On behalf of cats, who one columnist suggested should be the hunted in an open season, GreeneCountyNewsOnline offers the following comments from readers who are neither “deluded” nor “nutters,” but all love their cats:
“I love cats because they sense what I’m sensing, feel what I’m feeling. Affectionate when wanted, dependent when needed. The sound of their purr in your ear.” ~Melissa Burg, Atlantic
“Cats are wonderfully entertaining. Cats have a way of making a home seem so comfortable and warm.” ~Patti Edwardson, Churdan
“Cats have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. A favorite old memory of cats: My sister and I spent many summer afternoons ‘dressing’ our farm cats in doll clothes. They would tolerate this activity for a short while and then they could scamper up the tree.!” ~Lisa Hansen, Jefferson
“Mysterious mastery of motion/ lithe and limber/ Still and watchful/ missing not a scintilla of evidence/ of mouse, bird or can being opened in another room/ comfortable as a lap robe/ Purring gently kneading the blanket between us/ Or proudly presenting her prey/ A treasure of grey mouse to earn her keep/ Miss Rockie – the latest in a long line of cats in my life” ~Chris Henning, rural Jefferson
“Cats are wonderful pets! Whenever anyone in our home is not feeling well or is upset, our kitties find them and curl up with them.” ~Lynn Napier, Beachwood, NJ
“Cats are awesome! Love them.” ~Tina Koziol, Nora Springs
“I love my cat because he snuggles with me at night, and still someone takes up the whole bed. I love him because when he sees me he immediately starts purring, he’s such a love bug.” ~Katelyn Pfeiffer, Phillipsburg, NJ
“Cats are awesome. Thank you for making a difference.” ~Ann June, Mauston
“My Grandma Batschelet had three cats, Muffin, Mittens and Boots. I had a fun time playing with the cats.” ~Brenda Batschelet, Jefferson
“The reason I love cats is because they are friendly, cuddly, and very loving! Also because they are my best friends!” ~Miranda Deppe, Jewell
“I love cats for so many reasons — as fall rolls on, days become shorter, nights colder, and mist rises off rivers and streams in the early morning hours, I have thinking about the poetry I love which was inspired by cats: “Fog,” by Carl Sandburg, and “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat” by Edward Lear… I love cats, they are elegant creatures.” ~Lou Blanchfield, Churdan
“The demeanor of cats intrigues me, switching rom playing to sleeping in minutes. When sleeping, the purring is a peaceful sound.” ~Janet Anderson, Redfield.
“I look at a lion or tiger and see nature’s art work. Their muscles, their fur, their eyes… all painted onto nature’s canvas…. When I see a house cat, I can see the same beauty, gifted to us in pet size.” Lisa Hindle Deppe, DVM, Jewell
“I do not understand people who don’t live cats. Cats are some of the most beautiful creatures on this earth. Their presence is calming and stress relieving… Their incredible eyes, their personalities, their spirit, their soft little feet, the look of disgust, the look of love. Every one is special and deserves a wonderful life on this earth. It’s their world. We need to live in it.” ~Kris Bell, Ames
“I love cats for many reasons: they are cute, cuddly, and mine love to lay on my feet and keep me warm.” ~Rebecca Sparandeo, Harlan
“My beautiful cat Lily is a great companion that waits for me to get home and sleeps on my bed with me.” ~Jacque Johnson, West Des Moines
“I love cats because they are furry, fluffy and cute! They like to cuddle and they sound funny when they purr!” ~Sydney Lively, Roland
“My two cats are unique individuals. One loves sleeping, eating and cuddling. The other is talkative, curious and sensitive. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.” ~SenaMarie Blackburn, Omaha, NE
“I work for Linn at A.P.E. and I love having spayed/neutered/vaccinated cats in my home to love and watch them play and teach my kids responsibility.” ~Christy Hindle, Ellsworth
“I love cats because they’re the companion animal of choice of millions of people around the world and deserve respect.” ~Dru Hoogerwerf, Nevada
“I like cats because they helped provide companionship and comfort to a relative during a difficult time in their life.” ~Janet Durlam, Jefferson
“Cats have their own unique personality! I love my kitty Miss Petunia so very much!” ~Stormy Storms, Newton
“Cats are unique ad genuine. Their purring is music to soothe the soul. I love my two cats, Joe Meower and Tiki.” ~Karen Gustafson, Big Lake
“I love cats. Whether perfect, flawed, young or old, I love them all.” ~Jennifer Sparandeo, Harlan
“Having a bad day = take one look at a cat=whole world is perfect again-unconditional love.” ~Mallory Pope, Slater
“My cats are steadfast companions. They relax me when I’m upset and comfort me from life’s vicissitudes.” Jane Alexander, Jefferson
“My cats are two of the reasons I keep going every day. They are my family. I couldn’t imagine life without them.” ~Stacy Bradner, Ames
“I like cats because they eat mice and cats are better than mice.” ~Jamie Leggitt, Jefferson
“Because they are so cute and fluffy!” ~Helena Leggitt, Jefferson
“I like kids because they make our kids happy.” ~Dustin Leggitt, Jefferson
“Yes – They are small members of our family, entertaining, affectionate, full of themselves yet cute and lovable.” ~Scott Fruhwirth, Forest City
“On behalf of my two furry kids: Soft kitty, Warm kitty,/ Little ball of fur,/Happy kitty, sleepy kitty,/ Purr, purr, purr.” ~Stefanie Ford, Audubon
“In wild moments, cats are free acrobatic entertainment. In sweet moments they are company and warmth. It is a pleasure, earning the love of these smart and curious creatures.” ~Jackie Fruhwirth, Forest City
“Love cats because they love me unconditionally and they make great bed warmers.” ~Jill Zito, Jefferson
“Typsy (my cat) is my life saver. She knows when I’m feeling low. She knows when I’m gone. She just knows ME. She is the love of my life, along with my sons.”~Jan Galbraith, Spencer
A Cat Haiku “Oh, fuzzy kitten/ You keep my lap warm all day/ I don’t mind the hair. ~Angie Pedersen, Jefferson
“My daughter was devastated when Snuffy never returned after going outside. Years later, she still misses his silliness, playfulness, companionship, but mostly the loving bond.” ~Rita Mason, Des Moines
“Milo is my 14-year-old kitty. He loves me no matter what. I love how he can tell how I feel. When I am sad he just comes and cuddles. Sometimes it even feels like he is petting me with his paws and an occasional head butt.” ~Shari Burrell, Paton
“Cats were domesticated thousands of years ago to protect the Egyptians’ harvest. They would kill anyone trying to smuggle them out of the country. Ancient feline monopoly.” ~Sheli Dougherty, Ames
“I love cats because they are so independent and yet still so loving. They are so unique and interesting. ” ~Franchessca Petraline, Des Moines
“No other animal ignores its humans quite as well as the cat.” ~Tina Petraline, Des Moines
“I love cats’ personalities. They are regal creatures and they know it.” ~Lindsey Needs, Woodward
“Cats are independent. They hunt, play and purr and keep my lap warm on a cold day. There’s nothing like a cat purring.” ~Lisa Cunningham, Newton
“I love cats because even after a hard day at workthey are there to greet you with a friendly purr and a meow.” ~Sarah Siperstien, executive director, Small Animal Rescue Team of Iowa
“Cats = love. When my cat jumps on my lap on a cold winter night and snuggles in, the stress of the day leaves me.” ~Kim Adams, Ames
“My cats are my calm. When the world outside seems cold/heartless with sadness, neglect and abuse… My cats are my calm.” ~Vanessa McCutcheon
“Cats are more in touch with humanity than most humans are with themselves. My cats help me enjoy the good times and weather the bad.” ~Jean Sherrard-Fifo, Winterset
“Cats are great company and are very loving animals. I don’t understand why people can’t live and let live. Please show compassion.” ~Marilyn Lane, Jefferson
“Cats make good companions for people of all ages. What’s more fun than a playing kitten or a snuggly purring cat?” Amy Laube, Fraser
“My kittens were instrumental in luring me away from a looming depression. My furry entertainers, snugglers and purring machines are gifts from God.” ~Tracie Miller, Dana
“Because nothing beats a smiling face when you wake up. One that snuggles and purrs.” ~Linn Price, rural Greene County
“I love cats because they purr and stuff.” ~Brett Stuart, Jefferson
“Cats most importantly steal our hearts because. for all their mischievous and baffling behavior, they’re our BFFs for life.” ~Leilani L. Shaw, Redfield
“I love cats and donate much time to caring for those in need of a kind heart and hand…please do the same as you’re able.” ~Lisa Kuehl, Madrid
“We love our kitties from Panora Pets! What gentle and loving creatures!” ~Lora Koch, Panora
“Our cat came to us. He had been thrown away and we are the lucky ones. He is the sweetest cat and loved our dog. We have three children and I’m not sure but what cats are as loving as children.” ~June McGowan, Rockwell City
“Our cats were street cats when they came into our lives. Warm, cuddly balls of fluff that wake us up with a flick of their whiskers.” ~Adrienne Smith, Jefferson
“I love cats and I have never planned a wedding! I don’t know what I would do if someone shot my cats.” ~Rich Smith, Jefferson
“Cats: graceful, dignified, mischievous, soft, and warm, the perfect pets.” ~Margaret Hamilton, Jefferson
“Cats are fearless, intelligent, loving creatures who are fast learners and live life according to their own rules. My cat grew up with dogs and became part of the pack. She ran with my dogs and defended them when other animals threatened their territory. Cats rule!” ~Lisa Taylor, Paton
“I love cats because they are a stress reducer and they are a fun pet.” ~Jess Wolf, Jefferson
“Cats are loving creatures. They are there when you need them most. They show us just who we are.” ~Joshua Korpi, Ogden
“I simply love cats. They have an independent spirit. Cats bring compassion and love to anyone without judgment. They are a daily highlight to my life.” ~Jo Anne Korpi, Ogden
“Petting a cat or dog is proven to lower blood pressure and boost serotonin levels. I love cats because they are healthy!” ~Andrea Chargo, Des Moines
“I love cats because their antics make me smile even on the worst of days and they are the warmest cuddlers.” ~Sarah Erickson, Jefferson
“Twenty-five words aren’t near enough to describe why I love the purrfection that is feline! What’s not to love?” Amy-Gray, Eldora (cat slave)
“I like my friend Stef’s cats because they act more like dogs than cats.” ~Victoria Chargo, Audubon
“I’m a dog lover by nature. However, through PAWS, I’ve learned to love cats because of their sweet purring when they choose to snuggle!” ~Ann Wenthold, Jefferson, president of PAWS
“Courageous Affectionate Theatrical Spirts! I love cats and PAWS.” ~Janice Harbaugh, Jefferson
