You might recall the story of Liberty — the neighborhood stray cat who was considering allowing me to apply for the position of being her human, meaning I could feed her as much as I wanted to. And, yes, this time I do say “her” because — as many of you guessed — that’s what she is.
Well, our relationship has evolved quite a bit, though I still don’t really understand her. As stated in the first article, I’m a dog person and feel fairly certain I know what motivates them. Mainly, I relate to dogs; their sense of loyalty and the unabashed love they have for family. Liberty…not so much.
We have become close friends, I think. She now sleeps on my patio chair and greets me in the morning…well okay, to meow for her breakfast. Throughout the day, she comes back to see me. True, it’s for her kibble but she does in fact see me, as well. Then, at about the same time every late afternoon, she comes back to visit me again…and eat her dinner.
But, please don’t think she doesn’t feel a connection with me. At about 8pm she comes inside for a while, let’s me pet her, eats her late night snack, bathes herself (she sure does that a lot!) looks for catnip, and naps about two feet from where I’m working. Sometimes, while I’m talking baby-talk to her (disgustin’, ain’t it?), 🙂 she’ll look at me; but usually she pretends to ignore me (as IF she doesn’t like it).
One night she did…err, “tinkle” on the carpet. I’m told that meant she was marking her territory because she feels close to me. I’d prefer she not feel “that” close to me. I immediately insisted she leave and kept her out on the patio for a good 30 minutes before letting her back in, feeling secure that she learned her lessons and now respected my boundaries. Little son of a gun did it again!
I’ve gotta’ say that what I enjoy the most is watching this creature that just a few months ago was terrified of anything human, now sleeping soundly right near me without a care in the world, totally secure that she has a human friend who would never hurt her. It’s really awesome.
We (Christine from the local Humane Society and I) did determine that she is spayed so trapping her is no longer an issue. Good thing because — truth be told — I’m a wimp and didn’t have the heart for it. Yes, I’d like to get her to a vet to get checked but, she really is an independent soul and doesn’t seem any more excited about that idea than I was about her tinkling on my floor.
Anyway, that’s the update. She really is a good girl. And, I’m glad to have her in my life, dog-person aside.
If you’d like to see what she’s thinking, just place your cursor over her pictures. Meanwhile, admit it; she’s adorable!
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Love the update and pictures… Seems as though Liberty is training you quite well – LOL Unlike our faithful canine companions that we train, cats have the uncanny ability to train us… Really enjoyed!
Very unusual and beautiful kitty!
Such a softie!
Not sure which one Liberty is, but the top one looks like a mixed Abyssinian! Very smart indeed! http://twurl.nl/a5yqbe
I agree w/ Caryl! You have shown her love by feeding and the next natural thing is …….potty!
I have been around outside cats or inside at a distance b/c while I love cats, was extremely allergic to them. Now I am not! I know they are less work than a dog, but I love the interaction from dogs. I did pet sitting for my mentors & Jimmy-cat was so lovey-dovey he stole my heart. After a week, he went from the rascal to the sweet one and my mentor was surprised in the change in his behavior. Cowboy was always the sweetheart!
Cats only require food/potty, can entertain themselves, don’t require being let out or walking, etc. One of my bff has told me this for years! This is a step up from a beta fish for me! LOL. I’m thinking my next companion might just be a cat…..maybe!
One of my fav Christian entertainers from many years ago, Carmen, recently adopted “Phil” and his shared stories are amazing.
Thanks for sharing your experience & enjoy your new friend.
g
If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, Liberty may be “asking” you for a litter box. In my personal life history of picking up strays, (except that homeless Lady, Mama wouldn’t let me keep her.) animals have a tendency to mark their territory once they consider it home and will continue to do so until shown where to go. Dogs happily do their “business” outside, but from my experience, cats seem to have more of the thought process “you do your “business” inside, why shouldn’t I?”…..I think its the snob in them, or maybe the laziness. Either way, you may want to splurge on a kitty litter box with a bag of kitty litter and promptly pick her up and put her in it if she feels inclined to grace your carpet with her “sprinkle” again.
Bob, thanks for sharing your story – absolutely loved it! Like you, I love animals. With their loyalty and persistency to be loved, they awaken a sense of family connection, warmth and joy.
As a child I grew up with my dog, Lady, the epitome of gentleness, allegiance and love.
At some point in my late teens a kitten wandered into my Mother’s art studio and captivated everyone. Unbeknown to our furry friend, he had to win my Dad’s heart, which he did rather swiftly and became a part of our family unit. Over the years I became fairly convinced that cats are little angels placed here. In many ways they are quite humorous and can conjure up trouble with their feisty, merry ways.
About 5 years ago when we purchased our home we were unaware that a family of feral cats lived in our community. One female cat was eying Gary (she already knew she won me over) and would find ways to get in close proximity to him. Long story short, we ended up taking her in with one of her babies, adding on porch (so she could have a place to sun without being an outdoor cat), finishing our garage to a den (Gary has allergies to cats, so they stay in part of our home). When we look in her eyes they radiate trust, love and gratitude. It is amazing what kindness will do! Sounds like you have a lifetime friend!
She IS adorable Bob!!!!
Now you’re officially a cat person. I think Liberty has excellent taste in friends and cats know good people when they meet them. It really speaks to who you are as a person.
I too used to be solely a dog person and now am an unabashed cat fan. Welcome to the wonderful world of cats (except for the territory marking!)
Bob, your post made me laugh out loud! We have a fifteen year old cat that has hired me as feline caregiver and puts me through “human training 101” classes all the time! Also a dog lover with an appreciation for the cat “alter-ego”. Liberty is a great name for a cat.
How fabulous! Animals (like people) can’t tell you how much love they want – but they do. Once the fear goes away – once someone takes the time to get to know them, all that distrust goes away! Thank you for the work you do for people and all those 4 legged friends too Bob!!
What great comments. Thank you, all!
Leticia…yes she is! 🙂
Dee, thank you. Yes, I bought one for her a while back. She doesn’t appear to be interested. 🙂 Of course, if she does that again (which I’m not planning on) I’ll take you up on your excellent suggestion.
Caryl, as an animal lover, your story touches me deeply. Of course, knowing you and Gary as I do, it doesn’t surprise me at all.
Janet, thank you. I’ll let her know you said that. She’ll act like she doesn’t care, but she does. 🙂
Andrea, Thank YOU, my friend.
Thank you for sharing your Liberty story, Bob. As a life-long cat lover, I am always delighted when a feline manages to win over yet another heart. I was so fortunate that the Feline Zen Master, my Maine Coon cat named Poohbear, and his kitten muse, Catzenbear, were in my life during the years I was healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I wrote about my journey from the depths of depression to the freedom of Buddha mind in my book, Choosing to Be: Lessons in Living from a Feline Zen Master. Much wisdom comes from Poohbear’s bewhiskered cat mouth, so much so that Findhorn Press has picked up my book and is releasing a new edition on September 1st. I would love to send you a copy to share with Liberty in your quiet evening moments:)
Hi Geneva: Believe it or not, both of those pictures are of Ms. Liberty. Not sure why they look so different. Very strange. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! And, I’m glad you’re no longer allergic to them! I agree with you that the interaction from a dog is awesome. Dogs are a joy to me.
Kat: What a great story. Congratulations for all you have done and how far you have come. And, huge congratulations about your book being picked up. Way to go!!
Refreshing blog post, nice change of pace to see a little personal side of Bob. Now that you are “owned” by a cat. You adopt dogs, cats adopt you. Always being a dog person myself until a stray cat adopted me, I agree with Kat, there is much wisdom to be learned from a cat. Look forward to hearing more about your experiences with Liberty.
Liberty is so fortunate that she found a human that understands immediately that she is in charge and you are her human. Most cats have to do extensive training to get their humans to understand that. She will take control of the house soon (where is her litter box?) When she does, I feel sure she will let you stay because you have been so kind. 🙂
Edie: Thank you. I have a feeling that we’ll have more Liberty updates…if she lets me. 🙂
Heather: Thank you. Naw, still not a “cat person”…dogs – as a group – will always have my heart. Though, I do enjoy cats more and, of course, Liberty, I adore.
Joe: Thank you. Sounds like Liberty has been taking lessons from your cat. 🙂
Susan: Thank you. I’m hoping she lets me stay. 🙂 I did buy her a litter box but I think her being a stray for so long, it just confuses her.
What a lovely post, Bob. Bud the Beagle would have preferred that you befriended a beagle, but is very happy that you’re connecting with a four legged friend.
She’s beautiful! So glad she’s already spayed…did you get a cat tree yet?
What a beautiful girl! I agree with Caryl about cats being angels; I’ve always called mine “angels in fur.” They tend to be very wise. Sometimes I just stare at my kitty and wonder what she’s thinking and feel so much love for this amazing creature. Pretty soon Liberty will be snuggling in your lap!
Hi Bob, Loved the story of Liberty – and it reminds me of a stray cat we called “Attitude”. She walked into the kitchen one night, swiped my black panther of a cat we called Salem on the nose and ate his dinner. Bless my boy though he just sat back on his haunches and let her eat. Unfortunately she was pregnant, so we ended up with a couple of extra’s…
After the babies were born and of a suitable age, we got them all seen too – including mum, she then having done her duty to the kids, swiped them on the nose and left to find a new home … we see her around from time to time with a brand new collar and occasionally when I go for a walk she comes up for a pat…
And apart from one of the babies – who also found a new home, we now have a house full
But I wouldn’t be without them
Cheers
Elle (ellegb)
Hi Bob,
That is great! We live with our cats too. Just like Liberty they tolerate the food we are allowed to give them. They even allow us to cook dinner for us in their kitchen.
Maybe we are even more fortunate than you are: up to now, we have been admitted in their bed! So, after a day of hard work earning money to feed them, we can rest and be ready for next day. 🙂
Please greet your landlord for me and have a nice day!
Nadia
Ava, thank you. Please tell Bud I said hello!
Lori, thank you. That’s so cool!
Leslie, no, I haven’t. Great reminder. Thank you!
Elle, what a great story that is. And, awesome how she still comes over to visit you while you’re walking. She knows what you did for her and her children.
Hi. I love your personal account of your new friend. I also am a dog person, but only because I am allergic to cats. When I stayed at a B&B in Tuscany there was a cute Tabby that let me touch him and even pick him up. I didn’t break out into allergies either, so it was a great time for me. Anyway I hope Liberty finds a warm spot in you and your family’s life
Nadia: That is TOO funny! I can absolutely imagine that she believes all of that. 🙂
Zaeem: Thank you. What a great story about the Tabby!
How Cute she is and how Lucky the TWO of YOU are to have each other…
You are such a softy LOL… That is a GOOD thing…
To You and Yours…
Thank you, Carly. Very kind of you, my friend! 🙂