Most Popular Polls About Cats

Almost every day, my mailbox receives two or three links to news articles about "cat collectors," and the line between "rescue" and "collecting" is not necessarily a straight one.

This poll has admitted limitations. Each of us has financial and housing limitations, in addition to local ordinances and personal health or job issues that all go into our decisions. But, just for ducks, please vote in this poll, and if necessary, explain in your comments. Remember: this poll has to do with your own abilities to care for a given number of cats indoors, but includes questions about your additional care of outdoor cats (strays or your own). You may select multiple answers in this poll.

Declawing a cat is a personal decision, but one that should only be made by an informed cat caregiver who is fully aware of the exact nature of the surgery, the risks involved, and the potential short and longterm effects on the cat. This poll is the same as the one featured in the Cat Care Survey (Question 9).

Your opinions are important also, so if you feel strongly about declawing, whether pro or con, this is your chance to voice your opinion. Simply click on the "Comments" section below and fill out the form. Try to remember that, whether you are of the pro-claw or pro-declaw position, your comments will be noticed by on-the-fence readers, so please try to avoid harsh trigger words that might actually work against your argument.

In Lodi, Ohio, several residents in a neighborhood have learned by sad experience, one reason why it's important to keep cats indoors. WKYC.com reports that a "cat burglar" has been taking cats instead of other valuables. To be more accurate, the "burglaries" have occurred outdoors, where almost a dozen cats have gone missing in the past six weeks. Proponents of keeping cats indoors add this as one more argument for their side. Certainly, there are acceptable compromises.

How about you? Do you let your cat freely roam outdoors? Vote in the poll, then post your comment.

Cat lovers seem to be universally fascinated with the colorful colors and patterns of cats. Hardly a day passes that I don't get a "what kind of cat is this?" email, with an accompanying picture. Some people are so passionate about their favorite color or pattern that they will only adopt black cats or torties, while others are more ecumenical about their choices.

While Persians have remained the favorite cat breed over the years, I am curious as to which is the favorite cat color or pattern. You see, there is a difference between cat breeds and cat colors and patterns, as the title article demonstrates. Please refresh your knowledge about cat colors and patterns, then answer the poll.

The results of this survey will be used to evaluate the value of certain educational material on the About Cats site, and to pinpoint areas where more coverage is needed. It will also give me a better idea of the level of expertise in cat care of the average reader.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to vote in these polls!