> Cats are often said to reveal their personalities subtly, over time. This was not the case with Bea, who startled our guests with her explosive hospitality protocol. She would dance on the kitchen counter, jump on visitors’ shoulders, lick their hair, and explore their ears, all the while issuing whispery meows and pigeonlike chirps. It goes without saying that she was magnificent.
I think that's exactly what humans love about cats. They really have personalities. Unlike any other domesticated animal, cats aren't tasked with any job. One often thinks about mousing cats, but that turns out to have much less historical evidence than humans just... loving cats! Having pet cats and human civilization appear to be essentially the same thing. The book "The Lion in the Living Room" is excellent if you're interested in this topic, and talks about P-22 at length. Even if you're not a cat person, it's a must read for LA residents or anyone interested in anthropology.
My cat Cleo is dramatically different than Bea, and she is also magnificent!
Our tomcat passed too soon, a few months back. He was basically a puppy dog in demeanor, following my wife around the house from room to room. He would howl after she left the for the day, and greet her at the door on return. He was like a little old man with a bedtime routine, and as soon as the alarm clock went off, he mosyed up to her pillow for his face rubs.
We have a younger cat we adopted as a kitten that he really raised like his baby the first two years, before she rebelled and became a loner.
Lately it's been interesting watch her adopt some of his former, very specific traits months after his passing and sort of assert herself as the alpha of the house.
Having a cat is like having a roommate. Having a dog is like having someone who's very sure you're best friends forever and ever. There's something to be said for either.
My past cat was like Bea, but in addition would lie across my shoulders while I worked at the desk, and chirp into my ear. I've never tried replacing him because I think the chances of getting another cat like that are low.
I’d second this sentiment and encourage the previous poster and some of the other replies to consider fostering for a local shelter.
We started fostering early in the pandemic, a few months after losing a very special guy, and it’s been very fulfilling. You‘ll get a chance to help some cats or kittens get out of a cage for a few weeks and find new homes - and I’d be surprised if you don’t eventually find one whose home just happens to be yours.
Yes, I agree with that about raising them, but I think that improves the chances and well short of guarantees it. One of our first cats was very unfriendly and hated being held, grumbling the whole time until you put her back down. As kids, if we managed to convince her to sleep on our bed or sit on our lap while watching TV, it was an absolute triumph and moment of pride. Then you'd move your leg slightly and get scratched in the face.
My delightful cat meanwhile had to be stopped from constantly trying to nuzzle you!
Same here. When he was still young, my cat used to sit on my shoulder while I was trying to get computer work done. He passed away almost 2 years ago. I haven't been able to get another cat yet because I am pretty convinced he was something really special and I am unlikely to be as lucky a second time.
Haha that’s so sweet. I’ll just say my cat is the opposite - earning her affection is really special; anyone she chooses to love has already loved her for months. When she finally cuddles up - ah!
So just like people - you’re right - you’ll never find another cat like that - but you’ll find something especially different!
I think that's exactly what humans love about cats. They really have personalities. Unlike any other domesticated animal, cats aren't tasked with any job. One often thinks about mousing cats, but that turns out to have much less historical evidence than humans just... loving cats! Having pet cats and human civilization appear to be essentially the same thing. The book "The Lion in the Living Room" is excellent if you're interested in this topic, and talks about P-22 at length. Even if you're not a cat person, it's a must read for LA residents or anyone interested in anthropology.
My cat Cleo is dramatically different than Bea, and she is also magnificent!