| I like animals, too Isherwood. I have four cats that eat in my kitchen. One is a special friend that has been with me since 1991, Buddy. A tough guy in his youth, he has aged into a sleepy old man. Last year a squamous cell tumor on his nose cost me $500 for surgery, but it gave him a few more months of life(so far). I love him.
Of the others, one is a girl that I wanted when I saw her as a kitten. A calico with four white feet, we call her "Socks". She's friendly and likes to sit near when we watch TV so she gets fondled.
Then her plain looking sister that my wife insisted we take too, Punkin. She puts up with a little petting but isn't really a friend, just a resident.
The last one is Jimmy, who was born of Socks here in my house. Always treated kindly, called by name and kept here when his brothers and sisters were given away. But he insists on being outside except to eat. Then he cries to be let out again. I can pet him at the food bowl, at the door as he is waiting to get out, and that's about it. He runs away when I open the door for the others to come in and eat... Just a feral type of guy, I guess.
They are all neutered, and get medical care when it is required, but otherwise nothing special to care for them but food and water every day. They are essential parts of the household, though.
"Arms in the hands of the citizens may be used at individual discretion for the defense of the country, the overthrow of tyranny or private self-defense." -- John Adams |