This has to be most common question when I reveal I have a cat at home; even more surprise when I say 2 !

I suppose most people think that cats are those dirty fellas living on the ground floor, exist just to sleep on top of cars or even scratch cars ( ?????? ), make baby like cries at night, eat up food scrapes or just plain road kills.

I would say “To each, its own”.  If it makes you happy, hey, would cares what other thinks, as long as it is legal and ethical, of course.

But I will humbly offer my reasons on “Why A Cat” here to share my perspectives.  If you disagree, like I said earlier, to each its own; please move on to something else that will interest you more.  The rest of the post might offend you.

Why a cat ? Reasons:

1.  Always wanted one.

2. Otherwise, they would be put to sleep.  I decided to adopt a cat after reading a blog that highlighted someone ’s threat to have a cat removed because that person was frightened of cats.  Imagine, a grown person, of at least 10 times the weight of the cat frightened by a cat.  Of course, everyone has their paranoid fear, but to put another life at risk because of an irrational fear (even if that person has a bad experience before, it does not mean it will repeat) is just plain selfish and stupid.

3. Care for another instead of yourself all the time.  I thought I could offer another life, hopefully, a better life than under constant threat of fear or hunger.  I am not sure if my cats are happier than when they are strays, I suppose they are not.  But it is sure better than being picked up by the AVA ?

4. Surprises all the time.  My cats will find new ways to amaze me with their inquisitiveness and sense of wonder.  Sometime which I cherish as a child and manifested when I observe my cats at play. Pleasures in life can be simple, and not necessary be in the form of who has the most expensive or latest material object.

5. They express their affection in various ways.  My cats will act up just to get some attention.  Some of the antics have been posted on this blog.  Others, well, you can see if on www.youtube.com

6. Pestbusters.  Since my first cat, Zacky, the common household pest community had been wiped out.  There is no more lizards or roaches.  He will even share his catches, if you so wishes to share the joy of the catch.

7. Learn to be tolerant.  I began to be more tolerant as you cannot force them to do what you want. You can always try, but you still can’t without great effort, or unless you enjoy being rewarded with pain.  Think of about it this way: If someone forces to do what you could care less about, how would you react?

8. Enrich your life experiences.  When I was younger, coping with the basics is key.  Now, I can expand it a little and enjoy other aspects in a way that benefits both.

9. Don’t take things for granted.  I noticed that only when I spend time with my cats, they will reward that relationship by spending more with me.  You give, and hope for something to come back, but don’t expect any.  Just because you want, does not mean you get.  But if you work at it, maybe you get some?  Sounds familiar, isn’t it.

10. Broaden other’s perspectives.  When I share some of my cat guardian experiences with my friends, the most common responses are “Oh!”, “I didn’t know that” or “Really?”.  I usually refer them to my blog and let them see for themselves.

So, whichever choice of pet you choose, they add another perspective and joy to your life.

“So why not consider a dog?” which is the most common question being asked.  I think about this way:  I cannot spare the time to walk my dog and it is unfair to the dog.  Which is the politically correct answer.

The true reason? I disagree with making an animal travel hours to Singapore or bred for the sole purpose of monetary rewards.  You can always pick up a stray or abandoned dog at the pound, which I applaud you.  But most want a pedigree and perpetuate this money grabbing business.  I do what I can with what little I have.  Ask yourself, did you choose your parents or how you look?

Food for thought.