A newbie with a confession

[DanceMuse]

Hi everyone! I hope this isn't too long. My name is Carla, and my boyfriend and I are proud to include three cats in our family.

I've been "lurking" here for a week or so, just to get the hang of this place--but Dawnofsierra's kind message convinced me to introduce myself.

Yes, I do have a confession. Up until Jan. 19, 2005, I was an avowed "dog person." I grew up with dogs I loved and cats that I--well, didn't love. My step-mom's cats were old, and just a little on the cranky side. (One was also fond of biting a sleeping person's toes. Hard.)

I lived in blissful ignorance for a long time. But, when my animal-loving boyfriend (I, too, am an animal lover, but he's thinking-about-working-in-a-zoo-passionate) started begging for a cat (we're not allowed to have dogs in our apartment), my heart began to soften. Then I met two separate friends' cats, who were absolute dolls. I agreed to look for one--only one!--cat.

After an exhaustive two-day search, we met our match at a Petco branch that hosts cats from the Pennsylvania SPCA. Mellow and a bit reserved at the adoption center, we soon realized that this boy is a smart, loving, somewhat mischievous sweetheart. I had read multiple articles about introducing a cat to his new home--keep in one room for 5 days or more, etc. Ziv made it clear almost immediately that he would have none of that. He slept in our bed the first night! Here he is, our handsome Ziv:



I fell head-over-heels for him, and for all cats thereafter. After about a month, I started to think...maybe Ziv would like a playmate. He obviously loved our company already, but we both work...

That's how Eva came into our lives, this time through a great rescue organization run by two sweet ladies. Eva was nothing like Ziv: She was tiny and fearful, and didn't want to come out of her hiding spot. But, when petted along her back, she would raise her hindquarters to get an extra scratching right over her hips. We brought her home, and she wouldn't come out of the carrier for almost 24 hours, poor thing. Ziv knew she was there (we had her in the bathroom), and he ached to meet her. Eventually, we allowed him to sniff around her, and I think he's the one who coaxed her out. He was very gentle with her for the first few days--then he decided he wanted a playmate, so the chasing began. I think it was good for her--he is sort of a rough-and-tumble older brother. She can still be very timid, but she just loves to cuddle on the couch or at night. In fact, she insists on it! So, here is Little Eva, in her favorite spot (our bed):



And here they are on their condo. Eva's a little hard to see--her coat just absorbs light!



Last night, the final member of our family came to stay--we adopted Chesty from the same place where we found Ziv. Since he's so new, I don't have a photo yet, but I will post one soon. In the meantime, if you can imagine Eva (at just under 7 pounds) magnified to about 12 pounds, you've got Chesty (it's really amazing how much he looks like her). So far, Chesty is extremely cuddly--more so than either of the other (fairly cuddly) cats. He clearly loves people and craves human attention. He also loves to explore. After a visit to the vet today, I hope to introduce him to the others soon. I think he and Ziv will be a good match. Though Eva has become very playful, I think Chesty will give Ziv a run for his money. I'll let you know how it works out!

PS--Since these were all adopted cats, we're not sure of their ages. Ziv is around 2 years, probably; Eva is about 10 months, we think; Chesty is anywhere over 1 year.

[Grapegal45]

I loved your story as it is very similar to mine only that I did love kitties when I was a girl but then rather grew out of that (probably 'cause we didn't have kitties) and then for years had nothing to do with cats. We became dog lovers (My husband has always loved dogs) and I also became allergic to cats....but then the allergies to cats left and then two summers ago we saw a Humane Society ad on tv, lots of kitties needing homes and I asked my husband (fully expecting a "No."), "What do you think of getting a kitten?" He said, sure and that was that! We have 3 kitties (started with one and then added) and I just love them so much....I totally became a Cat Lover again...and boy do I love and spoil my kitties! I still love dogs but I REALLY love cats! I loved your story and welcome to the Cat Site! You will love it! I've learned so much!

[valanhb]

Welcome to the site Carla!! No worries about being a reformed-cat lover. I'm one myself. I grew up with dogs and thought they were the best...until I met my two kitties. Ziv and Eva both look so happy in those pictures, and I have no doubt Chester will soon be an integral part of the family too.

[fwan]

aww congrats!!
Welcome to TCS

[clixpix]

Great story! I'm glad you got in touch with your "inner cat lover"! Your kits sound great, and, I'm sure, much spoiled!

Welcome to TCS!

[babygirl]

Great story, welcome to the site!

[batgirl2good]

I used to HATE cats. I was mainly scared of them. Then, in 2000, I made a friend who had a cat. I fell in love and adopted 2 cats in June of that year. They'll be 5 in April!
welcome!!! My name is Bobbie.

[Yosemite]

What a beautiful story. I am a true animal lover too and although I love dogs I have no desire to have one. Cats on the other hand are my passion. As you can see from my signature, Bijou has us wrapped around his paw, especially my husband.

Your cats are beautiful and must bring much joy into your life.

PS - Welcome to thecatsite.

[sashacat421]

What a great story and introduction. I've had kitties all my life, and collies when I was younger, growing up in Maryland. Welcome! And don't lurk, just jump in.

[CoolCat]

Hi & welcome to TCS!!!!

[misstorri]

Hi Carla,and welcome.When I met my boyfriend I found out he was an avid lover of siberian huskeys having grown up with them.I of course already had two cats.My cat Kaya absolutley fell in love with him and he had no choice but to fall in love back.Now we have 4 cats and Im trying to convince him to get another,it might not work but at least our boys have converted him to a full fledged cat lover!

[vespacat]

Hi Carla and kitties!

Wow, what a fantastic story - it's great to hear how you've done a total 360 in your thinking about cats - funny how once you get to know a couple of really awesome cats that can change so much.

Your kitties are amazing, and though I may be partial to purebreds, I love all cats, especially black kitties (my first looked just like Eva).

Hope to see you around the forums!

Jenn, Mik & Lex (the Russian Blue crew)