Monday, August 11, 2014

"Meow Meow" Therapy

I have been reading lately about pet therapy and how much it benefits those who are suffering from health problems.  Sick people who have had a dog visit them in hospital are reported to feel much better and optimistic, and actually look forward to the animal's next visit.

Animals have long been considered man's best friend, especially dogs who have deep loyalty for their master.  We used to keep a dog years ago but after a painful experience (it was knocked down by a hit and run driver), we decided not to have any more pets.  But somehow the cats found us and we have at present two cats and four kittens at home.

It's a long story as to how the cat population at our home grew but it's not surprising with the number of amorous tom cats roaming about in our area!  But I must admit watching their funny antics or just stroking them does release some tension and anxiety.  But when they pooh on the carpet or think the armchair is their toilet, that's when you wish you had sent the whole lot to the RSPCA!

Cats may be cute and cuddly but they don't make good security guards for the home unlike dogs who can bite an intruder's leg but your heart does melt when you come home and find them sitting on your doorstep waiting for you!  It's their way of telling you how much they miss you!  Cats, however, are not permanent residents, no matter how well you feed them.  One day you wake up and one's missing and a month later, another ...

Thought I'd share some pictures of my furry little companions - taking pictures of them has also given me a new hobby and sharpened my photography skills! Pet therapy does work in many ways!



Astri with Smokey, at that time about two months old.  She seems to think
that her mum's bum is a cushion!


Smokey, about 5 months old.  She has clear blue eyes and is probably
the result of a cross between Astri and a handsome Siamese cat, though
I don't know of one in our area.  Smokey loves being cuddled and hugged.


Kiki, the latest addition to the family.  My maid found him entangled in the hedge and brought him
back to the house.  He was limping badly and had several holes in his body (dog bites maybe).  She nursed him back to health and today he is romping happily in our garden - and thinks the sofa
is his bed! 


Kiki and his best friend, Blackie locked in a cosy embrace.  Blackie disappeared a few days ago - we were sorry to lose him as he was a gentle, quiet and patient cat, despite being bullied and harrassed by Kiki almost every day!


Kiki and Smokey together.  After Blackie's disappearance, Kiki is following Smokey around like she were his mother!


Astri and her latest brood of kittens - two black and white and one just
like herself.


My favourite shot of Smokey under our ixora bush.


 I shall end with a quote by Albert Schweitzer:
 
“The only escape from the miseries of life are music and cats.”  

Meow! Meow!

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