This is my cat, Maggie.
She’s the first cat I’ve owned as an adult but not my first cat. My parents always had cats when I was growing up. I think we even have a picture somewhere of me as a toddler, in my crib…with our cat, Winky. (Of course my grandma was convinced the cat would kill me, but my mom thought it was cute – “Look at the kitty in the baby’s bed!”)
Winky got run over by a car, but she wasn’t our last family pet. I remember many nights as a teenager, crying to my cats, Hoover and Minnie. I’m not saying they knew why I was upset or agreed that my mom was the meanest mom EV-ER. But they knew I was sad. And they sat on my bed and let me pet them until I calmed down.
Mark got Maggie for me shortly after I graduated from college. He was traveling for work, and I was lonely. So he got me this tiny, abandoned kitten from the local shelter.
You’ve seen that picture of the ducks who follow around the dog? They imprinted on that dog, believing she’s their mother. And that’s kind of what happened to Maggie and me.
My cat really believes I’m her mama. It’s true. She snuggles up to me in bed every night before Mark gets home – laying on my arm with her head on Mark’s pillow. And most nights she climbs up on my lap and makes me hold her like a baby.
Now, in this picture, my baby is just yawning. But to be honest, she pretty much fears – and therefore hates – everyone except Mark and me. And she tolerates Annalyn. So, I’ll admit that though she’s the sweetest baby cat to me and she’s never hurt anyone, Maggie may have shown this face at other times that did not involve yawning.
I know she’s just a cat. But to me, she’s my first baby. (Of course I love Annalyn more! But you know what I mean…!) So, today, I am thankful for pets.
Do you have a pet? What’s your favorite animal?
i’m not an animal person. i don’t mind if other people have them, i just don’t ever want them. except fish. i had those growing up, and believe it or not i never killed them within a week like i did poor dick and bert. i think i like having something to take care of that doesn’t take alot of work and is confined to one space.
Hmm, interesting. That’s kind of how I am about dogs. I’m not a dog person. I don’t mind if other people are, but I don’t want one!
Awww, Maggie is so cute! Years ago before my husband went out of town on business I wanted a kitten for a companion also. We got Nicki. (the cat in the pumpkin photo from Fri.) Soon after getting her, the vet said she MAY have feline leukemia and not live long. I was crying and wanted to take her back and get a healthy kitten. My husband said no, we would nurse her back to health and hope she lives. (he wasn’t even a cat person until he met me). Anyway, she lived for 10 years and was a wonderful friend to us.
We’ve had our cat Ashley now for 12 years. She’s not as loving and cuddly as Nicki was but she’s still my fun, fluffy friend. :)
My husband and I like to tease each other about how he thinks dogs are better and I say cats are better. We both love our dog and cat but it’s a dumb game we play.
Chris and I had a cat we got right after we were married. He ran away when M was about 1 (so 6+ years ago). Just yesterday Chris was saying how much he still misses him. Figaro was a totally cool cat who fetched, knew his name, came when called and thought he was human. Plus, he was really protective of M, which was sweet:)
Aww… Maggie’s not my favorite, but I see that she’s sweet to you guys. ;)
My cat (Dinah), however, is maybe the best cat ever! She’s super sweet and comes when called and stays when told and is playful and is just really sweet — to anyone. ;) I’m often telling her what a blessing she is. :) I just got her this summer from a friend. I never had a cat growing up, but now I don’t know what I’ll do if I ever lose her! :( (I suppose I’ll just get a new cat and love her/him just as much though — because before Dinah came around, I was very attached to my mom’s cat, which she’s only had for a few years when we got him for her for Christmas. I still like him, of course, but Dinah’s so much sweeter (and clawless;), that sometimes I kind of forget about Mittens now!
Chelley!! I can’t believe I didn’t meet Dinah when I was up for your party!! I completely forgot!! ARGH! Maybe at New Year’s?
B – what a great story about Nicki. And cats are way better. :)
Oh, Busy, I know what you mean about missing a pet. Mark and I still talk about how my family’s cat, Hoover, was the perfect cat. And he’s been gone for almost 10 years!
aw she's so sweet! i have a dog now but i still miss the cat that i grew up with at my parent's house. cute blog! xoxo