentric.com:

The Underrated Cat
If there is anything predictable about cats, it’s their unpredictability. Cats are multi-dimensional, mysterious creatures who will always defy whatever reputation people believe of them. Say they’re aloof, you’ll find kitties who are extremely affectionate. Say they are solitary by nature, you’ll find clusters of inseparable friends. Say they do only what pleases them, you’ll find cats who have regularly tend to others’ needs.

It’s not surprising, with their reputation, that we don’t hear more about the services they provide to other pets and people. There are no schools we know of that teach cats how to perform helpful tasks, as there are for dogs. Cats that rise to the occasion to become service animals are generally not taught to do the job. They understand there is a need, and they fill it.

Cats have been known to become “seeing-eye cats,” not for people, but for other pets in the house. Cats seem to know when one of their furry friends, be it cat or dog, has lost his vision, and they take on the job of guiding the blind animal through life. One of the most beautiful stories of this can be found on The Daily Mews. Mary, an old Pug had gone completely blind in both eyes. The owners noticed that their rescued kitty, Mancat was unusually devoted to Mary, always at her side. They realized Mancat was guiding the blind dog around furniture, up the stairs, even guarding her food bowl so the other dogs wouldn’t take advantage. Mancat was Mary’s self-appointed guide cat for the rest of her life.

Some cats have become “hearing cats” for their deaf owners. Though never trained, nor asked to perform these services, some cats can alert the deaf to the doorbell ringing, a fire alarm going off, or a baby crying in the next room.

Cats often have a very strong bond with their owners, and a desire to protect them from harm. Many cats have alerted their sleeping owners to a fire, gas leak or other imminent danger. Cats have even been known to risk their lives fighting off another animal to protect their owner.

But the most common, and official, service job cats have is as therapy cats. Cats with that special “I love everyone and everyone must love me” personality are perfect for the job and they perform an extraordinary service. Cats regularly visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools for the disabled to bring comfort and even joy to the people who need it most.

The practice of having companion animals in a nursing home is called The Eden Alternative, which was developed by Dr. Bill Thomas in 1990. He found a remarkable difference in the health of nursing home residents once cats came to live with them. In one specific instance, the residents experienced a 50% drop in infection rates. Even more remarkable, there were 25% fewer deaths than at a similar facility that did not have resident cats. While this is just one example in one facility and results this dramatic may not always hold true, it does help us understand the impact animals can have on our health.

Cats are remarkable individuals, incredibly diverse in their personalities and abilities. They are often the quiet, self-appointed helpers and indispensable companions of the person or pet who needs them most.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Great article, thanks for postin' it.
I love cats.

 

[Robinrs]

Man, I could've written that article.

I had a cat who totally mended my broken heart over and over. He was a kitten who showed up at from front door one year before I had and lost my first child. He totally became my "child", never ever grew up, was a baby more than a kitten, just filled my heart with unrequited love. When he became old and very ill, I found another kitten who came to live with us and followed him wherever he went. She learned to do all of the things he did for me so by the time he lost his fight with cancer she took over.

They are God's little ways of telling us He loves us.

I love my furbabies.

 

[wdwmom2]

Yep, cats sure can do great things. Right now my 2 cats are holding down the couch so that it doesn't float way !!

 

[Planogirl]

Yep, cats sure can do great things. Right now my 2 cats are holding down the couch so that it doesn't float way !!

I bet that they would attempt to rescue that couch in the event of fire though.

Seriously, I think that cats often get undeserved reputations for being cold and distant. I honestly believe that cats really live with people because they like them. Cats are so self-sufficient in the wild that they really don't have a need for care. Even if it's nice to get.

 

[wdwmom2]

I bet that they would attempt to rescue that couch in the event of fire though.

Nope, they would probably just sing, "Burn, baby burn" as they ran to lay on my bed!!!!

 

[Robinrs]

Nope, they would probably just sing, "Burn, baby burn" as they ran to lay on my bed!!!!

Yep, I have two of those, too... both boys, totally USELESS. But I love them too, they give me hours of great film!

 

[wdwmom2]

Yep, I have two of those, too... both boys, totally USELESS. But I love them too, they give me hours of great film!

Yep, I decided when I die, I want to come back as one of my cats(with an owner like me who spoils them). My only responsibility would be to eat expensive, all natural catfood, sleep, poop, eat, sleep, poop.....it's a vicious cycle I tell ya!!!!

 

[Planogirl]

Yep, I decided when I die, I want to come back as one of my cats(with an owner like me who spoils them). My only responsibility would be to eat expensive, all natural catfood, sleep, poop, eat, sleep, poop.....it's a vicious cycle I tell ya!!!!

Don't forget bathing! Can any animal have more fun giving itself a bath?

 

[goudaman40]

As you can see from my signature, my little kitty always makes sure I have warm towels with white fur on them to use after my showers!

We have also taught her (well, we think she got bored and just gave in to us) how to walk on a lease and sit for her treats.