Cat Etiquette for Non-Owners
by Joyce Sammons
(Hodges, SC, USA)
Don't like cats - but I love you - til you make me mad
It has come to my attention that people who refuse to fill a void in their life with a sweet and loving cat(or dog) have a different set of standards than the rest of us. I would like to share a few suggestions and how they should be perceived/handled by those who do not have any pets. I use the term CAT but this covers dogs as well. Times have changed and our pets are more involved in our lives.
The above statement alone is my first point. This is not the 1960's when a lot of the pet population lived outside. Research has shown that it is beneficial to both cat and owner to form a close and loving bond. Many of us have cats who live totally indoors or indoor/outdoor. They are a part of our family. End of subject.
To those of you with no cats, please keep in mind that to some of us the cats are our kids. We talk about them, show pictures of them and take them to the vet when they are sick. If we ever call into work with a severely ill cat as an excuse please do not fire us. Do not laugh at us behind our backs. If your children were sick and YOU were out with them we wouldn't laugh at you. I worked with a man who was out one night with his sick dog. People were making a joke of him. I commend him for being honest.
To those of you who come and visit-please remember we love sharing our cats with you. But do not complain if you get cat hair on your clothing. The cats live here. You, on the other hand, are a guest. Our cats may jump in your lap and our dogs may bark. If you can't take listening them don't visit. I'd rather meet someone at Burger King and eat in quiet than to listen to someone complain about my 4-legged friends.
Do not laugh at the many ways we spoil our cats. There are services our there that provide day care, babysitting, grooming and many others and we thank the individuals for recognizing that we need what they offer. This also goes to "cafés" who offer homemade pet treats and the animal is welcome to enjoy their food on site. Do not laugh at us. There are times we like to "treat" our loved ones to something special.
Our pets are living longer now and pet insurance is becoming the norm. Do not laugh at me for having it. Do not laugh at me if I don't. That is why it is offered. Some can afford it and some can't. Do not criticize vet care or ask why I don't just kill my pet. My dog Dreyfuss is almost 10 years old. He'll let me know when he's tired of living.
Please send this to all your cat loving friends. It may also be a good idea to post it as "house rules" where guests can see.
I want feedback on this. I hope everyone agrees with me on this one
Joyce