The Great Cat Compromise
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THE MID-1990S found me in my mid-30s living with many cats in a converted chicken house on mom and dad's property. We'd lived there off and on over the years. During this latest stint, I was recovering from tough life lessons, heart-broken, disillusioned and financially, mentally ¬and spiritually bankrupt. We lived an idyllic, if rustic life there for a couple years. Mom helped me care for the cats. With her typical open-arm policy, she embraced and loved them wholeheartedly, in lieu of any grandchildr¬en I might have owed her.
     In the late 1990s, her health began a downward spiral and I felt the winds of change. I asked myself, "What will I do with all these cats if I have to move?" Finding a landlord to rent to someone with even one cat is impossible enough, let alone a houseful. Getting rid of them was out of the question. Each is a beloved friend and irreplaceable member of my family.

1 - THE HOUSE
2 - The Compromise
3 - MULTI-TASKING


4 - UPS and DOWNS

     I love all animals (including people) but cats are the most beautiful and intriguing creatures on earth. What I like about living with so many cats is the company. I enjoy the constant interaction and activity in the house. Taking care of them, feeding and cleaning up after them is a labor of love.

     I love the spectrum of personalities and behavior and the variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Observing their idiosyncrasies and rituals is fascinating as is seeing how they interact with each other. They can be loving, charming, mystical, funny, mischievous, affectionate, generous, athletic and graceful. They can also be jealous, spiteful, petty, greedy, cranky, clumsy, neurotic and unreasonable. But most impressive is their dignity. They keep that at all costs, and I can't help but respect it and wish to do all in my power to help preserve it.

     Another thing I love about living with so many cats is not worrying about the little "bumps in the night." If there is a strange noise, I can say, "Oh, it's just the cats," roll over and go back to sleep. The noises they make are amazing. One single cat can sound like a person going up or down the stairs. Cecilia alone sounds like a whole crowd of people!

     The expense of living with 20+ cats is stressful. They get Science Diet dry cat food. Those with digestive or dental trouble (four at the moment) get the canned variety. Though it's expensive, the cats like it more, feel better and have more energy. The pet store owner gives me a discount. At six bags a month, this helps tremendously, but still puts a sizable dent in my modest $6.25 an hour salary!

     Another way to save money is to administer distemper and leukemia shots myself. My vet sells them to me practically at cost. State law requires him to administer rabies shots, but he charges a bare minimum.

next: pt5 - 911

 
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Epistle – stories & essays