One Cool Cat

The great debate will forever be examined. Cat vs Dog. Which are smarter? Better pets? Companions? Easier to deal with?

Given my extensive and very blessed experiences with both species...and currently I do own 1 Dog and 1 Cat.

I say....

Cats will be cats and dogs will be dogs!

I know typical animal lover answer. But hey let's face it -both can be raised or taught to be wonderful pets.

People argue dogs are easier to train and so much more affectionate. Yes, many cats can be finicky, "scardey cats" and take the characteristic of being pristine to a whole other level.

It might take some time and a lot of patience to be granted access to be petted from a particular cat especially if its a full grown cat. The effort and the results of this milestone however, are so worth it.

Cats can be easily trained to do tricks and fetch things just as dogs. I once had a cat named Seuss...Seuss I was able to train to do the most amazing trick. She was able to turn off the light switch on command every night when I went to bed "SEUSSSSSSSS...I'd say in a very high pitched tone. "Turn off the light please." Next thing I'd hear was a jump to the wall and off went the light and I went to sleep with a wide grin thinking..."Did my cat just do that again?"

Seuss just as any loyal dog would literally wait by the door anytime I went anywhere. At the door she'd greet me happily with cheerful meow's and purr's, but then soon after this warm, enthused greeting would change...cat tone speak would kick and she'd hastily purr/meow...

"Where the hell have you been!!? I've been worried about you, It's late!"

My mother would worry when I would ask her to watch her for a few days if I had to leave town. "That cat will not leave the door and won't eat until you get back, do you understand she will drive me crazy!"

When I would call and check up on Seuss...my mom would say "She's by the door." "When will you be back?" "Can you tell her to please eat something?"

Upon my return...Seuss would greet me excitedly and again not hesitate to scold me but later on she would never leave my sight for a second.

Then there is Sam. The inspiration for this Hubpage. I found Sam in some bushes right outside of our house. This is nothing new to me. Ever since I was little I had this pied piper ability to attract all kinds of animals that were either abandoned or hurt. A wide scope of animals ranging from kittens, to chickens, pigeons, dogs, snakes etc. etc. The list is mighty long! Those memories and moments mean the world to me as I was able to take care of these animals. Nurse them back to health and inevitably form a special bond.

And so...

It was no surprise to recognize this feeble little cry for help meows coming from afar...I approached him gently and he sadly peered up at me. "meow." He was ragged and very hungry. I scooped him in my arms, cleaned him up, fed him, took him to the vet. It's been eight years since Sam has been with us.

We love this cat!

Sam communicates all his needs. When he sits by the litter "hey it's time, please change this." Sits by the door to the garage. WIth a determined look "I'll just sit here, till you let me out."

Sam likes to drink fresh water and so some mornings he waits for me by the sink, so that he can drink water from my hand.

Layed back kitty witty. Talks in pur meows. Enjoys immensely "his alone time" out in the terrace where he sits backs and watches the days go by.

Once in a while his feline instincts kicks in and he goes for lizards that happen to come into the terrace. This in turn drives our rat terrier dog to hysterics "whatcha got there?? "Huh?" whatcha got there??" "Huh?! Huh?!" "Open the door Sam!"

Our cat isn't in your face affectionate, but when he decides to be he is indeed very sweet.

Our dog and cat are friends, and do love one another. It is so fun watching them interract.The cat wins every wrestling chase match!

But, the coolest thing about Sam is his love of baths. Now, don't get me wrong, he is not that happy as I'm walking him towards the bath. "Meoooowww?"

However, as soon as I put him in the warm perfectly tempered water, suds galore...he will stay there as for as long as it takes! Not a complaint, Doesn't even move!

The graceful act of Sam the cat laying appreciatively, freshly clean and happy as can be makes him...

One cool cat.