50plus-Club forum for seniors and for everyone over 50

[aricia656offline]

As a cat addict I firmly believe that cats are more intelligent than dogs and are more rewarding to live with. Anybody agree??

[Graham1offline]

I certainly agree. I have 4 cats and it amazes me how they understand things.
In a walk-in cupboard in the kitchen I keep the cat food which they love! I also keep the ironing board in there and they hate it!
When I go to the cupboard to get their food they come to me but when i go to get the ironing board they disappear! Even at their meal times! How do they know? Are they reading my mind or picking up body language?

[aricia656offline]

No idea Graham but I use words with my cats and I am building up a vocabulary. They now know the words - Food - Walkies (a trip into the garden)
- Whiskas - Fish - Sticks (treats) - Off!! (the furniture) - Birdies - and last but not least - Bedtime!!! If they are feeling cooperative I get a mad rush like I'm the Pied Piper, and if they are not feeling cooperative they start playing around and going in all directions, and rounding them up can be exhausting, especially late night. Of course they all know their names too, and the names of each other, especially when being told off for something, and will give each other withering little looks that say I am difficult to live with! Dogs can be lovely and cuddly but they aren't half as calculating.

[faroucheqcoffline]

I agree with you all. Cats are very intelligent. They are also independent which is fine by me. My cat, Kira knows if I am feeling a little under the weather and will come rushing, meowing and cuddle while she purrs. Lifts my spirit up immediately. She talks back to me when I ask her a question. If I just make a comment, she'll just look at me, but if I place a question mark, she'll meow at me. Sooo funny. A great companion, she is. My daughter gave her to me when she left home to live on her own. Nicest gift I've ever had!

[aricia656offline]

Hi there again!
This might amuse you all. Before my present three cats I had two brothers. They came from an RSPCA centre at the age of three having been evicted on the birth of a new baby, and had to get used to me and my quirky little ways. Being a single girl, I talked to them all the time, and always said "goodbye" when I went out and "hello" when I came back in again. I didn't think any more of this until one day one of them started to do the same thing! He would pause by the cat flap until he had my full attention and miaow before disappearing outside. Then he would do the same thing coming back in so I always knew when he had come back. The quiet one remained silent and rarely said anything.
Another occasion I arrived home from work carrying briefcase, and before I had even put it down, I bent down to inspect the new cat flap that had just been fitted. The carpenter sat there proudly showing me his work, so I pushed it to see how it worked, but nothing happened. So I pushed it again and it just wouldn't budge. Then we saw the feline face on the other side, and he was trying it out too, pushing back !!
There were many times when laughter prevailed and I miss them very much.

[Rupertbearoffline]

Hi Aricia

Yes I agree. I used to have six cats but am now down to one. She's a little old 11-year old grey Tabby called Doodie. Cats ore always the favourite of artists and thinkers, and have always been hated by dictators and (usually) mach men, because cats will never give up their self respect and sense of self possession. I came across a lovely saying on a greeting card the other day: 'If cats could talk ... they wouldn't'.

I'd love to hear more about your cats - and from any other cat fans out there

Regards

Rupertbear (UK)

[Humour1955offline]

When my husband passed away from cancer, nine years ago, I got my daughter a Tabi cat (Shelby), my son a Tabi cat (Oreo), and myself a Calico (Star) from the Humane Society. It is amazing how much love each cat has given us throughtout the years. They actually check up on you to see if you are okay. They know when you are feeling sad or lonely, and will cuddle up to you.

I actually play volleyball with my cat, Star. Star will be at the top of the stairs, while I will be at the bottom. I then throw a fluffy ball up to her, and she will go on her hind paws, raise up, and proceed to hit the ball back to me with her front paws. We do this back and forth.

When I come home, I will find Star running down the stairs, all excited to greet me. She will raise herself up to let me know she wants me to stroke her.

All three cats share their food and make sure each one gets a fair share.

Cats give so much love and affection. They helped us in our grief journey. My daughter is now 21, and lives in Toronto...I baby-sit her cat, Shelby (who now weighs 20 lbs....wow, what a fat cat...even though he is on diet cat food). My son is now 15, and always has his cat, Oreo, on his lap while he is playing video games online with his friends. He named her Oreo, as her markings look like an oreo cookie on her back.

We love our cats. Thanks for sharing all your stories...they are delightful. Thanks for taking the time to read mine.