One of the nicest part of having an online community about cats, is the give-and-take between readers who comment on various blog posts. The topic may be very serious, such as saving money on cat care during a poor economy, very humorous, such as funny cat pictures or videos or very poignant, such as the death of a well-known cat.
Regardless of the topic, my readers found a lot to say about these particular blogs.
1. Cat Names - What's in a Name?
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
It seems that we are as selective in naming our cats as we are with our human children, judging from the comment responses to "What's in a Name?" My own angel kitty, Shannon, pictured here, was named after the park he was found in by my daughter. Shannon was possibly also the only cat in the world who had a street named after him. My belated husband, Asa, who designed the industrial subdivision, put Shannon's name in the plans as a lark, and it subsequently sneaked past the city fathers' scrutiny. The sign still stands as a tribute to one man's pride of his cat.
2. Do Cats Have Souls?
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Ask any true cat lover if he or she believes cats have souls, and I'll give you 100 to one odds that the answer will be a resounding "Yes!" I wasn't surprised at all then, of the outpouring of stories contributed by my community.
Pictured is my Bubba, who went to the Rainbow Bridge in December of 2005. I have no doubts whatsoever that Bubba and my husband, Asa have reunited in the Hereafter, as have their ashes in a private, undisclosed area on Earth.
3. Do Cats Cry Real Tears?
© Laila
4. When a Cat Dies
This blog was first posted in July, of 2004, and was meant to introduce my new-then article on planning ahead for the disposal of remains. When my Shannon died suddenly in 2001, I had been ill-prepared when my veterinarian asked "What do you want to do with his remains?" I just let him make the decision, and I didn't have the sense of closure I got when I received Bubba's ashes four years later.
However, this blog took on a life of its own when it became a meeting ground of folks who had recently lost their cats. A fellow by the name of Scott is the self-appointed moderator, and gives condolences to new posters, as well as some very useful advice.
5. Raising Cats in a Faltering Economy
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
6. Are Veterinarians Only In It For the Money?
Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto_Dennis Guyitt
A reader wrote a User Answer post in the Economic Euthanasia section of my site:
It seems to me that veterinary doctors are only interested in money. They take advantage of our heartache and charge WAY TOO MUCH, just so THEY can drive fancy cars, live in big houses and go on great vacations! Emergency vets are the worst! Shame on all of you who do that to animal lovers! What a sad world we live in.While I have nothing but the deepest sympathy for those who have lost cats because they couldn't afford the veterinary care, I felt compelled to present the other side of the story.
Guest Lila
7. What breed is my cat?
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Although this blog entry was posted back in 2005, hardly a week goes past that one or another person doesn't comment with a lengthy description of her cat and the question of what breed it is. Living proof of human nature, mainly that few people bother to click on the FAQS and articles linked to the blogs.
Before you ask, here are a couple of links that should clear up any confusion:
8. Poll: Leash-Exercising Cats
Photo Credit: © Jessica Gilbert
9. Can my cat catch my cold?
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
10. Tribute to a Great Cat: Butch
© Linda P. Wade
Readers were devastated In July of 2008 to learn that Butch had been diagnosed with cancer. Despite a roller-coaster ride of hope dashed by setbacks, they were dismayed, but very supportive when his death was announced in mid-August. Cheryl is still coping with her loss, and your supportive comments will be appreciated.
11. Isn't it cruel to keep cats indoors?
© Franny Syufy
12. Final Tribute: The Man Behind the Cats
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
My readers' responses were heartfelt and heartwarming when I announced the passing of my husband in May of 2008, and they helped ease my sorrow more than I can ever express.
