The Cat Woman
76Cats Kittens Felines Kitties Gatos
I've been told, "Don't Tell Anyone You're a "Cat Woman."
Well, I've heard the suggestion before.Good friends warning me not to be too candid about my love of cats. "They won't take you seriously, Kathy!" "Beware, once you've admitted you're a 'cat lady,' they won't see anything else about you."
At first, I took this well meant advise to heart. After all, I didn't want to be regarded simply for my love of cats...and I 'bought' the notion that being a 'cat lady' was somehow a denigrade; a "less than" status in human traits.....in essence; a shortcoming! I accepted that being thought of in this way was an insult; one which would cause others to relate to me less seriously.
My personal note and solid belief: An idea which is subjective is also relative. The only credence an assumption can hold is that which we allow. No abstract; no opinion is powerful if we choose not to give it power. Therefore, I proclaim that being a 'cat lady' adds to my overall self; it does not detract. And THIS, my friends, is the TRUTH.
In a way, the warnings held true....as long as I gave them credence! Walking among friends, feeling that I had a moniker boldly printed on my back; I AM A CAT LADY! A CRAZY CAT LADY!
Then, I began to see that, of course, being labeled as such is not a negative; and that there are many parts to myself and loving animals is - albeit a VERY big and important part - not the only aspect of my personality that might appeal to others - and KNOWING this to be the case....I had no doubts about divulging my love of furry beasts to friends and acquaintances. In essence, the appreciation of animals is a plus while, concurrently, it is NOT a minus.
So, once I realized that being a cat lady is NOT denigrating, NOT insulting and NOT limiting; I let my kitty colors fly! No shame in telling the world that I appreciate, love, admire, and care about our feline friends. And, I feel compelled to aid them as they attempt to live their lives in this, often times, difficult world.
Being an animal advocate has opened my eyes to so much which is related to my advocacy and much that is, seemingly, not related but, come to find out..IS related, in a BIG way,
For instance; the person who is moved by the circumstances of others is valuable, indeed. The person who is touched by the situation(s) of animals is valuable PLUS. Their circle of compassion is larger, encompassing creatures who feel, exhibit preferences in their own lives, who enjoy (no, this is not being anthropomorphic) comfort, touch, taste, and more; who express emotions much as we do. One has only to observe the 'common' house cat to see an array of these....ears back; annoyance or anger, eyes dilated indicate stress, excitement and/or flight/fight. Purring is a giveaway! Stretching happens when the animal is comfortable, not threatened; the list goes on. There are dozens of cat meows; each carries an independent communication.
My 11 year old companion, Little One, sleeps in my arms every night. She snuggles with her head resting on my arm as she faces me. Often, she'll make small 'chortling' sounds as she touches my face with her paw; or she'll mew in a higher pitch as I whisper to her in similar tones. Little One whispers, too; ever so quietly if I whisper to her. Then, of course, there are the yowls when she's not happy, plaintiff mewls when she wants something in particular and, of course, the familiar "hissing, spitting and carrying on."
As individual as Little One is, so are her kitty companions. Anyone who has taken the time to notice or who is a 'crazy cat lady' such as myself can tell you, every single feline possesses a unique person...opps! catanility.
Cats are not given the credit they deserve. They are smart, clean, independent and have great self respect.
So, back to the beginning. Yes, I am a cat woman extraordinaire but, also so much more!
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I love cats, all kinds of cats. I have strays and I have fixed thises strays and they stay around and I have indoor cats and some indoor/outdoor cats. I just love cats. There is a black and whit young cat that my cats will fight off. He's a stray but my cats won't let it up to get any food. If he ever does get the changce to come up to feed I will love him just as I have loved the other cats. There is also a black cat with green eyes that has poked around the house too. Let them come, let them come and I will take care of them.
I am a canine person, but I love all animals...including the wild, which can include cats of the feral kind. I plan on writing a piece about my "kitty" adventure, which is difficult because it ended badly, not how I planned things. You make a purrrrrfect cat woman.
..and yes I would love to be a pussycat at your place and live the good life but unfortunately my two buddies, Little Miss Tiffy and Mister Gabriel wouldn't let me go - lol lol - lovely pictures by the way and very nice hub design which makes this a feast for the eyes and leaves one with a good feeling !!!!!!
I have four cats and I LOVE them so much! Funny thing is I never liked cats, and never owned one.. til one day I found my Sealions at a gas station. He is the greatest and he LOVES water. lol
Lizzieboo...your experience is so like many others..once you've had the chance to get to know cats; there is no turning back. They really are fabulous creatures! I'm so glad you are now in the family of kitty caregivers!
I think cat people wind up developing an extra set of social skills. Cats are the ultimate diplomats. Cats can and will adopt any teachable intelligent being, training us and various other creatures in politeness and social interaction. Cats are fantastic at communication across species lines.
Being disabled, I don't have the physical or financial ability to care for the needs of a cat community, or more than one. Ari and I are close, we have an intense one-on-one relationship. He's a strictly indoor cat, but for reasons of health, so am I for the most part.
My friends on an art forum are starting to tease us that Ari is the most-sketched feline in the country. He might be, I've been drawing him anytime he sits still for more than ten seconds. I have to work fast though, because once he realizes he has my attention, he can think of better things for me to do (scritching, pouring food, being a warm lap) than drawing!
Robert, I am going to take the time to read more of your offerings; I have so enjoyed several so far. Yours is a very varied life and you describe it so well.
And, of course, your observations about cats are so accurate. I sincerely love our feline friends!
Thank you for visiting my site; please return.
Well, Lucky Cats, you seem to have found a source of joy in kindness and love. It sounds wonderful!
Thank goodness for "Crazy Cat Lady's" such as yourself! You are in inspiration. Your cats are lucky (and cute!).
I loved the pictures in your hub. When you described Little One "chortling" it reminded me a much loved car that that would climb on my bed during the night when I was asleep and "chortle" in my ear, asking me to wake up and stroke him. Congratulations for being a cat lady!
Bravo Cat Lady! Such an honor Kathy - I am also a Cat Lady, a crazy one at that, as you know - I get it! Thank you for all the work you have done to help these innocent animals and your house looks adorable, it looks so much like my sister's place (she fixed up a little older house) and I love it! I think your cats are better behaved than mine, I could never keep my place that livable looking (LOL!)unless I am getting ready for a photo. Rated up!
Kathy
Hi Lucky, ...Being curious like my fur children I just had to check you out as well and am so glad I did! I am proud to be part of such an elite group. We are part of a unique group in case you didn't already know. Beautiful writing, beautiful photos, beautiful person. Rated up! Awesome! Beautiful!
I too am glad to be a part of this group. I am enjoying your hubs and appreciate your passion for animals and writing. I look forward to more!
LC, I am delighted to find your profile, and starting reading and following! I can really relate to this inner conflict about being called a "cat lady." I, too, believed the hype that this was an insult. But, like you, I have started to embrace it. The world really has made it sound like something bad.
But I agree that cats add a lot to a person's life. I LOVED this! And I so agree! Take care, from one cat lady to another!
I love your sincerity and your sense of Humor! I am a "Cat..Man", I suppose. I always referred to myself as a "Cat Person". Maybe that is because I am a man and "Cat Lady" is a more popular saying.
Anyhow, I am glad that you embrace this title and it is clear in the amount of Hubs, followers, and comments you have, you are not alone! Great Job!
JSMatthew~
love this hub, so happy to see someone being herself despite what people may say! i have friends who are considered "cat ladies" but it makes no difference to me! i have one ragdoll cat, whom i love dearly...and i would probably have one more if i could..but for now, i'll live vicariously through you! voted up! also following you now. :)
Everyone!!! Chatkath, JS Matthew, Prairieprincess, crazycatman, Delores, kitty the dreamer!, Sunny Barb, JC Shelton, Alicia...ALL...THANK YOU SO MUCH Your kind words made my day. I so appreciate the nice words and support and understanding. We are all to be very proud of ourselves here on HubPages...what a great place to meet wonderful people!
From one cat lover to another....Great Hub!! I need to get a Tony the Tiger outfit to impress Max. A lot of good ideas that can be put to practical use just like my Litter Clump Art.
Love it, David....a genuine Cat Man...it just does not get any better than this! Bless you and thank you for visiting my hub. Please come back again and again!
What a bunch of beautiful and loving cats! Each and everyone! You know I've got one called Elsa, like the cow. She was unwanted too and is one of those Japanese? ones without a tail.
Hey! Alaster! I think your kitty is a Manx though you may have a Japanese bobtail: Here, I've done a little homework for you: Like the Manx, the Japanese Bobtail also has a short tail mutation and elongated rear legs, but the breeds are easily distinguished, as the Bobtail always has a stumpy to stubby tail that is kinked or curled with a bulbous appearance, while the Manx has a straight tail when one is present at all. The Bobtail is also triangular-faced and long-eared, with a long body, like many other Asian breeds, and is frequently all-white or mostly-white calico in pure-bred examples (any coat color is possible in both breeds, however). The gene responsible for the bobbed tail in the Japanese breed is a recessive, and unrelated to the Manx tailless gene.(Wikipedia) I'm pleased to know this bit of information ... I am always so happy to hear of the kindness and caring of one who takes in an unwanted cat. Bless you, Alastar!
How kind of you to go to the trouble. Shes a Japanese Bob-tail! Since my doggie Leggs died Elsa who would once in awhile be jealous of her...now if she hears Leggs name she'll start looking around for her. Shes also showing me a lot more affection. Wonder why? Your busy and don't need to reply but do appreciate you looking that up Kathy.:}
Wow, this is a great hub! I'm glad you are not ashamed of being a 'cat lady'. I know I'm not. Cats are absolutely great!
Hi Jenny! Yes, cats are wonderful! and it is also great that you love them, too. I read your profile just now and am very proud of you for stepping out into a new world...I think that is something everyone should do at least once..to see other parts of our world. Congratulations on your brave move and on soon to be mama status. Boy, you've got lots of changes going on all at once. Another thing; I sure hope that you will not be separated from your lifelong kitty companion forever...I bet she misses you as much as you miss her..hey, I'm in SE Kansas...just a few miles above the Kansas / Oklahoma state line...so we're practically neighbors!
WELCOME to HUB PAGES! You will find that you love it here and you'll meet so many wonderful, loving and supportive people. Good luck to you, Jenny!
Thank you, it's definitely been an adventure moving here to Oklahoma. I really REALLY hope to get my kitty here soon! I miss my baby soooo much. I'm sure you know what that's like!
And yea, I read your profile too. I saw that you are in Kansas right now, so we're really close!
Jenny, get ready for really HOT weather...you're probably right in the middle of it right now....and really NICE people. I'm glad you'll have your kitty with you soon and, always remember, she loves you and depends on you and, when your baby arrives; she will still be a very important part of your life. And the one who is there for you when you need it most. Much regards and welcome, again, to Hub Pages and America's Heartland. Kathy
As I read, a broad smile was beaming on my face, so many memories were rushing into my mind. I think I have told number of times when ever I comment on hubs on cats. When my father met my mother for the first time she was playing with cats, she was preening the animal, with lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, beads and clothes.
And my mother has a cat as pet which is on the fourth generation. I also have some photos of "Suri" feeding her kittens, which I intend to post into a hub one of these days.
Good morning Binaya (Vinay) - It is no secret! I love cats. I had fun with this hub because I finally allowed myself to 'admit' it to the world. I OUTED myself! LO Thank you so much for the visit and I'm very happy to hear that you've had kitties in you r life..maybe the cat brought your mother and father together? Stranger things have happened! Looking forward to Suri feeding kittens.
Hi Lucky Cats, Greetings from a soon to be fellow cat
writer. I have loved cats all my life. kittens,strays
have had many rescues, and even some forever homes..
welcome to Hub Pages chaucer847. Looking forward to reading your stories about kitties, all the rescue stories! and very pleased to meet you. Kathy
Hi,there fellow Cat Lady! Your cats ARE Lucky!! They found You!
smiles!
Lisa
Hi there Lisa...thank you so much....well, I can't help but love them. I really like your name...it's great. kathy
I very much enjoyed your moving piece, Lucky Cats. I think the love you have for cats is absolutely beautiful. I can tell that you are a compassionate loving soul.
My wife and I have two cats: Munchkin and Chai. Munchkin was a cat that chose us. He came to us a few months before our older cat, Cairo, passed away. Cairo was a very affectionate loving cat; he was an angel.
You are welcome to read a couple of my hubs about my cats if you like, Lucky Cats. I am looking forward to reading more of yours.
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Hi Terry27 and welcome! I am always so happy to hear of others who hold cats in high esteem and are and love them. They deserve no less. I look forward to reading your hubs and getting to know you through your words. thank you so much for the very nice comment. Kathy
Lucky Cats - Say hello to the CRAZY DOG LADY! Lol! I'm just like you. However, I'm surrounded with dogs where ever I go.
Of course, I adore cats myself. Owning three (rescued) cats in Greece and one in Sweden. I find your dedication, love and caring for the cats just amazingly wonderful! You should be so proud of yourself. Caring people like yourself, touches my heart and moves me to tears.
At the moment I have my hands full. About a month ago, a stray female dog gave birth to a litter of 9 puppies!! She got poisoned, so I'm feeding them, trying to find homes for them, but that is a difficult task, with all the strays roaming around here in Greece.
Thank you for this inspirational hub, and being such a beautiful person. . . Sannel
SanneL...hi! Well, I'm so late in responding but I thank you so much for your wonderful words of support..I know that you are exactly the same..saving and caring for animals and being their advocate! I thoroughly respect, admire and appreciate this! So glad to meet you. Kathy
CASE1WORKER Level 6 Commenter 19 months ago
from one cat lady to another..... we are the greatest