“Are you covered in cat hair? Do you reek of Feliway? Is your kitty’s happiness your one desire?”
The answers to these critically soul-searching questions are posed in the book’s introduction. While this charming little paperback is primarily aimed at female cat lovers, men who truly love cats will no doubt also identify with its contents. “Women Who STILL Love Cats Too Much”, by author Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrator Nicole Hollander is definitely a must read for anyone who may be wondering if their relationship with their kitties is over the top extreme!
The introduction sets the book’s tone by Allia Zobel Nolan graciously and honestly admitting that she is thoroughly addicted to kitties. She describes herself as:
“a woman who still loves cats too much.”
However, since “addict” is often considered to have negative connotations, if someone is accused of having an addiction to cats, it may quite possibly ruffle the majority of ailurophiles’ fur. But not to worry! This wonderfully entertaining and “thought-provoking” book (with its skillfully written tongue-in-cheek strategy) strips the negative associations of the word “addiction”.
In fact, with its non-judgmental and humorous approach to the topic, while perusing through the book’s enchanting illustrative cartoons, passionate kitty lovers (if they choose to do so) will have an opportunity to embark upon a soul-searching journey of self-awareness. This will make it possible for readers to decide whether in fact they love their cats too much.
Some of the examples of probable “off the chart feline adoration “presented throughout the book not only had me in stitches. I learned a lot since they were also self-revealing.
“You know your cat is manipulating you more than usual when….She complains because she can’t find “Kitty Boo-Boo” on TV, so you switch to another, more expensive cable provider.”
Although our kitties are not “Kitty Boo-Boo” fans, I must admit that watching Jackson Galaxy’s TV show, “My Cat from Hell” isn’t quite as interesting or fun if our cats don’t seem to be quite as engaged in the show as I am. Since kitty enrichment is very important, I often wish they too would be fascinated by Jackson’s skillful interventions.
“You know your preoccupation with your cats is beginning to cost you friends when….Your BFF refuses to be seen with you unless you stop wearing “tacky cat jewellery.”
Over the years I have learned that the only way to avoid this dilemma is to get rid of friends who aren’t as keen about cats as I am and replace them only with felinophiles. Ardent kitty lovers are those who may wear “tacky cat jewelry” and have acquired an extensive collection of colorful, furry costume “cat ears” with which they adorn themselves with pride. Friends of this ilk help keep our cats feel more secure. After all keeping them emotionally well-balanced is definitely my priority.
“You know you might be a tad extravagant when it comes to your cat, (but hey, what is money for anyway?) when….Your cat has her own iPhone, iPad, Google Glass and high-speed internet connection….and you don’t.”
This last example definitely nailed the fact that I am totally addicted to my kitties. Since my iPhone and iPad are loaded with kitty games with which they play, these devices might as well be theirs. But after reading and thoroughly enjoying “Women who Still love cats too much”, my anxiety level has totally diminished and I no longer am conflicted. I have come to the conclusion, (backed up by the author) that there is no such thing as loving cats “too much.” In my opinion, cats were put on this planet to be thoroughly spoiled and doted upon.
Although judging from the book’s title, Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrator Nicole Hollander had women in mind when creating it. But don’t be surprised when your male friends can’t put the book down.
“Women who Still Love Cats too Much” will be released for sale in September 2015. A special pre-order price is available at here
my cats are so comforting and wonderful healers. when i go to bed at least one of them will sit on me and start purring, sometimes for hours. since i have stress issues, i find that when one of my cats starts purring, i calm down quickly and before i know it i am asleep. thank you jo for this wonderful article — pawsome as usual.
No such thing as loving too much. As the song goes… “Anyway they want it, that’s the way they’ll get it.”
We signed up for this task and are obligated to follow it through.
If we don’t put our cats’ desires and needs before our own, we are failures and think of them as “only cats”.
I’ll be the first to say that I bow to their needs and demands. I am up by 2 AM every day and am very sensitive to their temperature needs and other comforts.
They allow me to live here, and I’m very grateful.
Wow Dee, you have an early start to your mornings. That must be hard going if you also work full time. Do you actually cook meals for them at that time of the morning?
I get up at 06.30 so that I have time to feed 4 cats and allow them a short visit to the garden, then they are ready to come indoors before I leave for work. As I never get to bed before midnight, I don’t think I’d have the energy to hold down a full time job if I was also getting up in the middle of the night to cook them a meal. Thankfully I’ve never had a cat who asked to be fed at those times. Usually they’re fast asleep on the bed next to me.
It’s crazy, but I have a strict routine.
Up at 2 AM to feed my 26 indoor cats. Then, my 18 indoor/outdoor cats come in to feed. Then, there are 12 ferals on my deck to be fed.
Then, I head to the woods to take care of my 3 colonies that total around 75.
And, no, I don’t work anymore because I contracted Hep C from a patient many years ago that will be my demise at some point, even being on a transplant list. I was a nurse for many, many patients, and this was my reward.
Dee you’re amazing 🙂 I bet those cats can’t believe their good fortune to have found their way into your care.
I’m sorry to hear of your health problems. What cruel irony you contracted it whilst caring for others.
131 cats doesn’t mean you’re a cat-hoarder, no, not at all.
And just how does an unemployed nurse provide for the food, welfare, sterilizations, and vet-care of 131 cats?
I think it’s time someone was sent to investigate to see how many have to be euthanized to end their suffering.
Nice “friends” you keep, Michael.
For hanging out at cat sites for so long, you haven’t learned much, Jim.
Legitimate rescue groups that are invested in fostering and TNR provide nearly all of the services that you listed, 24/7 and free of charge.
FYI, 3 of my ferals recently had surgery for nasopharyngeal polyps, and the fee was NOTHING! Why don’t you know these things, Jim?
Sometimes, when we keep our heads stuck up our own -ss, we can’t keep up with reality. How do you deal with birds from such a contorted position?
Ummm…because Jimmy’s an idiot? Just a guess.
Jim, just go away and stop being so cruel.
Or, learn what the terms “fostering until adopted” or “feral colonies” mean. That’s not hoarding.
I can hardly believe that you are so senseless about the difference, as much useless time that you spend here.
But, you’re so hell bent on spewing your nonsense that there is no room for logic.
Don’t you have some birdie butts to kiss?
I don’t think it’s possible to love cats too much, but I did once read an article written by a cat behaviourist (Claire Bessant?) in which she described some of the more extreme cases she’d dealt with, where owners were putting their cats desires before their own needs.
One lady was getting up at 3am every day to cook fresh fish for her cat because “that was when he liked to eat”. Having a full-time day job to go to, the poor lady was exhausted through lack of sleep, but didn’t want to change her cat’s meal times in case it made him unhappy.
Another lady had turned her heating down so low that she needed to wear a coat and boots indoors to keep warm. Apparently her cat didn’t like it if the house was too warm, so she kept the heating down to a level he was most comfortable with.
Much as I love my cats, I’m afraid I will always be in control of the thermostat in our home 😉