CATS WORLD

Cats: They are SO misunderstood!

People often get baffled whenever I say I have a bunch of cats, they gasp as if that were something out of this world. The initiator of such reaction are all the misconceptions that people have about felines. Gosh, you can say that cat owning is a taboo! So, I wanted to make some points about handling cats, living with them, and allowing them to make your life better.

Cat hair is NOT the cause of allergies! It is the cat's saliva that makes allergic people sneeze. If a cat is bathed once a week, and the environment is kept clean, chances are that allergic people who are fond of cats can live with them under the same roof.
Black cats do NOT bring bad luck! It may sound funny, but some people actually kill black cats or become nuts when a black cat crosses in front of them. People, I live with 5 black cats, and they are not magical or ill fated. They are adorable, strong and proud.
If you cut the nails, they do not harm your house. But please, do NOT declaw them. Declawing is inhuman as it leaves the cat without means of defending themselves, plus, I am certain you wouldn't like having your fingernails removed. It is part of their bones, and even during the operation (when they are anesthesiated) they moan in pain.
If your cats are in a midnight frenzy, bring out a Cat Dancer and play with them for a little while. They will get tired ad will go to sleep as you turn off the lights.
Provide a safe haven for some times of play. A cardboard box is perfect, they love it!
Provide dry food only, this way you'll keep them healthy. Feed on mornings and nights, and add fresh water daily. Do not use milk, milk gives diarrea to most cats.
Bath your cats. Yes, you heard well... If you are not allergic to cats, you can bath them once each month or each 2 months. If you are allergic, a weekly bath will keep both of you happy. I use a herbal shampoo, and then a conditioner for luster. Then I use an anti-ticks luster bath that is leave-in, so I am certain that my kitties have no bugs on them.
If you have multiple cats, invest in a cat condo. They do get the idea that it belongs to them, and they love hanging out and playing within the condo area.
Talk to your cats. Give them love. Caress them constantly. They will feel that they are part of you, and you will feel that you are part of them. Your quality of life will improve... I guarantee it!

My Feline Companions: My Dearest Family!

Here I give you a glimpse of my dear children:

8 felines, each with an unique personality, each with a story of their own!

Isis

Birthdate: 9/11/2000

From: Villa Michelle

Story: Rescued from animal shelter. I had no intention to take an animal, but she was certain that I was her human. She waited at the exit until I came back for her.

Hobby: Call for me when I go to work and when I arrive, Play with Cat-Dancer

Crow

Birthdate: 02/22/2001

From: Cabo Rojo

Story: Given to me along with his brother Kyonne I, Crow is the hugest cat I have. He is very mild and gentle, almost regal. Like his brother, he suffers of urinary track problems and must be fed only special food. Also known as the One that Died for 5 Minutes. Brought back to life via mouth to mouth resurrection by the vet.

Hobby: Sleeping, eating and playing with Cat-Dancer

Kali

Birthdate: 05/28/2002

From: Belmonte, Mayaguez, PR

Story: Rescued from a backyard, some kids had tied her legs with barbwire. As a result she is very wary of humans and allows no one to touch her... She sleeps in my head, and whenever she feels safe she demands lots of love. Very pushy, sweet, temperamental and photogenic.

Hobby: Bird watching, Asking to be loved

Set

Birthdate: 05/28/2002

From: Belmonte, Mayaguez, PR

Story: Kali's brother is the troublemaker. Set is the athletic one, handsome, always alert and opinionated. If he doesn't like you, he will simply say it. Hates taking baths and despises getting dirty (being touched by human hands)

Hobby: Catching pole-fishes and real flies, Playing with the Cat-Dancer

Michita

Birthdate: 03/11/2003

From: San Juan, PR

Story: Rescued from a SUV engine by a mechanic after surviving the motor's heat after a 4 hour trip. She was a mess: open eye, cut ear and tail, open back... And she was pregnant. Lucky kitty, survived and gave birth to 3 kitties: Kyonne2, Mystra and Cyric. Very nervous (especially after the engine incident) and very cautious, Mich is the best hunter of the family.

Hobby: Being the best mother ever, Play with plush rodent

Kyonne the Second

Birthdate: 06/19/2004

From: Mayaguez, PR

Story: Curious George is no one compared to this curious kitty... Always looking for entertainment, hates it if you do not pay attention to him, and is training to be a professional soccer player. His sporty inclinations have made him appear in The Cat's Meow magazine and his good looks have launched him a career as a modeling kitty.

Hobby: Singing after midnight, Playing soccer with the ball, Play with Cat-Dancer, Surfing the net

Cyric

Birthdate: 06/19/2004

From: Mayaguez, PR

Story: Cyric is the family's nerd. He is very mild, always having a smile in his lips. He is quiet and passive. His good looks have already broken many hearts. He has expressed interest on being a priest, and wants to follow Crow's example being a gentleman of much influence in society.

Hobby: Play with Cat-Dancer, Play with Kyonne, Play with his foster father Crow

Roxy Heart

Birthdate: 10/31/2001

From: Cabo Rojo's Lighthouse

Story: Rescued from the Lighthouse of Cabo Rojo, there are many rumors that this is an alien kitty. Her eyes are always bewildered, and her whole demeanor is mean. She likes being alone, and so favors a gothic lifestyle. Very bright, she always engages in conversations with humans, whom she finds "fascinating". Recently rumors of a love affair between Roxy and Crow has spread... but the couple deny everything.

Hobby: Call for me whenever I am present, Sleeping on any human's belly, Spellcasting and performing bizarre rituals

Rest In Peace: In memory of...

KYONNE I

2001-03

Death: Urinary Track Obstruction

Story: Brother to Crow, this kitty has been my favorite of all kitties that I've had. A bundle of mischief and joy, he was curious, bright, daring, dashing and plain cute. He always waited for me and cheerfully let me know how much he loved me. At nights he would create a puppet show just so I would go to sleep with a smile in my face. If I was sick, he would rest in my belly until I recovered. He could open any door, and was a success with people (especially femmes).

I cried this cat for more than a year. He gave me many special memories, stringless love, true joy. He is constantly missed

MYSTRA

2004

Death: De-Wormer Overdose

Story: Daughter to Michita, Mystra was always at her mother's side. She had a sad look in her eyes, almost as the kids in CARE ads, and was not as outgoing and daring as her brothers. I thought she was just shy, and had inherited the nervous ways of her mom... She had a quiet magic about her ways...

I discovered the guys had worms, and gave de-wormer to all. Mystra had the most, and seems that she already had brain damage from them. She died in my hands while trying to heal her. She is constantly missed.

KATO

2000

Death: Virus

Story: Little Kato came home after being rescued from the animal shelter. He was to be Isis little foster brother. Too smart and too bratty for his own good (seems he was born on the streets and survived the hard way!)

Too small and frail, although we expected him to grow stronger he always seemed sick. He had FIV which weakened him even more. He is constantly missed.

Kellarthe "Kell"

2000-2002

Death: Rat openned her belly

Story: Taken from a friend's house in Mayaguez, Kell was raised in Carolina. She was fond of singing along with her sister, especially the song "Baby please don"t go".

Memorable event: The toilette incident.

When I moved back to Cabo Rojo, the owner of the rented house wouldn't allow pets, so I had to give her to my friend. Poor Kell only lasted two months, as one morning she appeared inside a kitchen cabinet, dead. Apparently something bit her and ripped her tummy open. She is sorely missed.

Blondie

2000-2002

Death: Poisoned

Story: Sister to Kell, Blondie was the happy-go-lucky one, always climbing where she shouldn't and then crying out for help (she was scared of climbing down from high places)

Memorable event: Hanging from the kitchen's chair

She lasted a bit longer than Kell at my friend's house, but one of her neighbors poisoned most of my friend's kitties and Blondie fall in that trap. Another bites the dust... And is missed.

Hashy

1997-2002

Death: Vanished, presumed dead

Story: Hashy was my unnofficially my first feline companion. She was taken from the streets into a friend's home, where he kept her. I was in charge of feeding her and grooming her. The kitty was happy while in my hands... As I stopped going to my friend's house, things changed for Hashy. Over time, his family began letting Hashy out free to roam the house and the city. From a beautiful white specimen she became an undead. The last thing I heard was that she was seen drooling something, eyes almost closed as she was really sick. She vanished, and was probably killed by another animal or poisoned... I hate how this story ended. I loved that cat.

Through all my life I never knew the happiness that these small creatures have given me.

Love comes in all shapes and colors.

I feel humbled.