Conference misery::feline

    
    	Shaw,
    
    	I have three indoor only kitties and they're just fine.  As long
    	as they have a window to sit in and watch the outside goings on
    	they're perfectly content.  By keeping your kitty indoors you'll
    	most likely be extending his/her life.  Outdoor kitties run the
    	risk of being attacked by other animals, being hit by a car, teased
    	by mean kids, stolen etc etc etc.
    
    	You can train a cat to use a scratching post and not your
    	furniture.  You just make sure to keep a squirt gun or spray bottle
    	handy and when she/he does something you don't like, give 'em a 
    	squirt.  When the kitty is young start training it on the post
    	by physically showing them how.  Rub the paws up and down on the
    	post, when she/he starts doing it alone, praise her/him ALOT.  
    	
    
    	JJ
    
    

	If you find the kitty is scratching a lot, you can trim their claws
	without hurting them. - Just like cutting your own nails.

	I have two indoor/outdoor moggies, one cats claws are fine, but the 
	others grow very quickly, and I trim them once a month.

	I have a scratching post even tho' they are indoor/outdoor, one of the
	larger trees may be better for an inmdoor only cat - or get two
	moggies, they can keep each other company.

	From what I've read here there are many more cats than homes, so I don't
	think you are depriving them of a specific lifestyle, you will 
	probably be saving them from much worse.

	Maybe a trip around the shelters that are mentioned here will put
	your mind at rest (and you might be adopted by one or two) - or maybe 
	visit someone with moggies that are indoor only, and see how contented 
	they are - I'm sure there must be someone here that could help
    
	Heather

       I think the key is if the cat has never been outside...he has
       no idea what he is missing.   I know many indoor kitties that
       are very content!!  And if your worried about him being bored...
       I would like to suggest two cats!!  There is nothing like the
       sight of two cats cleaning, hugging and sleeping in each others
       arms!!
    
       I do not believe in declawing myself...and agree with JJ that
       you can train cats to use scratching posts etc.  Just buy him
       his own furniture..(cat Tree) and he'll should leave yours alone.
    
       One..two...three cats in a small apartment is fine!!!!!
    
       Sandy

    Himalayans are not the brightest bulbs on the string (to quote Mary
    Tamir!).  Believe me, I have one!  He is quite content as an indoor
    only cat and has never shown an interest to go outside.  If you start
    them out indoors only as a kitten, they have no idea what they're
    missing as a cat.
    
    My Himmie would never survive outdoors.  Very few purebred cats would,
    since they are bred mostly for physical attributes.  Just take a look
    at the note about Blue and what Mary Tamir is doing for him after he
    was hit by a car.  That is enough to keep any cat indoors at all times.
    
    You could always build some sort of enclosed, safe area for the cat,
    where it could enjoy fresh air and sunshine while still being
    protected.
      

    I would not take them outdoors except in a carrying case.  If they
    get sufficiently scared, if a dog comes by, etc. they could leap away and
    become lost.  You'll need a carrying case anyway to take him or her
    to the vet's.
    

    
    Thanks all for the encouragement. I will be at my current address
    (house with big yard) through winter, but since I am single now, 
     it is more probable that I will be living in an apartment/condo 
     type of thing. I just thought it might not be fair for a cat
    that all they know of the world for 15-20 years is bedroom, hallway
    kitchen, living room. No place to dig, no mouse to chase, no
    butterflies.... well you get the idea. 
    How are Himalayns with dogs. A Boston Terrier has poped out eyes and
    an unfriendly/scared kitty could easily scratch their eyeballs. 
    I am currently leaving with a cat, that although we're best friends, 
    she doesn't belong to me, we have such a relationship that it would
    be hard for me when its time to leave. She is the only cat I've been
    around that doesn't purr, nor likes sitting on laps. Although she is
    very good with rubbing against you and headbutts and all.
    
    Shaw

My 7 (and for now 8) cats live indoors full time.  They make their own fun.
Right now, I'm giving 'round the clock care to a beautiful Himalayan that
was hit by a car and critically injured.  No amount of butterflies will ever
make up for the pain that cat has, and continues to, endure.  I do not
think I've imprisoned my cats.  My 7 live in a two story town house and they
do just fine.  They chase each other, the odd moth, toys and me all over
the place.  My two oldest cats are both Himalayans.  As for how they are
with dogs, each cat is different.  My oldest was raised with dogs so he's
indifferent.  With any cat, Himalayan or whatever, there will be a period of
adjustment.  They are natural enemies and must learn to live together.

I'd give anything if Blue had been left inside instead of given his "freedom".
(Blue belonged to a neighbor--I would NEVER, EVER, EVER have let him out)

Mary

    My two cats - Otis and Tiffany - are indoor only.
    
    We got both as kittens (6 & 7 weeks old respectively) and Tiffany
    has never touched the earths crust.  Ha!  Otis did once when he
    jumped from Tracey's arms on to the snow - and promptly jumped
    back into them.  
    
    To be honest, my primary reason for not letting them outdoors was
    because I cannot stand bugs...and I didn't want to have fleas in my
    house and handle ticks ... arrhhgg!  Then, of course, I didn't want to
    take the chance of having them run over by a car, attacked by another
    animal or get lost or stolen.
    
    From day 1 if they went near an open door we would say BAD - and to
    this day they will stand on the threshold with the door wide open and 
    will not attempt to go outside.  They love sitting in an open window 
    in the Spring, Summer and Fall and always find ways to catch a view of 
    the outside world - but I personally believe they will live longer and 
    healthier lives as indoor only pets.
    
    Regards,
    

	My 6 are indoor-only, too, and are very happy and playful.  They
	are always clean-smelling and flea-free.  We've just introduced
	a Pomeranian puppy, and they've adjusted to him very quickly.  He
	has prominent eyes as well, and for all the bops he's received
	in the face, I've never yet seen a single scratch.  They prefer 
	to hiss at him when he gets carried away :^}

	Sandy, who now has to make sure that the pup doesn't get fleas!

    Trust me, you aren't depriving them of anything. In fact, if you
    weighed the pros and cons of indoor vs. outdoor, you would happily
    keep all your cats indoors for their entire lives.  Outdoors they run
    the risk of predators, getting hit by cars, picking up FIV, Felv, or
    even FIP, all of which are untreatable and can lead to a shorter
    lifespan.  No, if you want to bring your cat out, you can always
    purchase a harness and leash and go for a leisurely stroll in the
    yard.....  but be aware, you might create a MONSTER.  One of mine
    is so in love with her nocturnal walks that she cries at the door at
    nite till I take her out....  grrrrr  :-)  
    
    Good luck with the new baby...
    
    N

    My two babies are now inside only.  For a period of a year or so they
    practically *lived* outside.  They had no problems adjusting once I
    decided to keep them in.  We live in a two bedroom apartment, but have
    just bought a 3 level townhouse.  I think they'll get lost with all
    that room for a while before they get used to it!
    
    They do like to go out on the cement patio and roll around. That is
    their treat once in a while :-)

       I have 10 indoor kitties!  They've got their toys, soft places to
    sleep, sunny windows and 5 litter boxes.  They are definately happy.
    We allow play time each day, and I do have a cat leash for walking
    one or two particular individuals that like to go outside on the leash.
    I have a birdfeeder too outside the kitchen window that is a real riot
    to watch. They really love to watch birds! Occassionaly, I will take
    the hunters out with me to the fenced in garden, where they do a lot to
    help with the mole population.
       I would never let me babes run loose outside.  Long ago,  I had one
    cat that truly insisted on going out in the morning for a few hours. 
    Well, he got FELV, which he died from and several other of my cats
    caught and died from.  Never again!  There's just too many terrible
    things out there.  that's what neat about cats, you can keep them
    inside and they will be happy.
    
      Denise and the gang of 10

    Mine (8) are also indoor only and are happy, playful, loving furfaces. 
    I agree with everything in the previous replies and I would never take
    any of mine outside without being contained in a carrier.  I can't tell
    you how much it upsets me when I see someone who has either just picked 
    up their cat or brought it in to be checked and after spending $$, go
    back outside just holding the cat.  It may be calm then, but just watch
    what happens when it suddenly gets frightened by something.  Too many
    have been lost that way with few being recovered.
    
    Pat & Clan
    

    The Honorable Colonel Sebastian Moran, RDOFFC, is an indoor only cat
    and very happy. For that matter, his brother, Dr.John Hamish Watson,
    MD, is primarily indoor only. He won't go out for more than 20 minutes
    without getting very upset and plastering himself against the door. And 
    he's a St. Bernard.  Indoor/outdoor is primarily a state of mind, I
    think. As long as they have toys, and a window to see interesting
    things and food and facilities and affection, they don't need much
    else!
    
    Sari

    When the time comes I'm not sure where you plan on finding your
    furface...but many times the shelters are aware of which cats
    came from a family that also had dogs.   
    
    Also some shelters allow you to take a cat on a trial basis...that
    way you could see if the animals can live with each other.  
    
    Sandy

    
    Everyone, I'm convinced. I would definately prefer an indoor cat 
    myself for very same reasons everyone brought up. I just needed 
    assurance that it would not be selfish of me to hold kitty hostage;-)
    
    I will be at my current house through the winter. One of the first
    places that I would check is Pat Brodey Shelter, although it is not
    near, but I have read so much here of the wonderful poeple involved
    and the cats too.  
    
    Sandy in my case, I could not take any kitty on a trial basis. I just
    become attached too easily. If one (or two) go with me, it's for life!
    
    Thanks again everyone ;-)
    
    Shaw

    Shaw,
    
    The Pat Brody shelter often has purebred Himalayans for adoption.  I
    know of a woman who volunteers for the Framingham shelter that has a
    flamepoint female spayed Himalayan.  She is fostering "Tasha" until a
    good home can be found.  Tasha is about 2.  I could put the two of you
    in touch if you are interested.  Tasha might need to go to an only cat
    home though.
    
    In one of your previous notes you asked about Himalayans and dogs. 
    While I do agree that each cat is unique in it's reaction, my Himmie
    took very well to my mother-in-law's two lhaso dogs when we dog-sat for
    them last year.  Herbie had never been around dogs in either his
    previous life at the cattery or with us, but he was not afraid of them,
    just very curious (and somewhat disdainful!).
    
    Good luck in your search for a new kitty!
    

    Shaw, (Sandy please don't be offended!).  I don't know where you live,
    but, Kitty Angels in Tyngsboro MA is trying to place all her cats.  I
    believe she is sort of closing the doors to her shelter.  She may have
    something you would like!
    Karen
    PS, Kitty Angels will have kitties for adoption at our show Nov.
    14/15th and also Pat Brody Shelter has kindly offered their assistance
    by supplying the stewards for the judging rings.  They will also have
    their spectacular craft table there too!!
    Karen

    I am not offended at all....all cats in shelters need to find 
    homes.  I just volunteer at the Pat Brody Shelter...so of course I
    will always put in a plug!!!!    
    
    There are some great shelters around...is Kitty Angels really closing
    their doors?  Sigh... 
    
    Sandy

    
    RE: last two,
    
    Thanks for the pointers. I currently live in NH and probably will 
    relocate but still in NH.  Since my roommate is getting married
    in Spring, I will have to move between now and then.  I had planned
    on looking for an apartment or share situation after the winter
    as I currently have no idea where to start. It has to be a place
    that pets are ok. I might add that I do not currently have a dog.
    I lost my pooch to a heart failure a few months ago. My roommate
    hates dogs, and will no allow me to bring in another one. The 
    reason I  mentioned the Boston Terrier is because I 've been thinking
    about one as soon as it is possible for me. We currently have a cat
    that belongs to my roommate but is my companion, I don't think it is
    a good idea for me to introduce her to another kitty as she prefers
    to be the only cat. 
    So friends, as soon as I find another home, you would be hearing from
    me!
    
    Shaw

    A family friend has two Lhasa Apso's (correct spelling ?) - Clifford
    and Pansey - and she brings them to the house when she visits. 
    
    Tiffany has hissy fits and locks herself in Tracey's room for the
    duration of their stay while Otis lays right in the middle of the
    floor and - with a puss that would intimidate ANYONE - lets
    them romp and chatter and runs circles around him!  I swear Otis 
    LOVES to play that game - he is SO mellow.
    
    No wonder - Oat is 21 lbs and Clifford and Pansey weigh about 12
    pounds....combined!!!  Ha.
    
    

    Karen,
    
    there were two branches of Kitty Angels; one in Tyngsboro and one in
    Connecticut (I adopted Kostas from the Connecticut branch). Is
    Connecticut closing, too? Any idea why?
    
    Deb

    Re. Original note.
    
    Cats endure indoor-only generally very good, if the appartment is not
    too small and they can look aout a window. I have mosquito-laces on my
    windows for Smokey sniffing out if she wants to, without getting out
    (or soething cruel in). Cats, unlike dogs, are lonesome territorial
    animals, and cats, unlike dogs, can be held well indoors. My smokey is
    a healthy young kitten of 5 years, but by uncle's siamese is a 19 year
    old gentleman who has never been out in his life! And he makes great,
    no depression or any things like this! 
    
    Nat
                                           

    
    Maybe I shouldn't continue here but. earlier on someone did mention
    Himalayans were not very smart cats. In what way? how is their behavior
    different? 
    Moderator if this question doesn't belong here, (sorry ;-)) 
    I've had/shared many cats in my life, never a pure bred and never 
    indoor only. I always thought the only reason such cats were made 
    indoors only cats was to protect them from the dangers that might 
    await them outdoors, (such as cat theives and cars etc..)
    Do they not have the same hunting/sorvival instincts?
    
    Shaw

Well, like any animal bred for a specific purpose, purebred cats differ from
breed to breed.  Maine Coons are bred for their prowess.  Labrador Retrievers
are bred for their hunting instincts.  Poodles are an interesting lot--the
standard poodle is a sporting dog, the mini and toy are a different story.
Himmies and Persians are bred for their beauty.  A friend once told me that
God realized He forgot to put the brains in, so He marked the ears brown....

My 3 Himmies are clever.  I wouldn't go so far as to call them stupid, but
for generation after generation, no one has bothered teaching them how to
hunt and kill for lunch.  So, compare cats like you compare dogs....would you
want that little Lhasa Apso as a guard dog or would you go for that German
Shepard Dog??  If a cat is left out on it's own, it ought to have years of
experience behind it telling it instictly what to do.

Mary

    << are purebreds daft?
    
    Not necessarily....the main reason (IMNSHO) they are kept
    indoors is because they cost money.  Sometimes a lot of money! (:
    
    When a purebred indoor cat gets loose, they are not street smart,
    and usually make the mistake of wandering out into the street.
    
    But, some cats are bred for looks, and not brains, so some may
    be less "sharp" then others....
    
    L

    What I meant by my comment about Himalayan cats not being the brightest
    bulbs is just as Mary said... they are bred for their beauty and
    physical attributes.
    
    This doesn't mean they are downright stupid.  My Himmie has occasional
    flashes of brilliance and can be quite comical.  He is extremely
    playful, prefers to eat with his paw instead of his mouth (scoops
    the food out of the bowl onto the floor and eats), and he's very mellow
    and loveable.  I think this is what I love most about him... he's such
    a mush.  When I comb him, he just lays there and purrs, and when I'm
    done with one side he will actually let me gently grab both sets of
    paws and flip him over to do the other side.  When he wants attention,
    he'll flop himself at my feet and meow softly.
    
    One thing I noticed about him... he is not the first cat to try
    something new.  He learns by imitation.  So, it isn't that he is dumb,
    he just a bit slow.  :^)
    
    I hope I didn't change your mind about a Himalayan.  They are really
    wonderful cats!
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    Roberta, your little boy sounds wonderful, I wish I had a mellow 
    cat like him. No, I have not changed my mind. My only fear is
    if and when I go to a shelter first, some cat my win my heart 
    (that can easily happen ;-) ) and what if it turned out not to be 
    a himmie. Maybe it would be safer just to go to a breeder. 
    I will never ever forget, few years ago I was at this party in S.F. 
    and they had this gorgeus cat lying on top of the fridge. He looked
    like a persian or Himmie, but he was Orange , different shades of
    orange, like in streaks, looked like a miniature male lion. They said
    he was from Nepal. Is that different or just a Himmie with those 
    colors. I wouldn't hesitate spending some dollars for a doll like that.
    I have decided to check the Cat Shows/Events in this area so I can 
    learn more and make my mind up. I am getting real psyched about all
    this.
    
    Shaw
    

     
      I'm surprised that this topic has remained as "civil" as it has for
    26 replies!! The "indoor-outdoor" issue can and has become very
    emotional in some past notes, and people can become sort of angry--to
    say the least--when inputting their sides...and I have to admit that
    I'm very much an "indoor" believer....and some of the reasons are:
    
     **Modern day cats are not wild animals. When there were no cars going
    60mph and hundreds of loose and undisciplined kids and dogs running
    around, cats could do pretty well outdoors. However, I've seen WAY to
    many cats on the highway in the past few years to believe that most
    would EVER become totally 'street smart'. If spooked by someone or
    something, even the smartest could bolt in front of a speeding vehicle
    and become a casualty.
    
     **With rabies now being found in Raccoons in New England, an outdoor
    cat has a chance of an encounter that could well become fatal. Even
    though most cats in this conference I'd believe had been immunized,
    they could easily get into a battle and lose it to a rabid raccoon.
    
     **Both National and International wildlife and environmental
    organizations have done studies on cats and their depredations on bird
    and small animal populations. I've seen estimates in Great Britain that
    loose cats kill literally MILLIONS of birds each year. Most of these do
    NOT need to kill to eat, but it is a cat's instinct to hunt even though
    many don't even try to eat their catches.
    
     **I am a garden freak... If anyone has ever done much gardening, they
    can identify with my disgust when I'm digging around my raised beds
    with my bare hands and encounter a "deposit" left there by my
    neighbor's Siamese.. I like that cat, but she can sure be aggravating
    when this happens....
    
      
       As for the Dog/Cat interface...
       We currently have 2 and 3/4 cats and 12 dogs. (Smokey, our 3/4 cat,
    had the misfortune to be caught in a car's fanbelt when he was a
    kitten, and when the people who had him found out what it would cost to
    fix him up, they 'threw him away'. A friend of mine who worked at the
    vet they took him to asked to have him, and she got him fixed up. He
    had to have one of his front legs removed due to the fact that it had
    been so badly damaged, and his other front paw had to be de-clawed to
    prevent him from trying to climb and becoming 'hung-up' somewhere.).
    
      ALL of the dogs--without exception--and ALL of the cats get along
    just fine with each other. Our biggest dog--a male mixed breed who goes
    around 80+ pounds--and our smallest cat, "Cookie", are "best friends".
    Cookie was a kitten that tested FeLV+ and was in a shelter. Since we
    already had a cat who was tested FeLV+ at the time (She died at age 16
    of natural aging..) we decided to take Cookie in. She's now 4 and has
    no signs of the dreaded disease. Cook is all white except for a
    quarter-sized black spot on each ear, a black stripe down the back of
    each leg, and a black tail and bum.. Teddy, the dog, looks very much
    like a Rottweiler. He'll be lying on the couch and Cook will come and
    lie down at his head and start licking his face... If we say
    "Teddy...do you like that kitty?".....he won't move a thing except the
    tip of his tail will start wagging...
    
      My miniature Dachshund plays with all three cats..and they will
    actually begin the play more often than not. Smokey and Rudi will chase
    each other...Smokey will flop down on his back and Rudi will leap on
    him...next thing you know Smokey's leaping on Rudi...and they have
    a ball. The dogs ave NEVER made one of the cats cry out, although
    sometimes when the two girl-cats play they get too rough and we hear a
    "MEEEEOOOWERRRR" and a hiss or two..
    
    
      I personally believe that most dogs and cats can be friends...it may
    simply take some time, but they can adapt pretty well...
    
    JOhn McD

    Brains...I think it all depends on the cats!!!  My little Dewey
    (who is no where near a purebred..he was born in a junkyard)
    is not the smartest cat alive.   He has got his claw stuck in his 
    own nose before...go figure!!!
    
    I always said "god didn't give him brains...but gave him a wonderful 
    caring heart...and that's all he needs".
    
    Sandy

    
    Sandy, that's so funny ..... here I am laughing out laud picturing 
    this cat with his claw stock in his nose.
    
    John as always, stories from you household are great. You are so lucky
    to be able to have so many four legged friends.
    
    Shaw 

      Re .31
    
    
    
      They're our "sanity keepers" in the current environment.....
    
    Never judge us...always there when we come home with happy wiggles and
    mews... If only PEOPLE could be this way!
    
     John Mc

     
>      I'm surprised that this topic has remained as "civil" as it has for
>    26 replies!! The "indoor-outdoor" issue can and has become very
>    emotional in some past notes, and people can become sort of angry--to
>    say the least--when inputting their sides...and I have to admit that
>    I'm very much an "indoor" believer....and some of the reasons are:
 
	This note wasn't (until yours) an indoor-outdoor discussion.

	It was a discussion on whether keeping moggies indoors was Okay, and 
	whether they can be kept with dogs.

	My cats are indoor/outdoor, as I mentioned before in this note, I have
	no problems with people keeping their cats indoors as long as they
	understand what they are taking on, and I think this topic was doing 
	that rather well.

	What I do object to, are comments that say that people who allow their
	cats out are either being inconsiderate to neighbours, or are puting
	their cats in real danger.

	This is not true, I have always had indoor/outdoor cats, they have all 
	lived to ripe old age, and none of them have died from anything that 
	has happened to them outside.
	Neither have I ever had complaints from my neighbours about my cats, 
	infact, one of my cats has been instremental in my neighbour 
	overcommimg her phobia about cats , which would never have happened if 
	mine were indoor only.

	Heather

    Okay.  This topic was moving along smoothly and staying off the
    hot indoor vs. outdoor discussion.  At the risk of jumping in too
    quickly I'm here to remind every to stay cool.
    
    Jan (reaching for my moderator hat)

    Re:  .28
    
    If you go to the shelter and the cat that touches your heart was
    not the himmie you went looking for, well then, maybe you were
    meant to have the non-himmie anyway.  I'm a firm believer that 
    people do not choose their cats, the cats choose their people.
    I was not looking for any of the cats I currently have.  Apparently
    they were looking for me.
    
    This is especially true for Bailey.  I went looking for a Maine
    Coon look-alike.  I saw her first and never even looked at the MC's.
    Now Bailey was as far from a MC look-alike as a kitty could get.
    And let me tell you...she was one very special cat.
    
    Jan

    
    Jan,   I am afraid that might not work. I don't know what it is
    but with cats, dogs and horses, they immediately take to me. I have
    not yet been to a someones house that their cat/dog didn't come to 
    me and wouldn't leave my side/lap untill I was outa there. 
    If I go by your concept, I will have to go to the shelter with a truck
    and load up a hundred or so ;-)
    I remember some time ago, I was at this car dealership and had to see
    the boss. I walked in the office and he wasn't there but there was a 
    Dobberman. I  walked in and sat down, the dobbie looked at me, we 
    exchanged some smiles and he came over and started licking my face. 
    When the guy walked in his office, he couldn't beleive. That was a 
    special K-9 dog, that should have grawled/attacked me for walking in
    like that. He said he was gonna return the dog. 
    My ex-land lady had a horse that did not like guys. Would not give
    them rides, the horse had dropped a few of her freinds, but it would
    let me ride it bare saddle. 
    I have always loved animals of all kinds and have never had a bad 
    expreince with any. and got a soft heart for them, so I know what will
    probably happen at Pat Brody's ... Oh no. I only wanted one!
    
    Shaw

    Shaw... But...there will be ONE special one that really gets 
    to your heart more then other.  Or possibly two!!!  (ha ha)
    
    Sandy   

    I look at a picture of a cat/dog/horse/bird on a card and I melt.
    And usually buy the card.
    
    I see a cat and instantly want to hold him/her.
    
    I am feeding a stray that I want so very much to put on my bed
    at night...(sigh)
    
    I go to a shelter and want to bring them all home with me.
    
    There is something so special about looking into the eyes of
    an animal that is so endearing, peaceful and loving.
    
    M
    
    ...oh, and I LOVE cows.  They have to have some of the most
    beautiful eyes in the world.
    

    As a person who has picked only one of the seven cats we've had (the 
    first) I can say that the cat you should have will pick you.  I know
    that there are many people who would only have a certain breed of cat
    but I have always been picked by the PERFECT cat for me.  We went out
    looking for a Maine Coon back a few years ago and left the shelter with
    the skinnyest black and white cat you ever saw.  Never regretted it and
    that little bag of bones grew into a VERY substantial kitty with love
    and affection.  I look at acquiring a cat the same way as having a
    baby, the one you should love will come to you.  If you pick a cat only
    because of it belonging to a certain breed/look, you may not get the
    perfect personality mix.  I think if a cat picks you, all the upfront
    matching has been done by the kitty.  They know who will love and
    cherish them and they will return that ten-fold.  The cat who had
    looked us over and decided we were good enough to be her parents has
    paid us the greatest complement.
    
    Linda

    Shaw, I know what you mean.  I have animals come up to me that would
    not let anyone else touch them too.  I fall in love with most cats
    I come across.  However, while I may find it difficult to leave once
    I've fallen for a particular cat/animal, I don't always want to take
    them home with me.  I think you will know when it is time to take a 
    special one home (himmie or otherwise).  It is a different feeling.  
    I'm afraid I'm not eloquent enough to explain it.  I'm sure you'll do 
    whatever is right for you when the time comes.
    
    Jan

    I agree completely with Jan.  There are some cats that you just love
    visting with and petting, and then there are the cats that you want to
    have in your life 24 hrs a day for the next 20 years.  You will know
    the difference.
    
    Reading these notes brought back memories of the first time I saw
    Lasher.  He was about 5 weeks old, and I immediately said, "That's my
    cat.  I want that one," even though I knew I couldn't take him at that
    time.  I never really paid that much attention to Nicodemus, but he was
    always wanting to sleep in my lap or in my arms.  My friend had rescued
    these and their 4 littermates.  During the next three months, she tried
    to find homes for all of them, but no one wanted to adopt Nic and
    Lasher.  A couple of times she thought she had homes for them, but they
    just waited for me to be in a position to adopt them.  It just seemed
    like the most natural thing in the world when she brought them to my
    apartment.
    
    Michelle

	We've chosen a couple of our cats, and have been chosen by a couple
	as well, but the strangest experience I've ever had was with our last
	acquisition, Jaco the Pomeranian.  I always go into mall pet stores,
	and I always look at the puppies.  With 6 cats at home, I *never*
	ask to touch or hold any of the puppies for sale - just think to
	myself how cute they are and how I'd love to take them all home.

	The day I walked into Docktor Pet and saw Jaco, I *had* to hold him.
	He settled right into my arms and snuggled under my neck - I was
	helpless at that point :^}

	Sandy, with 6 cats and a funny puppy :^}

    I never owned a pet until I was 30(!). Maybe you can benefit from some
    of my misconceptions/mistakes. My (now 2-year old) is a female since I
    figured we'd get along better (experience PMS at the same time...). She
    NEVER meows unless something upsets her. She is perfectly content
    living indoors (I have lots of windows and window seats for her to
    spend her days on) and with just me. However, I got her as a kitten,
    something I think that is very important. When I first brought home
    older kittens (6-9 months old) I discovered they had preset
    personalities/hangups that *I*, the naive, first-time cat owner, could
    not deal with. With a kitten (6-7 weeks old), you help mold their
    personality and habits so that YOU can train them early on where to
    scratch and adapt to your style of living.
    
    Now that she is 2, and has settled down A LOT (the 3 AM drag racing
    around the house has quieted down to climbing into bed with me) I
    really, really regret not having gotten a playmate for her (as strongly
    suggested in this conference). I feel very guilty coming home at night
    and not having the energy to play with her and be a good companion.
    Perhaps when I move to bigger quarters I will get her a sibling. I
    don't know if you could handle two kittens AND a small dog, but if you
    start with a young kitten, she will get used to the dog up front and
    there shouldn't be a problem. 
    
    Make sure you check the dog for fleas and ticks when he comes in. Since
    she will remain indoors (and supposedly bug-free), he will easily
    infest the kitten (or cat) by just sharing the same living space.
    
    I got my cat used to being taken outside with a harness at 1 year old.
    She doesn't seem to miss not being an outside cat. I think the
    important thing is the relationship you build with your new cat from
    the start.

    Just to add some additional info, three of my cats came to me as adults,
    and all adjusted well to being indoors.  I added a companion cat when
    the original cat was several years old.