I Love My Cats: An Essay About My Pet Cats

OK, I admit it. I am a cat person. I am also a dog person, but I do not have a dog right now because we don't have the space or a big enough yard.

I have had cats since I was born. When I was young one of my cats had a litter of kittens. I remember how small and cute they were! I have two felines right now, Geeko and Soda Pop . Now I know what your thinking. No, I did not name my cats, my children did!

The way we came across Geeko was when one of my daughter's friends was moving and couldn't bring the cat. I am not sure of his age (or weight, for that matter!) but I think he's between five and maybe seven years old. I never learned the real story of how my daughter's friend (who will remain nameless due to her age and what I will tell you next!) came upon this cat.

Supposedly, he was neglected by one of her neighbors so she took him in. Supposedly, they knew about it. Supposedly, they were OK with it.

Anyway, he came to us and was immediately part of our family. I doubt he was neglected because he definitely wasn't starving when he arrived; just look at the picture of him eating!

Soda Pop has been with us sine he was about 2 weeks old. One day about two summers ago, one of our neighbor's 5 year old sons was standing on the porch and he was yelling, "Cats for free! Cats for free!" , so naturally my kids went over to check it out. Sure enough there was a litter of cats and they were "giving" them away. My kids ran home, begging and pleading to get a cat. At first we said no, but after a day of thinking it over, my wife and I decided to let them get the cat.

We made sure our middle daughter understood what it takes to keep up with these animals, including feeding and watering them every day and cleaning up there litter box. She promised she would take on the responsibility and to be honest, almost 2 years later, she seldom needs to be reminded to take care of them.

So here's the catch: when my kids went next door to get the cat, they were told that they were selling the cat for $25 and not giving them away; we were mistaken. Well, my son and one of my daughters put their money together and actually bought the cat! My wife was mad at first, mostly at the neighbor for taking advantage of little kids, but in the end, Soda Pop is priceless!

Unlike dogs, cats wont follow you around constantly trying to impress you and get attention from you. Cats have their own unique personalities and are quite often funny. Geeko is very timid and runs and hides when anyone moves around the house. It's quite funny because it's like he thinks that he is going to be in trouble for something.

He will come to you to be pet though, but always on his terms. Every time I try to tie my shoe laces, he is rubbing up against me. This can be annoying when I am in a hurry! If you try to pick him up he freaks out like he's fighting to stay alive. He is not a "lap cat" but will sit on the side of you or above your head on the chair or the couch. Geeko barely ever makes a sound. His meow is very weak and it makes you laugh just to hear it!

Soda Pop is completely different from Geeko. He is a Drama Queen and he loves attention. Unlike Geeko, Soda Pop has not been "fixed", which I regret. He like blankets and shoes, if you know what I mean! He is a runt. Very tiny and loves to purr. Sometimes he just looks up at me and meows. Does he think that I speak cat? He always has something to say! When he was young he was a lap cat, but like a teenager, his hormones are raging and he likes to spray when he is able to sneak out of the house and into the cellar. Both of my cats are indoor cats.

I hope someday to be able to buy my own house with plenty of land and enough room to get a dog. Until then, I will just have to enjoy my cats!

I will have to put up with their moods and quirkiness but I think it is worth it. My cats bring me a lot of joy, and as you can see, I love to "dress" them up and take photos of them. If only cats could speak!

Update: As of early August 2011, Soda-Pop got out again, and never came home. We have filed a missing cat report and have had no luck so far. Thanks for everyone's encouragement and support. I'll let you know if he ever comes back!