Any pet owner who owns or has owned a pet realizes that pets provide much more than giving you a reason for you to dress them up, take for a walk, and feed twice a day. A pet, regardless of species, shape, and acumen provides love, happiness, and companionship. They are there when you least expect them to be and they know how you feel more than you think you do.
With that being said, I was amazed at how intuitive my two and a half year old "Sylvester," like cat, Kawi (pronounced Cow-ee) responded to my moods when I was happy, sad, or not paying attention to her. Whenever I come home, Kawi is the first one to run to the door and greet me. She is curious, smart, and athletic. Armed with a bag full of groceries around both arms, she'll follow me to the kitchen and watch me unpack ready to take over the empty plastic bag and sit on it for her use. (Of course I take it away and put it in the cupboard away from any hazards that plastic bags may pose for any animal if swallowed, etc.) When I'm on the computer she sits on the chair backing and leans on the back of my neck telling me that she's bored and needs me to scratch her head. She is so focused and determined on what she wants that she'll run back and forth down the halls chasing her favorite toy until she catches it, even if she is out of breath and ready to pass out. And Kawi has her weird quirks to, when she's downstairs and wants to walk into the garage she'll let me know by giving me a particular high pitched meow and turning her body over on the stairs as if she needs tummy rub. When she wants me to turn on the sink or feed her bottled water, all she has to do is sit on the bathroom sink and look at me to let me know that she's thirsty. During the night, she likes to bring up a shoe from downstairs, not a pair, just a slipper or one tennis shoe to let you know that she has done some hunting during the night. With all this being said, it may seem that my cat has trained me how to respond to her needs and give her what she wants. I must admit she has trained me well.
But there is a misconception that cats don't care about anyone or anything except themselves and their needs. This is a definite false accusation and provides a negative view on cats as a species for those who have never owned a cat or just don't like them for whatever reason that may be thought of at the time.
On a few occasions, when I am left to sleep in a different room in our house, Kawi has always been there to sleep next to me and keep me company. She will be there when I go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning. But an even more profound observation goes far beyond just being next to me when I am alone at night; Kawi is able to sense my emotions and feelings. The first time I had cried a couple weeks ago, Kawi had walked up to my feet and walked along my legs, she had jumped up on my lap and nudged her face against my cheek as if to tell me to not be sad and that everything would be okay. I pet her to let her know I was okay, even though I wasn't, and she just nudged me some more with her body and face until I had to pet her with both of my arms and stay focused on petting her than on my current situation. She would not leave my side even after I stopped crying and just stayed with me until I got up to play with her. Thinking that this was a fluke accident and that Kawi needed some attention, I dispensed the theory that she could fully understand what I was feeling. The same thing happened today, I was not feeling well and sad. The moment she saw my face, she walked right over and nudged her face into my cheek telling me that it would be okay and that she would always be here to provide a shoulder to lean on. Kawi has never reacted that way to me during any other mood or feeling I have expressed for the two and a half years I have raised her. She has by far, astounded me and given me more than I will provide for her. I only hope I can read her just as well as she can read me and am thankful for the continued support and love she gives to me on a daily basis.
So next time you see a cat, don't just see it as a "cat," and assume that all cats have the same personality, temperament, or attitude. Any animal, regardless of what they are, should be given the same care, respect, and appreciation as any other. Please think twice before jumping to conclusions.
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