'Real Cats, Real Stories' From Purina® Cat Chow®

Bootsie

2 Dec 2008

Bootsie was more attached to my husband. You could say that she was his cat by the way she acted, even though I was the one that always fed her. I lost my husband after a short illness. I was devastated to say the least. About a month later, she started to warm up to me more and more. She must have known how upset I was with all the tears I shed. She started sleeping with me right behind my back, touching me. When I would sit on the sofa or in the chair, she would jump up in my lap and stretch her body up to my chest and lay her head there as if to hug me. She also would reach her paw up and touch my cheek or chin and look right into my eyes. She still does this every night. I believe she knows how sad I am and that I need this from her. She is a sweetheart.

One Time

2 Dec 2008

One day I found out I was sick as a dog. I was sick for two months and my cat followed me every where. When I was sleeping, she slept on my pillow with me. Also when she was sick, I did the same thing (but not sleeping on the pillow). She is still breathing weird. So I have to keep an eye on my cat. I've been with her only about 5 months. I am 9 years old.

Don't Mess with This Cat

2 Dec 2008

When I was growing up in Connecticut, we had a black and grey tiger-striped cat. She was one of a litter that we kept. We also had a German Shepherd named King that was my dad's pride and joy. The dog was in the backyard on a cow chain, because regular leashes wouldn't hold him. He was pretty wild--he'd gotten loose once and killed our pet cat at that time. Tiger used to lay in the back yard about 20 feet from the dog on his chain. The dog would go crazy running back and forth in the half circle that the chain allowed him. This cat was a member of our family, everyone loved her except my dad. She was the kind of cat that would acknowledge you when you walked into a room where she was sleeping. She would give a half purr/half meow sound, and by the time you reached her she was already purring along. I joined the Navy and left Connecticut at 18. My mother decided to come out to the Midwest and watch me graduate. She took the train. She told me that my father had said to her that the cat would be dead by the time she got back from her trip, because King had a penchant for getting loose. I graduated, my mother said goodbye, and headed home on the train. The day after my mother left, I was called to an office on the base to answer a phone call. My uncle was on the line, and he told me that my dad had passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. I took emergency leave and flew home for the funeral, and then went back to the base. My father was 37 when he passed. The cat was around 6 at that time. That cat was an inside/outside cat, she was out in the snow all the time, rain too... Anyway, the end point of the story is that Purdy lived to be 23 years old, never went to the vet once, and was around for another 17 years after my fathers curse.

Cancer, Cats, & Chemo

2 Dec 2008

Our family has always loved cats. Several years before my diagnosis of breast cancer, we adopted a sweet kitten from a shelter. I wanted to find her a sister to keep her company during the day while we were gone, but my husband said "Not now." The week after my mastectomy, we were leaving to go my follow-up appointment when we heard something in the bushes just outside our door. It was a small white kitten that looked lost and was probably crying for her mother. My husband called her, and she came right to him, so he brought her in to show to me and our boys (and to Cassie, our cat). Well, of course, the boys wanted to keep her, but my husband wasn't convinced that she would get along with our other cat too well. Anyhow, she had fleas, so he demanded that she stayed outside. So the boys and I took her to the vet a couple of days later, had her looked at, and had her flea problem taken care of. 'OK', my husband thought, 'I can't say ‘no’ now. My wife has cancer and she likes this cat.' Amazing what you can get away with when you are sick. The cat has a name. Are you ready for this? The name is 'Kemo'. I thought that we would always remember when we got her because it was right before I started chemo. Well, at least the cat got to keep her hair.

Boogie Bear

2 Dec 2008

I have submitted a story already, but this little boy of ours touched our hearts. We had lost a kitty while on vacation, and came back to bad news. I think my mom felt bad as she was kitty sitting. My step-dad worked at the elementary school and one day a young boy brought his cat to the school thinking it could be a mascot of sorts. Well, my dad knew it wouldn’t be right for a cat to spend its time in a school--especially when everyone had gone home. He had told my mom about the cat, so he brought the cat home to her, knowing she would bring the cat to our house. I was at work and my husband called me and said, “This cat is the most loveable cat, sitting on my lap and letting me de-tick him.� I came home to this big boy. He was a beautiful Maine tabby cat. He was not used to being inside, but I am a believer in my cats being inside, with the way people drive. He spent his time in a barn outside with his other family. It took one week for him to get adjusted then he was not interested in going out. My husband and I will be forever grateful that we had eleven years to spend with him. Our nickname for him was Boogie Bear. He was the most gentle and loving cat ever. It’s amazing that if you give love to a animal how much you will receive in return. He always spent time with my husband and I. He slept with us and if he felt he didn’t give enough time to one of us, he came slithering over to divide his time. He was a talker for sure and we always wanted to know how his day was and he surely could not wait to tell us. It got to the point where he understood different things my husband and I said, we use to say he was one smart boy. In the summer of 2005, something was different about him, so away we went to the MSPCA. Jay-Jay had diabetes and we had to give him insulin and also IV fluids, which was scary at first, but you do anything for your animal. He improved a little but then there was more and more IV fluids he was receiving. It got to the point where it was every other day, but you just want to hold on when you are not to that point where you can let go. Again he went to the MSPCA and they explained we would have to come to a decision. Well, he had been such a big part of my husband and myself in our hearts that I still was not ready. Then it got to the point where insulin was twice a day and after my night shift, I would come home and give it to him and just spend hours until the wee hours of the morning talking and playing and telling him how much I loved him. It got worse--he didn’t eat that much anymore and you had to coax him even with water consumption. Then he was having accidents and I would bathe him and dry him and tell him it was okay. He had a few good days during his last week of life. He would sit in the window sill with our help but its something he so enjoyed, since he loved the fresh air and birds outside. One day I brought him outside and it was my time to just talk to him, cuddle him, and love him. We sat on the porch and he enjoyed that time. In the end, his kidneys were failing big time and there was nothing more the MSPCA could do. One night he made a different sound, like a cry. Oh my God, my heart broke I said, "No, please, first thing in the morning I promise I will do right by you." We did just that. We spent time with him in a room and just talked with him, hugged him, and cried. We had never been through such a sad experience in our lives. When you spend to the end with them you go through every last moment they have and it’s the most emotional trauma to deal with. It took my husband and I a while. It was sad and depressing for so long because that special boy was gone. But then I said, "Yes, he is gone, gone from all the pain, but never ever from our hearts. We will always carry that special boy with us for eternity...."

My Babies

2 Dec 2008

We have three wonderful kitties to whom we come home to play with, cuddle, and love. Kyra is eleven years old, part Siamese, and the most beautiful kitty in the world. She is our most loyal and faithful, almost like a dog would be. She follows you and sleeps with you. We almost lost her a couple years ago from Squamous Cell Carcinoma and somehow she passed whatever it was--and she is now back to her normal, playful, loveable self. Now our big girl, Bardot, is 15 years old. She is very affectionate to her owners, but not as pleasant with the other kitties, but it's part of her personality and we love her very much. Our little girl, (well not so little) Hope, was adopted three years ago from the MSPCA right after Christmas.

We were so happy to bring this little bundle of joy home. She was found on conservation land along with another little one, so I chose her as she came to me right away. She is very loving in her own way and on her own accord, so we accept that. Although we wish she would truly be a lap kitty, we will take what we can get. She is very loving, and playful. She loves us to play with her endlessly and even pretend we are eating also--she seems to like that and not feel so alone. We love our little family and wouldn't have it any other way, but to just enjoy their company and love them as they love us unconditionally!! It’s wonderful to have four furry-legged babies who love you for you.

Lazy Lazy LAZY!!!

2 Dec 2008

Hey y'all! I'm Whitney and I will tell you about Peanut. "Peanut get up, you lazy cat ," I said. Peanut will just look at me with the "yeah sure, whatever" look. He is lazy and I don't know what to do. I have already tried toys, but he is only interested in the laser and a red fuzzy ball for about 5 seconds. Why doesn't he do anything? I give him love love love.

My Kitten Picked Me

2 Dec 2008

I remember the day my boyfriend and I went to get my kitten. My boyfriend's friend, Christina, came to visit us one day with a kitten and I fell in love. I knew then I wanted one. I have wanted a kitten since I was little. I have always had a love for cats. So we decided we were going to get one that night. The next day Christina took us over to her Grandmother's house. Her grandmother's neighbor was the one who had the litter and there were four left for us to choose from. My boyfriend and I sat for awhile trying to catch them all from the basement and pick which one we had wanted. We had problems catching all of them but one--my lil' Ryot. He came right up to me and looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes. Right then I decided I wanted him. Of course I had to argue with my boyfriend about it, because he had chosen an all black one with green eyes. In the end, we took the one I wanted. And the best part is that three of our friends took Ryot's brothers and sisters. They are all now 5 1/2 months and still get to see each other at least once a week. We saved 5 little kittens from being taken to a pound or shelter and I'm very proud of us all.

Kitten Behind the Hay Bails

2 Dec 2008

It was May 1988 when I heard a cry behind the hay in the barn. After pulling quite a few bails of hay away from the wall, I was able to get a very tiny calico kitten out. The vet thought she might be two weeks old. I bottle fed the kitten every two hours and I also gave her baby cereal. I named her Angel. As soon as she was able, I started feeding her Purina Kitten chow. As she grew older, she went on to Purina Cat Chow. Aside from a treat of hamburger once in a while, that's all she eats. Angel is now 20 years old and in very good condition. She loves to go outside and lay in the sun--and she still plays with her toys. I also have 19 other cats that I have rescued and they also only eat Purina Cat Chow. All but one of my cats have been fixed, due to the fact she has babies that I found with her. I love my cats.

Being there for me

17 Nov 2008

I have two cats Mesu (torti) & Graffitti (Bengal). Over the past year we've had a lot of ups and downs. I was married last April to a man I'd been with for 18 years. Both the cats enjoyed meeting all the family from out of town. Shortly after that, my new husband's cancer came back. (They have always been my cats as he had a dog.) Graffitti started spending all her time with him and Mesu would lay on my lap. As he got worse, the girls would try to make him feel better. He died in October at home. Before I knew he was gone, they both came to me. Now that he's gone they always want to be in the room with me--preferably in the chair. They keep me on track since his death and made me realize there is still life to be lived. Thanks for reading my story.

My Mickey and Breast Cancer

17 Nov 2008

My first cat was Mickey. He was so special. I had breast cancer. He knew something was wrong. He always slept with me every night on my chest. After having surgery, a mastectomy, the first night home from the hospital, he comes in ready to go to sleep for the night. He comes walking up my legs, I was not even scared I knew him to well that he would not hurt me. He continued walking went on my left side, the surgery was on the right side, he laid down and we both fell asleep. He has been gone for 12 years now but he is still in my heart.

My Cat's Story

17 Nov 2008

It all started when I asked my dad to buy a kitten. I always beg him. He always says no, but I try harder and harder. I cry and pray to get a cat. The next day, I went out with my friends. Then they called my friend’s house number to come for the surprise. When I got home, I saw my dad holding a black and white kitten. I was so happy and hugged my dad, and said “thank you.� When I put her in my room, I let her be comfortable as can be, because it’s important. I sewed a small comfy pink pillow for her because she is a girl. I kept her inside the house and taught her a positive attitude. I promised myself to be the best vet for other people’s pets, and my pet, and to care for their nutrition. I love animals…forever!!!

Nibbles, My Cancer Angel

17 Nov 2008

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2004. But my story of Nibbles begins prior to that. Nibbles came walking up our driveway the previous June in 2003. While sitting on the back porch, my husband approached me with this cat and said, "Look what I found." Well, I fell in love with the cat - who had a rabies tag, but no name or phone number. Nibbles was a short-haired tortoise shell female. I am so much an animal lover, that was it. I told my husband, “I will feed her and if she stays, then she is mine.� Never mind I already had 2 other inside cats, and two dogs. Well needless to say, Nibbles stayed. But I started feeling guilty - this cat was so wonderful. Was this someone's pet? So I tracked down the vet and with the tag number, found out that the cat's name was Nibbles, and that she actually belonged to someone in my neighborhood. But this was a happy beginning - because I told the vet what had happened, and that the cat had been with me for several weeks now. They offered to call the owner. Turns out the owner had moved and they really could not take the cat with them - and they were more than happy for me to have it! Nibbles was very sweet and loving with me – she always wanted to sit beside me, even under a blanket - she would lay with me. Talk about a perfect cat! Then along come May 19, 2004 and I was diagnosed. I had surgery and began treatment. All this lasted and finally came to an end on Nov. 19, 2004. During all this time - I would be home alone- because I took time off from work. Nibbles was my constant companion through all my chemo. I truly felt there was a purpose for her being there with me. Little did I know how true that would be. On the day of my last chemo treatment - my husband had seen Nibbles that morning as he always would when he left for work. But I did not see her before I left for treatment. When I returned home - free and exhilarated by being done - I was ready to "celebrate" with my Nibbles! But sad to say, I never saw Nibbles again. It was as if Nibbles was my cancer angel. I know it sounds silly - but in my heart and with my faith - I know God gives you the tools and support to see through difficult times in your life. I know Nibbles came to me that June 2003 - because I am certain my cancer had probably started that early. Then she was there to see me through my treatment - then she moved on. I don't know whatever happened to Nibbles - I never found any sign of her being killed or injured. I even posted signs for a lost cat. But to no avail. I like to think she moved onto to someone else who needed an "angel!"

Just Beginning

17 Nov 2008

I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost three weeks ago. My surgery and reconstruction will be done at Baylor Hospital - Dallas on November 14. My pre-op is tomorrow (November 7). I will let you know how everything turns out. I have so much comfort from my babies (I have 7). They are true blessings! Love, Billie

Seonor

17 Nov 2008

In 2004, I went in for my yearly mammogram. The nurse told me to go in the other room and a doctor would be in to talk to me. I was scared, as I knew something must be different. I was 78 years old at the time--and really confused and scared. I usually went right home after my mammogram. The doctor came in, said I had breast cancer, and that they would have to take a biopsy. When it came out, I had it in my milk ducts and they would have to operate. Two days after my birthday, they operated on me. I was set up for radiation for six weeks, five days a week. I lost some of my right breast, but was lucky that it went no further and did not have to have chemo. Every year since then, I have participated in the “Fight for Cancer� that we have here in Florida as a cancer survivor. In March of 2009, I will be able to discontinue my Tamoxifen pill that i have taken since surgery. I urge my daughter and all other young women to be checked and save their life. I’m so grateful that I did, but I was really surprised that it was found at my age. God bless you all for all the fine work you are doing--and be checked whether you’re young or old. It can happen to any one.
God Bless you all. Sincerely, Evelyn.

Dr. Inky

17 Nov 2008

Inky Boy was a solid black special kitty cat. He was born in July 1988. He died April 2, 2005. Inky Boy became Dr. Inky when a stray kitty we adopted and named Brasso came along in April 1999. Fortunately, Inky & his Mom Kissy Puddin' had their feline leukemia shots. Inky & Brasso were not very fond of each other, but tolerated each other along with Kissy Puddin'. In July, John (my other half & Inky's dad) noticed that Brasso & Inky boy were cuddling in a drawer. This cuddling continued for hours. After approximately 14 hours of cuddling, John & I took Inky & Brasso out of the drawer. Brasso's nose was very pale. He had an extremely pink nose. We immediately took Brasso to the vet & unfortunately he was diagnosed with feline leukemia. It was so strange how Inky knew he was sick. Until they cuddled in that drawer Brasso was playing as always. Now, in January of 2001 Inky Boy always slept with me and Kissy Puddin' on John's side. For some reason, Inky decided he needed to sleep on my left breast. He did this for approx 2 - 3 weeks. I had a routine mammogram done. In February of 2001, I had to have a masectomy on my left breast. Inky Boy became known as Dr. Inky. He was a treasure for 15 years. His Mom, Kissy Puddin', was 23 years old when she passed away approximately 7 weeks ago. We still miss them both so very much. They were the original kitties. We still have 10 others that are from 7 years to 9 years old. They all were rescued by us and we love them all. Thank you for letting me share my story about Dr. Inky.

My Pets Made Me Feel Less Sorry for Myself!

17 Nov 2008

I was diagnosed just 4 years ago. I was devastated, as is every other woman given that news. My husband and I knew the hardest part was telling the kids, one of which was graduating college in a few weeks! I started treatments that were grueling. Each day I felt like staying in bed, but I couldn't. There were 12 eyes looking up at me, saying "You can do it!" If they weren't begging for food they were snuggling with me keeping me warm. Before I was diagnosed, our largest cat, Sam, started sitting on my lap--something he never did before. To this day, I believe Sam was trying to tell me in his own way!!! If it weren't for my pets, the chemo would have lasted forever! They were here with me when everyone else needed to go on with their lives.

My sweet baby

4 Nov 2008

I always said that I did not like cats, until one day that my son, who already has one in his home, found a little cat (2 or 3 wks old) in the street. I brought him/her to my house. I fell in love with the cat. The next day, I took the kitten to a Vet. He was so young and I didn’t know the sex. After finding out his sex I named him Xam (Xammy). I love Xammy so much and he brings so much happiness to me (I’m a senior) that I don’t know what my life would be without him.

A Real "CAT" Scan

4 Nov 2008

In December of 2005 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, my cat Ozzie knew right away that something wasn’t quite right with me. Days before my mastectomy, he would carefully lay on my abdomen, and gently place his paw on the lump in my breast and just gaze at me with his beautiful eyes as if he was trying to tell me everything would be okay. He continued to always be at my side after surgery and through months of chemo. I always would have a pillow on my chest because this is where Ozzie always like to stay close to me. Two years later, Ozzie was being super clingy to me, and looking into my eyes as if he were trying to tell me something. As it turned out, I was scheduled for a PET scan, and it was discovered that my breast cancer had returned, now in my liver and lungs. I feel that Ozzie knew this before I did. So I started chemo again and two months into it, the doctor ordered a CT scan. The night before I was to see the doctor for my results, Ozzie jumped up in the bed and was jumping over me from side to side and nudged up against my lower back where I felt a pain that I had not felt before. When I saw the doctor the next day, I was told that the CT scan showed a lesion in my pelvic area. Again, Ozzie seems to have some sort of sense about all this. My doctor teases me all the time now with all the tests that I continue to receive; she always asks "what does Ozzie say?" Ozzie is truly a gift from God. As is my other precious cat, Shellie, who also is always there with me giving me great comfort and peace. I’m a survivor and thank you Purina for your contributions to breast cancer awareness.

Cheeto and Gizmo

4 Nov 2008

My story doesn't have an end yet. Three weeks ago I found a lump in my left breast. I was scared and upset. My best friends Cheeto and Gizmo are Ragdoll Siamese cats. It was as though they knew what I was going through. They both stay with me wherever I am in my home. When I leave, they wait for me near the door and greet me when I come home. Family and friends have been wonderful and I am very blessed, but Cheeto and Gizmo are there to protect me when I sleep and are my trusted companions to cheer me up when I am experiencing all the emotions with this experience. Not sure yet how this will turn out, but I know they will be there with me through it all. Their love never ends.

Mattie's Cat

4 Nov 2008

When my late wife, Mattie was first diagnosed with breast cancer some 18 years ago, our cat Sparkle, normally aloof as many cats are, started spending time in bed with my wife as she lay there recovering from chemo and radiation therapy. Sparkle became very attentive and loving, stroking Mattie's cheeks with her paws, snuggling and protecting her, it seemed. As Mattie got better - the cat got sicker, and eventually died from cancer just as Mattie went into remission. I firmly believe that Sparkle took her cancer and saved her life, and paid the supreme sacrifice. May God bless Sparkle. Unfortunately, Mattie passed away in January 2008, after valiantly fighting breast cancer for 18 years.

My 22 Year Old Purina Cat Chow Kitten

4 Nov 2008

My 21 year old little girl is as finicky as a cat can be. And, yes, 21 is not a typo. She is a playful, loving and a true Purina Cat Chow girl. My vet recommended that I purchase "their" special cat food. I put it into her bowl and she wouldn't touch it. She would sit and cry…begging me for her Purina Cat Chow in the blue bag. After a few days I couldn't take it anymore, I called the vet and said she won't eat this new food, I am afraid she is going to get sick, she won't touch it. He suggested that I mix it with her favorite Purina Cat Chow, and gradually introduce her to it. I came home and her bowl was completely empty. She had eaten all of her Purina Cat Chow, and had placed all of the other food on the floor around her bowl. After laughing at her absolute sense of who she is and what she likes…I donated the expensive food to a cat rescue group. That was 15 years ago…. She is healthy, happy and a true "blue" Purina cat chow girl! Two years ago I introduced a new brother to our household. A loving 75 pound Chocolate Lab. He learned very quickly NOT to touch her bowl. She may weigh less than his paw, but her spirit is that of a tiger!

A Sweet Love

22 Oct 2008

It has been 4 years since my cat, Jeje, was born, but at first I didn't care about him as much as I should have. I was enjoying my teenage life, just flirting around and doing some idiot things. In late 2006, something changed and I started to see him and love him again. I don't know how and why I saw him—but it was like he shone brightly like the sun. I started making him my friend again. We became so close in just a month. After a year, we became really close, and then a few problems popped up in my family. My father had affairs with other women and there was always fighting in my house. I became an upset girl and I cried a lot every single day. There were times when I cried in my room, and Jeje came to me--and I would take him into my arms and hug him. When I cried, he seemed to stare at me with some kind of understanding feeling, and the sight gave me some strength. That incident brought us closer. That was my first close relationship. That was my first time I could express how I loved someone. A few months later, Jeje got into a fight with another cat. He was badly injured. Within a week, in the late evening, he left me with sad eyes. I was holding his paw when he started to show the signs that he was going to die. It is still hard for me to believe that he’s gone, and when I see his photo, the sad feelings come--and I still cry. When I see the quote "time will heal all wounds," it’s hard to believe because I don’t think time can ever heal my wound.

16 Paws

22 Oct 2008

Two years ago I became very ill. I was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots) in my legs. They had been breaking off and going into my lungs, which were 90% filled up. I was in the hospital for two weeks, and then on bed rest for close to six months while I recovered. My four cats, especially Zoe, laid on my bed with me during my recovery. If I went into the living room to sit on the couch, they all followed me into the living room. Their closeness and love got me through a very tough time, and they have such a special place in my heart. They continue to comfort me whenever I'm sad, and I believe they help to heal me as well.

Thirsty the Cat

22 Oct 2008

My daughter was sickly when she was young and couldn't go outside a lot, but she had a three-legged cat. He had been attacked as a kitten and moved into our yard to escape the neighbors’ Jack Russell. He became Thirsty the cat because he would drink water next to our dog, who is very sweet. Thirsty is a grey and white cat who loves my daughter—and we love him

Never Lose Hope

22 Oct 2008

I was diagnosed with Stage III, Invasive Lobular BC right after turning 43. The tumor was 5.5 cm and I had 9 cancerous lymph nodes out of 16. I found the lump--the mammogram didn't--and I was told to come back in a year. Something inside me wasn't comfortable with that, so I called a surgeon myself. I had no history of breast cancer in my family. I never expected to hear the news I got. I opted for a double mastectomy, to give myself every possible chance to beat this disease. I had chemo and radiation as well. My 4 dogs and 2 cats (1 cat was a feral and appeared while I was going through treatment--getting her to trust me gave me something to focus on) were Godsends and still are. Their unconditional love can be compared to nothing else. No matter what your diagnosis is, never give up hope and remember NO test is 100%, and if you find a lump, don't let the doctor talk you into playing the “wait-and-see� game. It's YOUR life we're talking about. My feral cat is a mommy's girl and it's been a little over 6 1/2 years since my diagnosis and I'm still doing great.

My Friend, Murphy Brown

22 Oct 2008

When I first found my lump, I was 59 and it was just before Christmas. We had adopted a cat that had belonged to my daughter. She had saved it from an abusive home (too many cats, not enough of anything) and she had her spayed along with another cat that she got and had neutered. She did not have a lot of money, so she let the male be adopted through a pet store. The female, Murphy, she kept. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she brought Murphy here to live. Murphy was to be an outside cat, according to my husband. She had been camping on our back porch for a few weeks, when she got caught in a rainstorm. I found her in a planter, soaking wet, and getting a towel, I dried her. My husband said he would see if she could come in for a while to warm up. She has been ours ever since. As I said, when I found my lump, Murphy aka schmookie/smurfie became MY pet. She cuddled with me any chance she got, just like she knew what I was going through. It took me 5 months to finally get an appointment with my doctor. Finally, on my 60th birthday, I was seen, and was told that they didn't think it was anything to be worried about, but to be on the safe side, I should have a mammogram and a biopsy. I went that same day for a mammogram and bone density scan. I was told there that it looked to be a cyst, but again to have it biopsied to be certain. In June, I went to a surgeon I found and had the biopsy done. It was invasive carcinoma. During this time, when I was home, Murphy didn't leave my side. In my chair, she would come and sit on my knee, with her body curled into my left arm...never the right...the side of my cancer. After having my lumpectomy, and starting my chemo, she was a constant! Always there! Just for comfort for me. When my hair fell out, she didn't mind. She loved me the way I was. When my husband was finally convinced to shave my head, she didn't mind that either. With my turban, my do-rag, my biker cap, my kerchief, she knew it was me... She didn't care what I looked like. As I completed my chemo, and my hair started back in, I started my radiation. Again she stayed on my left side - just like she knew! After I became myself again, she continued to be my comfort. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer and had to be hospitalized during his chemo/radiation treatment, she looked all over for him - sort of like I had lost him, and she wanted to know where he was. She would finally come to bed with me, but now she laid on his side of the bed. Cats are wonderful. She is now 11 years old, and I am a cancer survivor for 5 years. Both myself and my husband are survivors (He is 3 years clear from stomach cancer) and our cat (Schmookie) now lays, curled up in my arm, between us.

Ali Knows Best

22 Oct 2008

We found Ali in our back yard and she has been part of the family ever since. In May of this year I had trouble getting over a bad chest cold, and by July I had a bad, dry cough that I attributed to allergies. Of course, going to the doctor would be too time-consuming considering my retail management career, so I kept putting it off. Ali always like to sleep with her head tucked into my left armpit, but she suddenly took to laying on the right side my chest and kneading or licking it. A few weeks later severe pain sent me to the emergency room where I found out I had pneumonia and a tumor the size of a golf ball in my right lung. The cancer had spread to my spine and liver. I am still going through treatment, and Ali is back to sleeping on my left side, but when I'm down or in pain she always knows it's time for hugs and kisses. My little Ali Girl is my lifeline these days!

Good Ole Cat

22 Oct 2008

Sadly yesterday we had to put Tiger to sleep. But I truly believe if it wasn't for Purina Cat Chow she would have never lived as long as she did. Tiger was 15 years old. I have never fed her anything but Purina Cat Chow. She was an outside cat except during the winter nights when I would fix her a warm bed inside to sleep. Also Tiger has never been to a vet. The only vaccine she ever received was her rabies shot, and that was done at our local fire station during the pet clinics they would have. I truly believe the vitamins and nutrients she received in her food over the years kept her happy and healthy. Unfortunately, old age caught up with her and we had to put her down. This is a very sad time for us. But like I told my kids we were blessed to have her as long as we did, because most animals do not live to be 15. I truly thank Purina for making this product and will continue to give it to my 3 year old cat Smokey. Who knows? He may live longer than Tiger did.

My Cat, the Life Coach!

22 Oct 2008

I went to the local animal shelter 10 years ago. I wasn't looking to find a companion for myself. I already had a grey, overly independent tabby cat and a wonderful dog at home. I had set out to find a cat for my niece who, after graduating college, was thrilled to get an apartment where cats are allowed. Instead of picking out a cat, a cat tapped me on the shoulder and, as soon as I retrieved her from the cage, it was evident that she had chosen me as her new person. Since then, I've been "owned by a cat". Our 8 year old dog, Suzy, was thrilled to have a cat and cared for her as if she’d had a puppy. She followed her around the house, bathed her and played with her every day. Fluffy and Suzy shared many hours curled up together napping or playing. Fluffy enriched Suzy's life greatly, until Suzy's death on July 31, 2008, at the age of 17. Weeks after her death, Fluffy sat in the spot where Suzy napped daily and meowed long, sorrowful whines. We had lost a friend and she let us know, it hurt her, too. Fluffy has been my constant companion through 3 surgeries, a divorce, dating after 40, raising teenagers and a job loss. She hugs and cuddles like a little kid! She "cold shouldered" all would be suitors until Jim came to visit, doing everything to gain his love and attention. She would sit and stare at him, just a few inches away from his head, purring as if she were in his lap. Jim is now a reformed "cat hater," and my husband. Fluffy is often perched in Jim's lap in the evenings when I get home from work. She has a heart of gold and a warmth that melts away even the worst of days.

My Champion - Vlad

22 Oct 2008

When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer my male black persian cat, Vlad would rarely allow me out of his sight--even to the extent that he would LAY across my feet as I knelt at the toilet vomiting! After I had washed my face he would pat my face with his paw seeming to say "it's alright, I'm here to take care of you!"

Friendly Feline

22 Oct 2008

Our cat Alli--or Al for short--has always been a "people person". For the most part, cats are known for being independent and scared of people. Hence the expression "Scaredy Cat." However, Alli is special because he loves attention and being around people, even people that he doesn't know. Just last weekend we had a party with a house full of people and Alli was right there in the middle of the action sitting on the sofa with other guests. He loves to follow me everywhere around the house while I do chores too. I have had other cats in the past, but Alli is by far the MOST FRIENDLY cat I have had. He loves to curl up next to me every night in bed. He just makes all of us laugh every day!!

My Sister's Cat, Bub

22 Oct 2008

Bub came to Mitzi, my sister, a very hungry--nearly starved--cat of about a year old. He was an outdoor cat to begin with. Mitzi wasn't sure she wanted another cat as she had just had her cat, Sadie, put to sleep due to her having cancer and was starting to suffer. But she took Bub in and soon had him looking like a well-fed tom. Bub is a brown tabby and is now about 20 to 24 pound cat. He was an ornery cat for almost a year. Mitzi found she had melenoma of the eye, was then declared cured of it in her eye BUT it had gone to her liver and right lung--too late to have surgery. As she got weaker, Bub, became her shadow and kept Mitzi always in his sight and finally the last three weeks before my brother took Bub (he found out she was so worried what would happen to Bub after she was gone.) Bub was constantly on her lap when she was sitting down and would follow her whenever she got up. Mitzi died one week and a half day after Bub went to live with my brother--she died at her oldest daughter's and even told them the exact time she would die and the day (January 22, 2005 at 11:30 a.m.).She was a wonderful Christian woman who did a lot for her church and all her neighbors here in the Retirement Village where we both live. Bub is now a very laid back cat that my brother has spoiled rotten. He is now a very loveable cat and loves to be carried around in my brother's arms—he just looks around as if to say, “now this is the cat's meow, and the life all cats should have.� He gets Purina dry cat food and two tablespoons of canned tuna every night. Thanks for a wonderful food that we can trust to give our pets. My Tiny Tina is a year old and is doing so well.

Me and My Shadow

22 Oct 2008

My husband had passed away and I was very depressed. One day about 6 months after his passing, a friend from work called to ask me to come up to the front desk of our office building to meet someone. I went and there was another friend in a car outside. I went out to the car and my friend was holding the cutest white and grey ball of fluff. Several friends had gotten together to get this kitten and suitable supplies to give to me. I drove home with this precious little thing riding on my shoulder between my neck and the seat's headrest (they didn't include a carrier). I was a bit overwhelmed because I felt I was having a hard enough time taking care of myself, let alone to care for this kitten. When my friends asked what I was going to name her, I replied that she would give me an idea what her name would be. I named her Shadow - as in, "Me and My...." Wherever I am, she has to be in a position to see me, and is always following me around to see what interesting things she can see (and get into). Well, Shadow is unlike any other cat I've ever shared living space with. She comes to me when I whistle, we play fetch with her favorite toy mouse and allows me, "the can-opener," to feed her, and talks back quite sassily when I tell her she can't get into places she's not allowed. Over the years, Shadow has acquired several other names, such as "The Beast", "Jaws", "Stinky" (the name she's called most often, for obvious reasons, and "Mrs. Kravitz" (think "Bewitched" and you'll have a good idea where that one originated.) So, I quickly went from wondering how I can take care of this kitten, to wondering how I ever got along without her. She's entertaining, good company, and often exasperating, but she's my buddy as well as the proofreader of this story. She's by my side now monitoring the story I'm telling. By the rumbling purr, I believe she approves. If a shadow is fated to cross one's path in life, I'm thankful for the one I have.

We'll Grow Old Together

22 Oct 2008

My breast cancer was stage 3, already spread. Within a week, I had a mastectomy for a 3.5 inch tumor, chemo, and then radiation. When treatment was over, I had an irresistible urge to adopt a pet. When I saw Emmie Lou Hairball at the Humane Society, it was love at first sight. Nothing special about her, she was a rather large, 6-year-old gray tabby, and she had her share of scars. When my sister asked why I thought I needed to add a pet to my too-busy career and the challenge of care giving for our mother who has Alzheimer’s, ("What were you thinking?!?"), the words just came out of my mouth, "Emmie is my commitment to life. We're going to grow old together." And that's how it's working out. We're both still here four years later, strong and healthy and very, very happy to be sharing our lives. She's the perfect cat for me; I hope I'm the perfect human for her.

Christmas Companion

22 Oct 2008

This is a very short story, but I just wanted to say that my cat Mitteny was always there for me every Christmas Eve. I was the one who always stayed up very late until 2:00 in the morning or later, wrapping the gifts and carrying them down the stairs and putting them under the tree, while the rest of the household was fast asleep. Mitteny would always sit on the floor beside me and watch me wrap the presents, sometimes sitting right on top of the wrapping paper. I always felt comforted with knowing she was there to keep me company. She passed away two years ago, and I still miss her very much.

My Furry Angel

22 Oct 2008

Autumn isn't the most social of cats—she hides whenever someone comes to the house. Some people don’t even know we have two cats because only Tiger, who is no longer here, and now Zoe, would greet people. With just my husband and I home alone, Autumn would grace us with her presence and jump on my lap. We couldn't pick her up, she would run and hide. It had to be on her terms. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2007. I had surgery and was told I needed chemo. During my recovery, Autumn never left my side!!! When I lost my hair, Autumn would curl above my head at night and snuggle her paws around my face. Her purring would help me sleep. I had some rough nights of tossing and turning but she always stayed with me through the night. When I would be able to sit on the couch, she would curl up on my lap and watch me. People would come over and they were amazed that Autumn stayed with me and didn't run and hide. She has been my angel through my illness and to this day, she has her spot on my pillow above my head.

All Animals Are Intuitive

22 Oct 2008

This story starts back in 1966. My father had died and our dog knew it. He ALWAYS could be found at the foot of Dad's black leather club chair in the living room. Of course, we never noticed this until two weeks after all the non-family mourners had left the house. Then there was the cat and dog who followed me around WHEREVER I went after my mom died AND I had a miscarriage. Speed up to 2005, when I was first diagnosed with a brain tumor. Since getting a new rug in the bedroom in 1987, the animals were barred from the bedroom. Our cat, Eppie, would come to the opened door and just look in. He knew he wasn't supposed to come in but he just wanted to check on me. Now come to 2008, when I was diagnosed with my second brain tumor. After months of coming and going from the house for chemo treatments, I am finally home most of the time. Eppie has brazenly come into the room and pretended to make love to my husband's shoes--as if that is who he really loves. Eppie checks me out several times a day whether I'm in the bed or at the computer, as I am now. He was the stray we took in and nourished. Now we live in HIS house and he takes care of us. Hopefully, we will all be here for a long time to keep looking out for each other.

Because of Gilbert

22 Oct 2008

Three years ago my daughter was going through a difficult time--her marriage wasn’t working out. She needed someone, and she saw Gilbert at a pet adoption place. She didn’t get him that day, but she knew she loved him right away. The next day, the day they were going to put him down, she went and adopted him--this big Orange Persian Cat—and he came home with her and she loved him. A few weeks later she came home to live with us again but she didn't bring Gilbert with her. She couldn't sleep and asked me if I would mind if she brought Gilbert into our home. Well, my husband and I have never been CAT people! We've always had dogs. I wanted to say no, but knowing how much it meant to her I said ok. So now we have Gilbert and then 6 months later she and her daughter picked up Cricket, another cat, (Maine Coon, looks like a squirrel/racoon), and brought her home. My husband had a fit! “Two! Two Cats,� was his response. “Two Cats,� that's all we heard from him. Our dog Guera (west highland terrier) finally got used to them, chasing her all over the house, and now they're best friends. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer the following summer and I couldn't believe the concern and care these little animals showed towards me when I was healing. They would curl up with me and purr and chirp and paw on my belly. Gilbert to this day sits above me on my favorite chair by my head and puts his Big paws on my shoulder as if to say, "I'm right here,� and he purrs me to sleep. How can anyone not love these gentle caring creatures? And when they pass away I will miss them. By the way my husband plays with them all the time. So we got them by inheritance and because I love my daughter.

My Honey Love

22 Oct 2008

The love of my life for the past 17 years has been my lovely white cat Honey who answers to at least a dozen variations of her name. I was despondent over the loss of my white cat Baby Shrimps, who just disappeared from a southern Portland, Oregon suburb. I received a call from a lady who lived probably 32 or more miles from me about a white cat she was seeing hanging around a dumpster. She begged me to come and look at this bedeviled and bedraggled cat. When I arrived at her home in NE Portland, she told me that she had been unable to locate the white kitty. I gave her the lost cat flyer that I had posted everywhere and told her to call me if she saw the cat again. As soon as I drove home, she called and said she had her in her home. She would not tell me whether or not the kitty looked like my lost cat. So back I went with a cat carrier in the car. When I got there, I cried and cried because this obviously was not my cat. The lady was young and lovely and pregnant. She begged me to take the cat with me because she could not bear to watch her starve to death and could not have her in the home she rented. She said she would have to take the cat to the Humane Society where they would probably euthanize her, and that my taking her home would provide a far better option for her future. Now just know that I had 6 other cats, lived in an old farmhouse on 20 acres and had a large Labrador Retreiver, who had cost me a fortune. So I reluctantly loaded the poor waif who could not eat because of a lump in her throat into the cat carrier and proceded back to the country. There was something about those gorgeous flat-topped green eyes and slight frame and white color that captivated me. When she cried a little on the way to my home, I stuck my fingers through the carrier and said, "Don't cry, Honey, it will be ok". Thus the best cat I have ever had was named. After an initial trip to the vet and about a week of nursing Honey back to health, the vet surprised me with the information that she was doing better and obviously was pregnant. She was too weak to spay. Oh my! So about the time she delivered four kittens, three white and one tiny tabby, I met the other love of my life who I eventually married and we all got to know each other at the same time. Needless to say, we kept Honey and her entire litter of kittens and moved eventually to Vancouver WA. To this day I still have Honey and two of the kitties. God sent me this lovely nurse cat to take care of me. We had always called her "Nurse Nancy" because she had an innate ability to know when someone needed nursing. I eventually had to have two total hip replacements, recuperated in a hospital bed set up in the living room, with Honey as a constant companion with all four paws placed lovingly on the incisions. One surgery was 2002 and the other in 2005. With all the skeletal-muscular issues, I never dreamed that there would be more in store for me. My mother moved from Dallas one day to reside with us and Honey would baby sit her when I had to be out of town. My mother--who was never really a cat person--adores this cat and revels in the fact that Honey shares her time with her. So this summer when I had to take my mother for a mammogram, I decided to make it a mother/daughter affair as we had not had one in four years. Much to my dismay I was eventually diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma, with the tumor located way back in the chest wall in an area that is very unusual for breast cancer. I owe my life to the mammographer who worked hard and captured the edge of the tumor on the edge of the film. Needless to say, Honey has had a massive nursing job because I just could not believe that this had happened to me. She is my constant companion when I am at home. Even the large standard poodles don't phase her, although the largest one would love to make her run away. I am currently in radiation therapy, have gone through the gamut of emotions, from denial to acceptance, from sorrow to happiness that I am one of the lucky ones, and through it all, my nurse cat Honey attends to my every mood and emotion. After 17 years, I know that I have been sent an angel to care for me and help me through the trials of breast cancer. I know I will be ok someday when the radiation is over and I have fully healed. Thanks to the Universe for sharing a Heaven-sent angel. I am forever grateful for the best nurse in the world.

To Jasmina Ristic

22 Oct 2008

I do have my own cat stories that prove our feline friends are part of our family. Especially growing up with a Mom who is a tried and true cat person. Jasmina has obviously taken good care of Spodee to be of his age. So Thank You Jasmina...you are good partners for each other in life and health. Many hugs to you for going through breast cancer...I have started the awful journey and will join you as a survivor in the near future.

Kitty Big and Ms. America

22 Oct 2008

Two years ago, I decided that I needed the comfort of a soft furry kitten, because I had lost touch with my tender side and needed to reconnect. I had lost both of my parents and just felt that something warm and cuddly would do the trick. I brought home 2 solid white littermates: a female, Emma, and a male, Sammy, because they were so small and needed each other as much as I needed them. Shortly after their arrival, a black and yellow female appeared, Hershey, and we added her to our group. About a week later, a Siamese showed up and joined our clan, Mocha. Finally, a neighbor died unexpectedly, leaving two cats and they became a part of our family. Both have added so much to our lives: Kitty Big, a 17 year old male Persian mix, and Ms. America, a 5 year old survivor of a fox attack (that killed her mother and three siblings). Neither of them were particularly fond of me when they joined our “zoo,� but both have added so much love and affection to our lives and love me unconditionally, just as they did their former owner before her death. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without all of them. They joined my former one-dog household (Lexie, my cockapoo) and fit right in. We are all doing well and love each other—most of the time.

We Don't Need a Cat!

22 Oct 2008

"There is a cat in the garage," my husband said last October. My three daughters were elated but my husband was not. He had been trying to run the thin kitten off since we already have two dogs & I am allergic to cats. God & "Diego" had other plans for us. I had just begun my first round of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in August. The kitten kept coming back & eventually we took it in. I am here to tell you that little kitten gave my daughters something good to focus on & take care of since they could not take active measures to make my cancer better. Diego would come lay on my stomach after my treatments & I have not had any allergies since Diego came into our family. Our two BIG dogs adopted Diego & Diego now thinks he is a dog. He drinks from their bowl instead of his & curls up with them to take his afternoon nap. It was a gift to have something good to focus our attention on when things were so stressful for my family. I am happy to say my last chemo will be Nov 10th & we just celebrated one year with Diego! God bless!

He Just Knew

22 Oct 2008

My best friend's 15-year-old granddaughter passed away. After the funeral my best friend came to visit me on a prearranged trip. I have two cats, Aggie, who she had met, and Archie who she had not. Now Archie was a bit shy and didn't always mingle with guest. Soon after my friend had arrived, we were sitting on the sofa when Archie came into the room. He jumped up, and proceeded to walk across the sofa. He plunked himself on her lap and sat there for quite awhile. During her stay, he was always around and cuddled next to her. He just seemed to know she was hurting. Both of my fur faces give comfort to me, always. It's truly amazing the instinctive gifts they seem to have.

Not Alone Anymore

7 Oct 2008

The day I found out I had the big C, I went into a daze and thought my life was over. I had my surgery and had half of my right breast removed. When I had my first chemo treatment, I came home so depressed and alone that my husband came home that same day with a little ball of fur. I then finally let it all out--crying and holding the kitty—and all my sad went away. She stared at me and started kneading me like I was her mother. That same night I was wondering where she would go to sleep. I didn’t feel well sitting up when she came in the bed with me. Soon I laid down and she laid on my head of hair and kneaded me—soon I fell asleep. When my hair fell out, she would go under the blankets and knead my stomach. She is such a comfort. Now—six years later—she knows when I have a bad day because she will come and knead me. We are so close and she is--I believe—my recovery kitty and brings me so much comfort. She has been there through both the bad and good with me. I am not alone any more. I also had a lot of support through the Cancer Institute and all the people at the oncology center.

I Remember

7 Oct 2008

I REMEMBER •The phone call with the words YOU HAVE CANCER! then nothing but a buzzing in my ears and thinking NOT ME—WHY ME--- GOD please don’t let me die •Calling my husband and the struggle to say I HAVE CANCER and wondering would or could we get through this •Two weeks of searching for courage to tell my children I HAVE CANCER and that they shouldn’t be scared, when I could hardly breath from FEAR •The decision I made NOT to tell my mother who was very sick I had CANCER, because if she died after I told her -- that it would somehow be my fault •Lifting the bandage from surgery to find a sunken hole were my breast had been and crying out from the shock •My FIRST CHEMO treatment and being in so much fear I had to be sedated •My hair falling out in the shower and it feeling like spiders crawling over me •Finding I could LAUGH at myself, like when my wig would get off centered or WHOSE really curly hair was that starting to sprout on my head or the pick line that always dangled from my sleeve to catch on something •Realizing I would and could get through this •My family, friends, and coworkers showing and giving me love, support, prayers, and most of all helping me to remember to breathe and believe! •That cancer has shown me to love and cherish all things TODAY & EVERYDAY •I remember my little Harley never wanting to leave my side, knowing I needed the special love only a pet can give. He didn’t care if it was a good day, bad day or even what seemed like them worse day ever. He showed me quiet simple love. Sometimes I cried, I ranted, I laughed, it didn’t matter! Harley was there for it all, right in my lap. •I will always remember Harley’s commitment to me through my treatment and today as a Survivor. With his companionship each day is always easier & happier.

Darby Love

7 Oct 2008

My husband and I were talking a walk, and we cut through the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex. I heard a small “meow� behind me and turned, but heard some children playing in the distance, and assumed it was them. Then I heard the “meow� again, and found a kitten hiding under a semi cab parked there. He was scared and would climb up into the engine when we got close. My husband tried reaching up into the engine and got bitten! We persevered and eventually got him into a pet carrier. When we got home, he acted as though he’d never walked on carpet before. He was still very scared, but it only took him a few days to discover that petting felt good! Now Darby is our very best boy! He is a laid-back little love who goes everywhere with my husband, like a dog! He gets in the truck and says, “alright, where are we headed?� and then he comes home and cuddles with me.

Florie Story - Florie Saves My Life

7 Oct 2008

I have MS, an auto-immune disease, and get lots of infections. A recent serious infection turned critical for me. One evening I realized how deathly ill I was, but passed out before I could call for help. Ten minutes later, I came to with my darling but VERY LARGE Florie jumping on and off my chest, screaming very very loudly, as I've never heard a cat scream before. This time I made it to the phone, and lost consciousness in the ambulance. When I awoke the next day, my first thought was to arrange for Florie's care. Several days later, I came home. When I came through the door and said "Florie?", she let out a loud cry and literally launched herself from 4 feet away, right into my arms. She clung to me and her emotion was so intense that she was trembling -- but not in a shivery kind of way, as kitties so often do, but as if she were having a seizure. Florie is so precious to me and is truly "THE" kitty.

"The Catnappers"

7 Oct 2008

Approximately one year ago, we relocated to Hartford MI, where i was born and raised. When we decided to move back to Michigan from Wisconsin after a three-year tenure, among other things we also had a new member to our family to relocate. At this time "Kooji" was about 2 years old and we had adopted him from neighbors in Spooner, WI.. My boyfriend Charles had brought him home as soon as he was old enough to leave his mother. Kooji was the only Calico/Siamese with all the beautiful markings and blue eyes in the whole bunch. We have always loved him dearly. About a month ago I noticed that he would leave and not come back until about 9pm every evening. I suspected the neighbors were keeping him inside their place and i was a little put off by this. One of the reasons being that this schedule would knock his feeding schedule out of whack. Another was that I did not know these people from the man in the moon. Well two days ago my car wouldn't start so I went to the neighbors to see about a jump, the elderly man was incredibly nice and helped out with no reservations whatsoever. Upon my departure, I thanked him sincerely and prepared to go about my business, when he (the man in the moon) asked me if that was my beautiful cat that comes over to visit? I said yes and asked him if this was a problem at all and he told me no. He said " as a matter of fact we love him". Talk about feeling like a twit. Regardless, I have no more reservations as to Kooji visiting with the neighbors. As a matter of fact, I'm truly relieved that not only does my cat bring joy to our lives but he also spreads that joy to the elderly neighbors, what a blessing!

Forever Faithful

23 Sep 2008

The phone rang and it was the doctor calling to tell me that my small needle aspiration had come back positive for breast cancer. As he tried to explain the treatment plan he had set up for me I heard very little beyond that word "cancer". We hung up, I grabbed "Laz", sat on the sofa and starred at nothing until I heard my husband, Gary's car pull up in front of the house. I jumped up, Laz went flying, I started to cry and Gary walked into the house not knowing what was going on. Once I told him and realized that I had no control over any of this - God is in control, give it up to him - we sat down and talked about what this all meant. As soon as I sat Laz was right back on my lap. There were two surgeries between the first phone call and Christmas followed by 35 radiation therapy sessions in January and February. Not once did that wonderful, harlequin-faced, black and white, long-haired cat leave my side. He was my constant companion whether I was laying down in bed or sitting on the sofa doing needlework. This fluff ball that I found in a neighbor's driveway one night as a kitten--who came out of no where--is still my constant companion whenever I am ill, either physically or emotionally. Early into our relationship he developed the habit of lying on the back of the sofa and kneading the back of my neck and hair. During my breast cancer surgeries and treatments this was taken a step further and he would do this at night while I read in bed before falling asleep. It was the most relaxing sensation and he never went near the area of the surgery. Since then we have been through bouts of Crohn's disease, some more surgery for Crohn's and other problems, a few other health issues and Laz is always there to stay by my side through it all. After 12 years he is still with us - lovable but as independent as a cat can be when the mood strikes. Until we moved to a more rural area he enjoyed camping with us in our R.V. and hanging around the camp fire at night. Now we have a lamb orphanage and in the winter often have babies in play pens in the kiitchen where Laz sleeps on the straw with them. Gotta love a cat that just adapts to it all!!!!!!

Phoenix, from Phoenix

23 Sep 2008

I'm from the Denver area, but went to Phoenix to fulfill a nursing contract. While there, I missed my husband and other cats, so I went to the Arizona Humane Society and found a sweet little tabby with a very long tail. While there, we became close friends. When I got home to the Denver area, he assimilated himself into the household as one of the zoo, but still loved being with me. As months went on, I developed severe back pain, after two back surgeries. I'd come home from work and cry, and Phoenix would get in my lap, and walk and walk, back and forth, swiping his tail back and forth over my eyes, like he was saying, “I don't like it when you cry." In the two years I've had Phoenix, I've had to stop working as a registered nurse, and am now on disability, having trouble walking, and doing a lot of things I used to do. I still cry, and he still doesn't like it when I do. He spends a lot of his time either curled up on my lap, or near me on the recliner chair--where I sit and I sleep. He is a huge comfort to me, my sweet Phoenix, from Phoenix.

She Saved My Life Twice

23 Sep 2008

Every night Misty would come up pull my arm over and lay so that I cradle her like a baby. In January of 2004 Misty would come up her regular time, but instead of laying and going to sleep she would bite my left breast on the left side. From the time we got her she never did that before. I would tell her to stop it and pull her away, but she would go back and keep biting it. On February 14 I went and had a mammogram the radiologist told me that she did not like the look of a growth on my left breast and the left side of the breast. I had it removed and it was cancer. As soon as it was removed she stopped biting the breast. January 2008 she started again biting the breast, this time I did not wait, I called my oncologist, went had a mammogram done and the cancer was back, this time they removed the breast completely, had the treatments, and again she stopped biting the breast. Both times the doctors said I was lucky because it was found early, because of Misty. She is my pride and joy and my guardian angle. When I was going thru the treatments, I would come home from my treatment and lay down, she would always come up and lay next to me, but first she would pull the throw over me, so that I would not get cold. She was such a comfort, my kids tell me I spoil her, but she is entitled to be spoiled because I am here because of her.

Ronalti - The Black Cat

23 Sep 2008

About 9 years ago, a black cat came to my yard. The days were hot and it was clear that he was hungry. So, I fed him and took him in. He was a little aggressive but a very loving cat when he was inside the house. I decided to make him part of our family. He enjoyed sitting on the couch and being stroked and loved by my family and friends. He always gave them love back. About 7 years ago, Ronalti came to lay across my chest. I moved him, but he went back to lay across and down my left breast, draping himself over me and putting his paw under my left breast. I was uncomfortable with the way that he was laying, and moved him numerous times. He finally settled on my lap but positioned his paw up under my left breast. Frustrated with him, I just let him lay there. It was clear that he thought he had to be there at that certain moment and I was not going to change his mind. The next day I did my monthly breast exam. I found a "lump" under my left breast !! I made the call to move my mammogram up 3 months from my yearly appointment. There it was - the results were showing a breast cancer tumor. I had surgery, chemo, and radiation in the following year. Ronalti was there with me all the way, even putting his paw on my head when I was sick from the chemo. A short 2 years after my surgery, a friend came to visit us. Ronalti laid on her one leg draping down her leg. She was uncomfortable and moved him. He then moved to her left breast and arm. We laughed at him the strange way that he had positioned himself. Then it occured to me that she may have cancer too!! Good heavens, could Ronalti be telling her something too? She then told me that she had just been diagnosed with lymphoma that morning and was visiting to tell me. Ronalti was laying on the 2 spots where she had a rash. We all love Ronalti because he gives us so much love. But more importantly, he saved our lives by telling us of our cancers early so that we could fight it. We love him even more for that reason.

My little water kitty

23 Sep 2008

I adopted a little orange and white male in April of 08. He was almost a Valentine kitten. (Born on 2-13-08). He shows it by being very loveable. We named him Tweek, because he would be lying and relaxing for hours, and all of a sudden would take off like a bullet, tearing through the house. He gets very jumpy and excited when he plays. This is my first cat and I always thought that cats hated water. I was very surprised the morning after we brought him home, when he jumped in the shower with me. He just sat at the back of the tub waiting for me to splash him a little. I thought it was cute, so I never discouraged him. But I have created a monster. Now, I can't brush my teeth, take a shower, or do dishes without him. If the faucet is turned on, he will come running from where ever he is to play. He even tries to swim in his water dish. And his favorite place to sleep is in the bathroom sink. Just the right size for him to curl up in. My kitty may be a little different, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

My Constant Companions

9 Sep 2008

I got Oden and Sassy just a few months ago when we moved into our first house. My husband and I have been married for 3 years. He is an EMT and a firefighter so he is gone for 48 hours at a time. I knew that I was lonely and needed companionship so we talked about getting a dog, but we always had cats while I was growing up. I wanted a cat sooooo badly! My mother-in-law's friend had these two kittens and she loved them very much--but they couldn't live a relaxed life in her home with all the other animals. I took them both and have not been lonely since that day! They are two very different cats even though they are brother and sister. Oden is stand offish at first and just likes for it to be me, him and Sassy. Sassy loves everyone! She has never met a stranger. I rarely am stressed out any more because I know my babies are there and they don't care what happens in my life--they always love me unconditionally and I love them unconditionally. I couldn't ask for anything better!

My Roc

9 Sep 2008

It was time for me to get a cat. I knew that I wanted one. The biggest reason why I even lived in the apartment that I did was the fact that they allowed cats and the others I looked at didn't. And even though I had never really been what most considered a "cat person," I had always grown up with cats and missed the companionship of a pet. I was halfway through my fourth year of college, and after three years of living in the dorms with roommates it took a while to get used to coming home to an empty apartment at night. While I am by no means a social person, I was still lonely, and while my classes weren't necessarily hard, they were draining. But I had just had a birthday, which had been followed shortly by Christmas, so I had plenty of funds stored away, and that winter I got myself a belated Christmas gift in the form of a little orange cat with half a tail. I wasn't looking for an orange cat. In fact I was very close to not even wanting an orange cat because my family had lost our beloved long-haired orange tiger years before and I thought another orange cat would make it hard for us. The thing was, none of the other cats at the shelter seemed right for me. Two of them, a pair of large black and brown tabbies, preferred to be adopted together; I didn't have the space for two cats. A litter of kittens had all been spoken for; I didn't have the time to take care of a kitten anyway. One cat was so shy he wouldn't come near me. One by one I went to each cat and talked to them, scratched them on the head if I could, and mentally listed how each one reacted to me. Some cats I went to two or three times, and it took me a minute or two to realize that I had passed over one of the cages. Inside the cage was a little orange tiger cat, and the card on his cage said that his name was "Rock." I knelt next to his cage and, since I had been told I could, I opened it up to see him. Even though he had been napping, he woke up when I opened his cage and came over to see me. I scratched him on the head, just like I had with all the others, and somehow I felt that he was the one I was looking for. So I told the woman in charge that I had fallen in love with the little cat named Rock, and I took him home the next day. Today, Roc is still here, just as he should be. We got off to a bit of a "Roc-ky" start, since he decided he would wake me up thirteen times that first night he was home, but since then he has brought more happiness to my life than I ever could have thought. When I first adopted him, I thought his name was strange for an orange cat who weighed less than seven pounds at the time, but today he has truly become my rock. I can have the worst day at school, but when I come home and he wraps himself around my feet meowing for his dinner or for his mousie toy my problems just kind of disappear. And when there are times when I can't seem to concentrate on school or on anything else, he's always there ready and willing to learn a new trick (he's got four up his sleeve!) He's my conversation buddy, my comedy relief, my little buddy whose fur has been cleaned over and over with my tears at the end of a hard day. All I know about him is that he was a stray that someone brought to the shelter that winter, and even now, over one year later, when I hold him I'll ask him "Where do you come from?" But it doesn't matter to me. He's my "single scoop of Roc-ky Road," my "Roc and roll," my "Little Roc." And even when I have a rocky day, I know I can come home and find my Roc waiting there for me.

Haylie in the Hay

27 Aug 2008

I was visiting my horse when I heard MEOW, MEOW many times. I decided to look around - I knew it was a kitten. After about 10 minutes, I moved this hay bale and I saw this gorgeous black and white kitten. We guessed that she was probably about 3 days old. She was freezing so the first thing I did was warm her up. Then I asked my mom to come and pick me up early. We got some kitten milk and now she is full and warm. She is such a good kitten. I absolutely adore, now our other cat, Tommy doesn’t like her so much. But, I’m hoping that he will get used to her. This is just an amazing story because I have always wanted to find a baby animal and raise her. Thank you Lord!

My First Cat

27 Aug 2008

He came to us one evening in December 2004. My fiancé heard something at the door and it turned out to be a soft meow. Now, I should make it clear that I was not a cat person at that point in my life. I had never had a cat and most of my experiences with cats were not positive. She asked if she should feed him. My response was “Only if you want him to stay�. He is a grey/black/white striped tabby who was underweight a little over 1 year old and was apparently abandoned or lost. We had decided to keep him, but I wanted to make sure that we did all we could to locate the owner. We took him to the Vet to have him checked for a microchip. I then took him to the local Humane Society so that anyone looking for him there might have a chance to find him. That trip was quite interesting since I did not have a carrier and was in a car with no air conditioning. He was not a happy boy and meowed pitifully the whole way. Forty eight hours later he was on his way back home to us. We named him Hone, Hawaiian for sweet and soft. Within days Hone was sleeping at the foot of our bed or on the desk chair of my computer desk.

Hone’s day usually begins at about 3:00 A.M. I usually awake to his 15lbs sitting on my chest with him purring loudly or a gentle swat to my face to wake me up. A bite of food and vitamins precedes his nocturnal patrolling. He returns for breakfast then is left in the house for the day. The afternoon brings a welcome end to his daily captivity in our home. He can now enjoy life as cat; wandering, investigating, sniffing and marking the important shrubs. Each night we bring him inside and he noisily and sloppily eats his food. After eating he wants to go to the bedroom but does not usually want to go alone. He wants his evening pampering. We will pet him and rub him until he lies down on the towel at the foot of our bed. If I am with him he will grab my arm and begin to meticulously groom the hair on it until I can’t stand it or he gets bored. You can guess which happens first usually. If my fiancé is with him I will normally hear a call from the bedroom “Honey, grooming time!� and I arrive to find Hone with one of his back legs extended in the air and Hone attending to his more personal areas. My fiancé then laughs and he then looks up at me with his leg still extend as if to say “What?�

Hone has managed to get him self into plenty of interesting situations. He snuck into my fiancé’s truck once, without her knowing. A day later we were both depressed thinking he had disappeared and was hurt. He bolted out of her truck when she went to pick up some food. He was hungry and thirsty but was fine overall. He has gotten on to the roof of our apartment and had to be rescued by the fire department. He has also gotten himself into an area under a drain grate in the parking lot twice and refuses to come out the way he got in. We have been forced to find a way to remove the drain twice now to get him.

This affectionate guy has turned me into a cat person. Few things make me feel as good as putting my head up near the top of the wall next to the park and calling out “Hone Boy!� only to have him come running across the top of the wall and head-butt me. It is clear he is happy but how he can do that without hurting his head is beyond me. He chose us to live with. It has been my great privilege to be owned by this wonderful cat. I am looking forward to many more years with this special guy.

Not a pup, a cat with a happy ending

27 Aug 2008

My family and I wanted a puppy. When I went to my grandma’s house we found this cat outside under her house. She looked about 5-6 months old. She was really sweet and I fell in love with her. She was black with a white star on her chest so we called her Star. My mom said I could keep her!

Stinkys Story

27 Aug 2008

Almost three years ago a neighborhood kid showed my son this tiny white cat his dad had found in a junkyard. My son, of course, brought him home, showed my husband, and it was love at first site. As a kitten, he looked like a white Siamese, but we had never seen a white Siamese before. I gave him his first bath and had my husband come see what I had found; a wet white rat. And that’s just what he looked like. I named him Ratt. But we soon learned his litter box behavior was a little over bearing because he had such a poor diet. When he used the litter box it stunk to high heaven. My husband then began to call him Stinky and I still called him Ratt. It didn’t take long for him to gain weight, grow trust in the kids and us, and be part of our family. It didn’t take long for his two names to be called together and so therefore Stinkyrat stuck and he has been that ever since. He is now a little over 2 years old, full grown, big bushy tail and a beautiful white coat with light tan markings. He has truly been a blessing to our family. We are as lucky to have him as he is to have us. He has big blue eyes and a very soft meow (unless he hears a can of food opening, then he can really belt out one heck of a cry). He’s loveable and when we pick him up he just kinda goes limp like a rag doll (hence his breed – Ragdoll). My vet told us his breed and also said that it’s not common for his breed to just be left as a stray, as these are expensive cats when bought from breeders. He also said he’s only seen 2 or 3 in his career as a vet. He wasn’t so sure his name fit him until I explained to him how he got it. To this day he is 22lbs of pure joy and he is so funny when he plays fetch with my ponytail holders. I’m almost convinced he thinks he’s part dog. I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world, he’s my world. He’s our family and we’re so blessed to have him in our home.

How Pennie got her name

27 Aug 2008

When we got Pennie we did not know what to name her. My sisters wanted to name her Toshe or something like that. But since she had a number one on her forehead we called her Pennie.

kitten

12 Aug 2008

My friend, Maggie, has a cat named Bam. Bam had three kittens, two were twins and one was black. When they got older I got to keep one. I named him Tiger. He will sleep with you. When you call his name he runs to you. He is loving and has a nice aunt named Nadine. Thanks for reading this.

Funny looking cat

12 Aug 2008

Everyone at work knew I loved cats. So somebody was always trying to pawn off a stray, unwanted cat on me. A nurse I worked with had a litter of Siamese kittens and would ask me everyday if I wanted to buy one. The answer was always “No!� I have enough cats. Well, she came to me one day and said she had a one eyed kitten that wasn’t going to make it and she was going to put her down! Of course I couldn’t let that happen so needless to say she was delivered to me the next day. Shelly has only one eye and a hairlip but she is the cutest cat I’ve had! She is now 6 yrs old and the ruler of the house and our hearts! I wouldn’t trade her for the world!

My First Cat

12 Aug 2008

Always been a dog person, I loved my dogs so much. I even have a tattoo of one of their faces on my calf. I was an asthmatic child and have always been allergic to cats. I knew nothing about them because I could never hold one or even be in the same room without becoming allergic, if not asthmatic. I labeled them as sneaky, and to be honest, they kind of scared me.

Well, life circumstance would take me to a trailer park and life in a single wide. The park rules specify “little dogs only” and they must be walked and not kept outside on a leash. I’ve always had big dogs, so no dog for me here. You know trailer parks will have lots of trailer cats. And mine did. Still, I never interacted with them. Then one day my son, who loves all animals, started in with this business about this little bitty kitten outside. I was immediately like “No way I’m allergic!â€� Then he made me come outside to look at her. That was it. I am a sucker for children and animals and I was sucked right in by this kitten. She was obviously the runt of the group - all green eyes. I really resisted, but my son kept on. Of course, I had no cat food, so I gave her some cut up ham and a dish of water. I opened up an old cooler to give her shelter. I was against bringing her in because I didn’t know how I would react and I didn’t want to get too attached. Well, my son kept on and on about how she was going to die if we didn’t take her in. I finally relented and let her in the house. It was hilarious because I was totally ignorant about cats. I was asking all my friends, who are cat people, what to do. I was literally panicking! I had to go buy a litter pan and cat dish; you know all the accessories necessary for a cat in the house. I told my son that it was his cat and he had to name her. He picked Girl because we were already calling her like by that (“Come here Girl”).

She was not going to be another trailer park baby machine so I got her fixed. She is an inside cat. My boyfriend and son play rough with her but she knows she has to be gentle with me. I haven’t had any breathing problems but I do swell up if she scratches me so she is pretty gentle with me and I with her. She is so sweet and loving. I never would have thought I could have become a cat person but I have been converted!

Ebony, the lucky black cat

12 Aug 2008

This is a real life story about a little cat named Ebony. My wife’s uncle had several cats that he had rescued. When he passed on, we were lucky enough to get two of them. Ebony and Julio. At the same time, I am currently a kidney dialysis patient. I obtain my dialysis via a perma-caths located in and on my chest. All of my blood is removed from my body and cleaned in a dialysis, or artificial kidney machine. The other night as we slept, this perman-cath somehow tore away from my chest and fell on the bed. I began bleeding quite severely. We were asleep and were not aware of this. I had already lost enough blood to be light headed. I awoke to a warm, wet nose nudging at me. It was Ebony. It was unusual for her to do this nudging at night. However, she knew something was wrong. She kept nudging at my face until I (and then my wife) woke up and was able to call 911. At first, I thought the wet on the bed was a hairball. I later realized how much blood was on the bed and how much I had lost. Ebony truly saved my life. I share this with you at Purina because Ebony and Julio are both Purina Cat Chow cats. Thank you.

The Big Surprise

12 Aug 2008

I was sitting at my windowsill, thinking of a way to get a cat. The reason I was thinking about it was because my Mom wasn't very fond of cats. She liked them, but wanted them to be free and outside, and since we lived in an apartment, it was a hard choice. She also (which she didn't admit until later) was afraid of cats.

The phone rang. I picked it up, and when I hung up, I was very excited. My friend told me that one of her Mom's friend's cats was expecting kittens. My friend was getting one, and she said I could have one, too. “I'll get a unique one”, I thought. But then, it struck me: how was I supposed to bring a cat in without my Mom's permission? Then I thought I should surprise her! I'll bring the cat back home before she comes from work, and eventually she will come home and see the cat. It was worth a shot.

The day I was supposed to get my kitten, I bought $70 worth of cat stuff. Yes, it was expensive, but it was worth it! I was getting a 5-week-old kitten - a black and white male - and I thought I should call him Sylvester. When I went there, I wasn't charmed by Sylvester, like I had expected to be. Instead, I was charmed by a black smoke female cat with chocolate-green eyes. She looked in my eyes, and I took her home. I named her after one of the cats in a shelter that I went to, who looked very much like my little kitten. Her name was Winnie. But the worst was yet to come.

My Mom was on her way from work, and it took her about 45-60 minutes to come back from work on public transportation. My mom was at the door, and I hid Winnie under the bed. When my mom came through the door she complained about the trip home, but quieted down a little and fell asleep. I went into her room to talk to her about Winnie.
“Mom, I- uh- ha-have something to - tell- you...” I stammered.
“What is it, dear?”
“Well, uh, you see.... surprise”. I showed her the cat from under my bed, and she didn't look very happy. The surprise didn't come out as a shout, but more of a whisper.
“I'm going outside, to take a walk, and think about some stuff...” My Mom said, and went with her bike out for a ride.

When she left, I burst into tears, thinking if I was to keep her or not... When my Mom came home, we had a big talk, and she decided that I could temporarily keep the cat. I was surprised at her kindness, and I guess I could understand her stress, because we already had four big goldfish, a guinea pig, and now a cat, which needs a lot of expensive vaccinations. In my way, I'm going to make “temporarily” last as much as I can, and it sure seems to be working!

No more Doggie Door for our Cats

16 Jul 2008

My daughter, Liz, had a cat named Baby. She was a beautiful and fierce Siamese. Baby had her kittens in Liz's closet. (How she found room in there, I'll never know.) But the kittens loved Liz's room. As they grew older, they took up residence in the Gigantic Barbie House, running from room to room & poking each other through the windows. One day Liz ran out to the kitchen screaming, "A kitten's dead, a kitten's dead!" I followed her back to her bedroom dreading what I might find. Well, it wasn't a deceased kitten, but it was a certifiably dead squirrel. Baby, our hunter, had decided to feed her kittens wild game that day and had dragged her kill through the doggie door, past the kitchen, down the hall, and into the Barbie House. Baby looked distinctly angry as I disposed of the squirrel and her plans to turn her kittens into killers. Then, we found the live snake on the kitchen floor. That was our last outdoor gift from Baby. The doggie door was promptly removed.

The Unwanted Jazmyne

16 Jul 2008