second draft, still a work in progress i think.

Nichole Jackson
September 29, 2009
Mrs. Aiken – English 1101
Cats: Love, Laziness, and Learning
Having cats has been an enriching experience for me. It seems as though people either love cats or hate them; there is not much in between. I am definitely on the ‘love’ side of the argument, as many know I have three cats and adore them. The experience of having cats is a unique one that many have not experienced, and teaches one a lot about responsibility and love. Karen Brademeyer once said: “Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?” This is very true, and I feel that having cats has definitely taught me to take a break and enjoy just lying around and doing what they do sometimes: a whole lot of nothing.
My personal experience with cats has been a good one. Sure, they have their downfalls every now and again. I know I’ve had my share of frustrations stemming from my furry friends lying across my laptop and schoolbooks while I’m trying to finish important homework. I’ve had the lovely surprise of waking up to spot cat vomit on the newly vacuumed carpet. I have also been perpetually adorned with cat scratches fairly consistently for the past few years. Still, my cats are a great source of joy in my life and I would not trade their company for anything… even a clean carpet and finished homework.
Each cat has their own personality, much like humans. All of my three cats are definitely very different. I love each of them dearly, for all of their different personalities. Each cat has their own reactions to daily life, to one another, and to me. In fact, I find that it is the things that make them so different are the things that make them so special to me. I appreciate their different personalities, and could barely imagine my life without them. The interactions between two different cats are priceless, thus there is never a dull moment (at least, when everyone’s awake!)
Rummy Cat is definitely our little buddy. He is the first one to run to the door when I come home, and he is the cat most often cuddled up in my bed. He is my faithful escort through my morning routine: he follows me into the bathroom, eats breakfast with me, and as I leave he stands by the door as if to say “Mom, do you really have to go to school today?” He is a shorthair, but his fur is thick and dense and soft. His eyes are bright and green and full of expression; he is definitely the most charismatic of all my cats. When someone comes to visit, he immediately runs to them and tries to impress them with his sweetness and playfulness, forcing his head under their hand and purring. He is only a year old, but big for his age and very rotund and stocky.
Bollie is his twin sister, but you wouldn’t know it simply by looking at them. They share the same grey fur and green eyes, but the similarities end there. She is tiny, smaller than any cat I’ve ever had, and just as shy as her brother is friendly. She’s very vocal, but rarely uses the typical ‘meow’, instead making a strange little “brrrrt” noise that sounds a lot like a pigeon. She eats as much as any other cat, but in a much different way. She dips her paw into the top of the auto-feeder, and scoops out a few kibbles to eat on the counter. She is a good eater, but remains lanky and has a certain awkward cuteness that grows on you. Although she is quite shy, she is sweeter even than her brother and she loves attention from those she is comfortable with. Bollie loves being held, and has an affinity for curling up on your chest with her head on your shoulder.
Last is China, who we more often affectionately refer to as “Chi” or “Chi-bear”. She is the only longhair in the house; her fluffy white fur seems to be her defining feature. When people first see her, their reaction is usually “Wow… that’s a beautiful cat.” Her feet are large and although she is not a polydactyl, they remind me of snowshoes. Her legs, face, ears, and tail are all grayish and striped, and in her age her fur has taken on a brownish tint. She was adopted from Petsmart, and because of this she seems to have an appreciative personality. I can sometimes see the gratitude for being rescued in her big blue eyes when she looks up at me.
I took the time to describe my cats to accurately show exactly how I feel about them. They are not simply furry live ornaments in my home. They are very special to me, and they brighten my life in a multitude of ways. They are a source of humor; I can recall many a good laugh over them chasing one another through the house, galloping like furry little horses. They are also a great comfort, coming to my rescue when they see I am sad to curl up with me and make me smile. I couldn’t imagine going without the company of my cats, as they have become such a fixture in my life.
The funny stories about my cats are endless. If I had the time, I would have a twenty-page paper about just how silly they can be. Chi-bear gets embarrassed easily, and I remember once she lost her footing and slipped right into the mop bucket full of soapy water. In her shock and horror, she tore through the house with her head low, soaked and embarrassed. I also remember putting Bollie in a little shirt meant for a tiny dog. She responded by slouching down, awkwardly (and with a strange speed for how low she was) propelling herself backwards, and making my best friend and I hyperventilate and cry tears of laughter. There are so many more stories, but I believe I have made my point. Cats are, in short, the best comedic relief one could hope for in a home.
Cats are definitely a learning experience. Having cats teaches you forgiveness, and to show love despite anger. A cat is a huge responsibility, as you have to change their litter and feed/water then consistently. They make messes and knock things over quite a lot, so there is a lot of cleaning up after them to be done. A cat depends on you for its quality of life, and as a pet-owner you learn to be determined to make that life the best you can. It is akin to being a parent in many ways (although quite different I am sure), as you have a duty to care for them and a joy from raising them.
I know I personally have learned a lot from having cats. I feel that I have become a better, more responsible, more loving person, and I have my fur-babies to thank for it. I know that not everyone loves cats (and many, in fact, hate them), but I know I love mine and that I want them to remain as happy as possible for as long as possible. They have shaped me so much, and changed my life in a positive way. I am, in conclusion, very thankful for the experience that is being a cat owner.