It's the last day of 2009, we're looking at a new year and the beginning of a new decade. What will this new decade bring as regards cat welfare? My wish list would fill this blog! I hope it brings more compassion, more thought, more responsibility towards these beautiful animals.
Even after 15 years working in cat rescue, I am still shocked, still appalled, still heartsick, still distressed, still so very sad at the way cats are treated. We have a love/hate relationship with them in this country, we either love them or hate them. The amount of people who say "I hate cats!" with real feeling annoys me so much. And if you ask them why, you'll get some pretty lame excuses: "I was bitten by one when I was a child." (Well, I was bitten by a dog once when I was a child, but that doesn't make me hate dogs or even be afraid of them.). "They smell!" (Not if they're neutered). "They're dirty!" (Not if you provide a litter tray).
We need a seismic change of attitude towards cats in this country and that's what I hope this new decade will bring. We need to open our minds, step outside our comfort zones and try liking cats!
I got a Christmas card from a family I homed two kittens to earlier this year, it sums up what I'm saying: "Just to let you know the kittens are doing really well, getting bigger by the day. I have to say after 2 dogs, we are definitely cat people. We adore them and they bring us all great joy, they're like 2 added family members. Thank you so much. The other night we all sat watching the X Factor Final in bed and the 2 cats curled at the end of the bed, spoilt or what!!" Now, that's what I like to hear!
Happy New Year everyone!
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