1. Home & Garden

Joe and Zoe

Reader Stories: Men and Their Cats

From Suzanne

 Joe and Zoe

How to stay cool

Names of the guy and his cat(s) (First name is fine)

My husband never had a cat growing up nor did he have a pet when I met him. In fact, he is allergic to cats but he never had a problem with my first cat (he died at 18) and we promptly went and adopted another cat at our local animal shelter. Joe never knew how affectionate cats can be until now.

How did you (he) get your first cat?

I used to house and pet sit and thus became the new mommy for a white Himalayan-Persian cat.

What do you (he) most admire about your cat?

their beautiful eyes, the way they move, the funny things they do; their relaxed yet ever vigilant "predator" behavior, rolling on her back for a belly rub; waiting at the window or door when we come home.

Describe any daily routines you (he) and your cat share

early am purring and kneading on me. Giving her treats and her rolling on her back

What I Did:

I never had a cat growing up and always felt they could care less about humans or dogs; however, I was wrong. When I was single I house and pet sat for many people and took care of homes with many animals (dogs and cats together) and really became a cat lover. One of the cats I took care of eventually became my own as their owners were away so often due to work and seeing family, they asked me if I would like to keep him. I promptly said yes and never looked back from owning my first kitty.

How I Did It:

I love volunteering and donating at our local animal shelters. There is such love and happiness yet sadness at the same time.

When my first cat died due to kidney failure (one month shy of 18 years), on June 1st my husband and I went to our local animal shelter and adopted Zoe, a ginger and white 12 lb gal. We have now loved her for five years and hope she is with us a long, time time.

Lessons Learned

  • Don't be afraid to take the plunge
  • once you've loved one cat, the next one will be easy.

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