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Cats
I have yet to find anyone who is neutral on the subject of CATS. There are cat lovers and cat haters. In some countries there are even cat eaters. Big game hunters have often been known for going after the "big cats," lions, tigers and cougars for example. Most of the big "wild" cats have come under Animal Protection Acts, thus the demise of the "great hunter. For "Domestic cats, however, protection is limited to the ASPCA and certain "cruelty to animals" laws.
Cats have been the subject matter of stories for several centuries. At one time cats were thought to be a satanic animal, indeed, people believed that cats were cursed and brought hardships upon communities. I hardly believe that in light of Gen 1:25 (“God made the beasts of the earth…”) Modern times have found cats being raised by breeders and sold for sums that would make the wealthy choke. Check the prices at a Pet Store sometime.
Nearly all of my life I have had an animal of one kind or another around the house. I wouldn't dare try to explain the psychological implications of such a living style, but simply say that I enjoy caring for an animal. Currently, we are owned by a purebred domestic alley cat. I say that we are owned, not we own it. If a person lives with a cat the roles seem reversed.
Several years ago, after the demise of a long time feline resident, we decided to get a special cat. Up until that summer, I had never paid a cent for a cat. People really do not have to pay for cats...cats simply show up on the doorstep. That summer, however, I invested in a cat. We believed we wanted one which would elicit kind comments and praise, from visitors, to our home.
We searched the breeders of the North Carolina Coastal Plains, the Piedmont and the Sandhills and finally found a lady who specialized in Siamese, Persians, and Himalayans; and who was willing to sell us a Himalayan at a reasonable price (to her, not to me). By September, the cat moved into our home.
It took Sasha (her name) two days to become accustomed to the layout of the house, another day to let me know exactly where she expected the litter box to be located (I was slow to train) and yet another day to personally claim which furniture she liked. Sasha quickly taught me the justification of my ancestors when they claimed cats were evil.
Since she was to be a strictly "in door" cat, I purchased a special "kitty-carrier," for those trips to the vet (a high bred cat cannot travel in a cardboard box, we were told). I also purchased the special food, special flea dip (for Himis) and a special brush. I figure I spent several hundred dollars in special purchases, not including the cat or the vet bills.
All things considered though, we got just what we wanted. When neighbors and friends visited, they looked at the cat and said things like "...ooh, isn't she beautiful...can we have one of her kittens..."
I simply smiled proudly and said, "Sure, we will save one for you, give me $500 down now, and I will let you make payments on the balance until the kittens are born.
dub
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