Do you think they know?

samantha1979

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Our cats. Do you think they have any idea how good they have it. I mean, the fact that they have homes, and are loved. I saw some dogs out by the interstate the other day. Two of them. They obviously weren't related, and were in their own little pack. I felt horrible seeing them out there living on their own. I know there are cats out there like that too. I don't see them often, but cats are good hiders like that.

It just made me think as my little furry babies lay in my lap purring, if they realize how good they have it. How lucky they are to be loved.

I know how lucky I am to have them.
 

danimarie

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My Lily DEFINITELY knows how good she has it.

She was abandoned by her previous owners, left outside, got pregnant and was just fending for herself eating whatever scraps anyone would give her, mainly living under old cars until we found her and took her in.

She is the most well-behaved out of all the cats, has never once scratched or bitten us for any reason, she's more loving toward us than the other cats, always ready for tons of affection and never does anything "naughty".

Everytime I feed her, she doesn't rush to the food like the other spoiled cats, she comes over and gives me kisses and rubs up on me purring BEFORE she goes to eat her food, even if she's real hungry.

I know she knows she's lucky our paths crossed.
And *I* am so lucky our paths crossed as well. I love her.



My other ones have no idea....
 

tnkittymom

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I believe the ones that have been on the other side are definitely more appreciative vs the ones that have grown up in loving homes since they were born. I say this because after 10+ years of animal rescue, I found that the animals who were abused, neglected, etc. were much more loving or clingy once they were well. I belive Reyah and Hera know how good they have it, but Lia (Thalia) and Teyah (Hecate) have no idea.
Not sure on Lucy (Lucina).
 

duchess15

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I know that the cats that were mistreated and have a loving nature usually know how good they have it. Our three persians are spoiled rotten and act like it.
Lexi, a stray, who found us, was malnurished, had a hematoma, and an oozing neck wound. She was very friendly, never ran off like a feral, and came running when you called her. How could a cat be so lovable and trusting after being so mistreated and abused? She knows how good she has it and is constantly wanting attention and food! She never bites anyone and will stay with anyone.
 

tarasgirl06

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You sure are right all the way along! I'm so thankful my nine are happy, healthy, and safe, too -- actually, cats are good hiders, but their numbers far eclipse those of dogs when it comes to the "euthanasia" stats annually. Abandonment is at record levels for such idiotic reasons as "having a baby", "new husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/whatever", "not enough time for", and the old standby, "allergic" (this last, often after having the cat for YEARS. If it was me, I'd go to the doctor and get the meds for "allergic". Or try the OTC's. Give up a beloved family member? NO WAY!!!) I don't think people here have any idea what the truth is with regard to cats, and many people want to stay in their own little world of denial and feel-good; I have friends who work in rescue and shelters, and we KNOW. So, yeah, everyone out there, if you love cats, ADOPT SOME.
 

mikex

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Originally Posted by Samantha1979

Our cats. Do you think they have any idea how good they have it. I mean, the fact that they have homes, and are loved.
Good question.

I think it depends on where the cat came from, but I certainly can't prove how they think. My Siamese girl I got from the humane society certainly seemed to know that I was interested in her since she came to me in the shelter so intent on going home with me. Then, after getting home, we had to get through worms, fleas, and eye infections. I was wondering if I had made a big mistake, but she always turned my thoughts around after coming to me and licking my earlobes saying thanks for rescuing me. It all worked out for the best and she seems to never forget what I did for her.

I dunno, who can really say what goes through their minds?

 

icklemiss21

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Having been around shelter animals, they definitely know how good they have it, maybe it is not as deep for cats that you have had since kittens, but I can definitely tell the love mine have for me and that is enough.
 
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samantha1979

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You know, maybe that's why mine are so lovable. I got them both from the shelter and they were over 8 months old. They had been there since they were kittens. No one wanted a black cat, and my tortie? I don't know why she wasn't taken. They told me after they got bigger, peope wanted "little kittens" not "teens". So then it was harder for them to be adopted. When I went in, I wanted a "little kitten" too, but they talked me into these. Was only going to get one, but didn't have the heart to separate the last two of the litter. Best thing I ever did. The "extra" one loves me more than any cat I have ever had in my ENTIRE life.
 

tarasgirl06

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How absolutely weird and bizarre that "no one wants" black cats -- I've always thought they are the most gorgeous of all cats, myself! And tortis? Well, just ask my Tarifa how many times a day I exclaim over her beauty!

Cat families DO have very deep bonds and, human arrogance and ignorance to the contrary, it is really cruel to separate cat family members, just as it is to separate human family members. Maybe someday most people will "get" that! I sure pray and hope so, anyway. I always try to keep siblings together, and sibs and mom together, when I've had the choice. They do love one another so!
 

frisk

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I believe Frisco knows he has it good.
His mother was a feral and he was born in the woods. He was injured and starving. Shortly after I captured him he realized I was helping him and became really affectionate and loving. I tried to take him outside one day (on harness and leash) to see if he'd like it and he grabbed onto the door frame and would not let go! So of course I brought him back inside and he started purring and being extremely affectionate as if to say "Oh thank you for not putting me back out in the woods, I never want to go back there again!".
 

tnkittymom

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Originally Posted by Tarasgirl06

Abandonment is at record levels for such idiotic reasons as "having a baby", "new husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance/whatever", "not enough time for", and the old standby, "allergic" (this last, often after having the cat for YEARS. If it was me, I'd go to the doctor and get the meds for "allergic". Or try the OTC's. Give up a beloved family member? NO WAY!!!) I don't think people here have any idea what the truth is with regard to cats, and many people want to stay in their own little world of denial and feel-good; I have friends who work in rescue and shelters, and we KNOW. So, yeah, everyone out there, if you love cats, ADOPT SOME.
Not trying to hijack the thread.
I agree with this. Working close with the shelter and doing a lot of rescue work over the years, I have seen that many times. The only thing that I do want to say in this is about the allergies. I suffer from allergies to certain cats, not all, but some. I've placed fosters that I had hoped to keep due to allergy problems, but these were at an extreme. When a person has gone to the doctor and nothing is working, then sometimes it is best to find another home, but it depends on the severity of it. I say that, because, 1) how are you fulfilling the social needs of the cat if you can't breathe around them or if your eyes swell shut and you can't see them...or 2) if you don't take care of yourself, then who will take care of your babies? Of course, I think people over-use that term "allergic". What kills me is that people will say that and they never even try anything other than maybe Benedryl. UGH!!! I think a lot of people use that term just so others will feel bad for them not because it's true.


I agree about the black cats. At our local shelter, black cats and torties are the hardest to find homes for. I just don't understand that, because I adore them. Lucy and Thalia are regular torties, and still haven't found a home, so they'll probably end up staying with us. Hera and Reyah are diluted torties and had no luck on being adopted. Hecate is a tortie-point, and could have found a home, but nope...can't allow that, she has a home here.
 

ladycat

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Originally Posted by Tarasgirl06

How absolutely weird and bizarre that "no one wants" black cats -- I've always thought they are the most gorgeous of all cats, myself! And tortis? Well, just ask my Tarifa how many times a day I exclaim over her beauty!

Cat families DO have very deep bonds and, human arrogance and ignorance to the contrary, it is really cruel to separate cat family members, just as it is to separate human family members. Maybe someday most people will "get" that! I sure pray and hope so, anyway. I always try to keep siblings together, and sibs and mom together, when I've had the choice. They do love one another so!
I agree about the black cats. Nuit was bout to get pts over the owners bf was allergic, however, I think she is just now starting to become grateful to me, she was with her mom since a kitten and at 7 suddenly was in 2 more homes in 2 weeks. Bentley was a stray from the shelter, I think he is grateful too. I have to say Ceasar though, he had been in 10 homes + the shelter but the time he was 1.5, I found him (was a neighbors cat , he was arrested) a month later his gf came to look for him and when came to my door as I was going to give him back he clung to me for his dear little life, so she said she'd come back in a few days she was going to rehome him again but wanted $, I gave her the 100 she wanted and he is so loving with me. I think Him & Zoey really get it. Zoey is darling & ever so loving, she could do no wrong in my eyes ! Jenny I've had since 7 months and she's only gratful when she has the room to herself or with her Bentley
 

tarasgirl06

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AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWww, Frisco is so handsome!!! and I'm very glad he has you to love and care for him and keep him safe -- I can tell you're a wonderful meowmy to him. THANK YOU for saving him and adopting him -- and btw, we're ALL animals! Yes, even humans! and I feel exactly the same way about all cats as you sound like you do. My Nine are the sunshines of my life, my beloved family members, and I love them dearly.

Thanks for sharing Frisco's inspiring story and gorgeous pictures -- he is one handsome mancat!
 

clairebear

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I agree that kitties who come from not so good situations, do tend to appreciate good care more than those who were brought up with good care.
 

sharky

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Kandie had a different appreciation for us... WE WERE staff


Zoey was a feral and then a shelter girl ... she knows and I think appreciates us for saving her ..

I am Gigi third or fourth home .... she is very clingy and bonded
 

krazy kat2

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All of mine are rescues, Pepper from the middle of the road after being hit and left there, Scooter was nearly flushed down a toilet, Fluffy was abandoned by a busy road, and Pearl was taken from an abusive home. They all seem very grateful to have a home. Fluffy is kind of a little Princess, but she was not out very long, and was not skinny or dirty. Pepper is very clingy, but she was a tiny, abandoned baby left to die, so she seems to know we saved her.
 

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Originally Posted by Samantha1979

You know, maybe that's why mine are so lovable. I got them both from the shelter and they were over 8 months old. They had been there since they were kittens. No one wanted a black cat, and my tortie? I don't know why she wasn't taken. They told me after they got bigger, peope wanted "little kittens" not "teens". So then it was harder for them to be adopted. When I went in, I wanted a "little kitten" too, but they talked me into these. Was only going to get one, but didn't have the heart to separate the last two of the litter. Best thing I ever did. The "extra" one loves me more than any cat I have ever had in my ENTIRE life.
I've heard back from people who I've helped select kitties....the "teens" who've grown up in cages are often the ones who are the most affectionate, the most appreciative of their lives.

Nobody here appreciates me.
I've had Twitch since she was 7 months, Lily since she was 2 months, Dorky since he was 10 months, Damita since she was 6 years, Molly since...well, for 9 months & I got her as an adult, Ophelia since she was 3.
 

mybabyphx

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I really think cats appreciate you if you've rescued them or something to that matter. If the cat is brought up in a loving home, and doesn't know any differently, then they really don't know how good they have it.

PHX is my pride and joy. I really love him.
I found him off of craigslist from this woman that had 7 cats and a couple dogs. She said she had 1 too many cats and decided to get rid of him. I was scared to take PHX. I figured there was something wrong with him, like peeing on stuff, aggression, or just something wrong! I get him home, and he's the perfect cat. He's never once done anything wrong, and he's always a snuggler wanting attention. Maybe, it's just because I gave him a great home- he's very spoiled! Whether or not he has processed what I've done with him.. I don't know really know for sure. I do think he appreciates what I do...
He gives back his appreciation in snuggles, head butts, and purrs in my ear.
 

cococat

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Originally Posted by mikex

Good question.

I think it depends on where the cat came from, but I certainly can't prove how they think. My Siamese girl I got from the humane society certainly seemed to know that I was interested in her since she came to me in the shelter so intent on going home with me. Then, after getting home, we had to get through worms, fleas, and eye infections. I was wondering if I had made a big mistake, but she always turned my thoughts around after coming to me and licking my earlobes saying thanks for rescuing me. It all worked out for the best and she seems to never forget what I did for her.

I dunno, who can really say what goes through their minds?

Mine current animals (all inside animals) have been pre-spoiled before coming to be spoiled rotten here. They seem to be happy, which is what matters most. They are all so very sweet.
I pray they never ever know any different, I never want them to experience a hard time. It makes me sad to think of all those out there without homes.
 

pandacat

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I think we have it better than they do. How can you go to sleep without a purring next to you, a head butt or a walk across you? They have the life but can you think what it would it be without them. I love their warm purring bodies. We have it much better than them, but I let them think they rule mel

I love all my furbabies.
 
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