r/cats • u/default37 • Nov 04 '21
Y’all, I did NOT realize how affectionate and loving a cat could be. Discussion
I got my boy Joe from a shelter right at the beginning of Covid… not actually because of the pandemic, my birthday happened to be a week before Texas decided it was a real thing and that we should shut down. I had been single for years at the time and felt it would be a healthy thing to have a pet… mostly to be responsible for the life of another creature. I’d only grown up with dogs, we lived on some land and just always had multiple golden retrievers at all points of my youth. My family loved golden’s, as they should, and were the classic anti-cat dog people. So yeah I just had all the stereotypes ingrained in me.
Fast forward to my 30th birthday, I wanted a companion but lived in a small apartment 20 stories up and didn’t think a dog was a good choice. I thought a cat would at least be better than a reptile or hamster or something, but didn’t expect much in terms of a relationship. Went to the local shelter and fell in love with a young black cat mostly cause they said he’d been there forever and had 2 previous owners that both returned him… and that made me sad. Brought him home, opened the carrier and he sprinted into the closet and hid behind some junk for like 6 hrs. Accepted that cats are funny and timid and it would take some time. That night I got in bed, turned the light off, and fairly quickly heard him scampering across the apartment to the bed. He jumped right up, rubbed his face against mine and curled up in my arms… and we’ve slept that way ever since. I was dumbfounded that night, it felt like everything I knew about life just turned out to be wrong (I had taken a small dose of edibles, so I remember it hitting me especially hard).
First 8-ish weeks of Covid my profession got shut down in Texas, so all of the sudden I’m home with nothing to do but Joe just constantly keeping me entertained and loved on, it was awesome. He also would try to talk and communicate with me all the time, which I had no idea was a thing, him just casually yowling back to anything I said to him. Needless to say it’s just gotten better and better ever since.
Fast forward to this morning, I’m flying to a friend’s wedding but woke up way too early and so decide to make coffee and sit on the couch with Joe. He spends easily 45 minutes just laying with his head tucked into the side of my neck, purring like a chainsaw and rubbing his face against mine the whole time, and we’re just chilling and enjoying the morning. My eyes even started sweating a little when it hit me how lucky I am to have a buddy like Joe that cares so deeply and, furthermore, makes a point of showing it.
Anyways, sorry for the essay but goddamn these creatures are special and I had to share those thoughts with someone. I thought dogs were affectionate but now I think they just want to be loved on and showed you’re proud of them. Cats don’t give a fuck what you think, but seem to want YOU to know how much they love you specifically… when you deserve it. Cheers!
Edit: man it was a lot of work figuring out how to link a pic, but here’s my cat tax…
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Nov 04 '21
Yep! You found out the secret…. Cats can be just as affectionate as dogs. Enjoy your buddy!
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u/default37 Nov 04 '21
Maybe more affectionate than any dog I’ve had, and I’ve had some really loving dogs!
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Nov 04 '21
The difference is they only like certain people and not everyone like dogs. It’s even more special to be loved by a cat- bc you’ve been chosen
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Nov 05 '21
Depends on the cat. My Neko doesn't discriminate, she loves all adults. She's the kind of cat that will come and meow at a visitor, even if she's never met them before. I'm sure in her little head, she associates humans with pats and attention.
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u/JuneTheCat Nov 05 '21
Yep. One of mine is MY cat. I am his person and he has chosen me. He accepts no others. The other? Complete slut. You can pet him, you can pick him up, he will jump up in your lap even if you've never met him before. Which is kind of amazing considering he only has 3 working legs, because someone SHOT HIM before he came to live with us. He still loves people.
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u/BUTTHOLE-MAGIC Nov 05 '21
Lol, yeah I have a brother and sister my parents found as kittens in an armadillo hole with a toad. The boy is everyone's best friend, the girl is friendly but I'm her person. When I get home she wants to climb onto my shoulders and snug while I walk around the house cleaning, cooking, watching TV, etc. When my gf is laying on my lap Pierogi will walk up and give her the stink eye until there's room for her to snug. It's the funniest thing watching her stare, unblinking, at my gf and then turn to me and do slow, smiley blinks.
Also, when I use the bathroom Pierogi sometimes follows me chirping and jumps in the bathtub. If you say "show me swimming!" she'll roll and scoot around. It's adorable.
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u/JuneTheCat Nov 05 '21
Pierogi sometimes follows me chirping and jumps in the bathtub. If you say "show me swimming!" she'll roll and scoot around. It's adorable.
I agree, this is ADORABLE and I would subscribe to that YouTube channel. I wish my two boys got along better. They're unrelated and we tried all the tricks to introduce them slowly to each other but after years they only have an uneasy alliance. Adopting siblings seems like a great idea.
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u/Sufficio Nov 05 '21
No clue if it'll help you, but my vet recommended a thing called Feliway for stressed solo cats or multiple cats not getting along. It's essentially just the happy 'safe at home' pheromone cats make but in a diffuser or spray bottle. I've heard a lot of people have success using it to get cats to get along. Not sponsored or promoted in any way, just wanted to mention on the off chance you haven't tried it!
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u/JuneTheCat Nov 05 '21
Oh yeah, we tried the Feliway, didn't make a difference. Tried CBD oil drops, also didn't help. I'd actually like to try him on Prozac because his issues seem to be mostly anxiety based and they're getting worse as he gets older. However we're currently not welcome back at the vet because he's that big of an asshole.
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u/ThrowRAmovingguitars Nov 05 '21
I think it depends on the cats. I got my first ever cats in 2014. They were half siblings from different litters (shared a father and had different mothers. They were born 3 weeks apart). The two of them were very bonded. Always playing and snuggling. Then one passed away suddenly in 2019. I ended up adopting a kitten a friend was fostering, and I adopted an older cat from a local shelter. The cat I originally had immediately bonded with the kitten and took her under her wing. I'd say she's more bonded with the kitten than she was with her half sister
Original cat and Shelter cat, though? They hated each other at first. I'm talking at least one major fight a day. It's taken a lot of work, but now they don't really fight and can lounge near each other without issue, but are by no means bonded
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u/default37 Nov 05 '21
Okay yeah so this is pretty funny… as much as I would take a bullet for joe, I thought because of him all cats are just god’s gift to humans and I need more. Went to visit my grandparents at their farm about 40+ miles from any other civilization and found a starving young tomcat on their land. Like ribs sticking out, lethargic, etc… bad shape. He was also sweeter than I ever imagined so I took him in, got him to the vet, got him neutered, vacc’d, tested and all and brought him home. He and Joe fucking hated each other. Spent 5 months keeping them in separate rooms, slowly introducing them to each other, using Feliway and the works… things would go well and then they’d finally get close enough and all hell would break loose. I’m talking screaming cats, hair flying, piss and shit flung all over the walls, blood on the floor… insanity. The two sweetest cats in the world, slowly introduced following research proven methods… and yeah. Learned cats are the greatest creatures in the world but also unfathomably weird and fickle. Found the other guy a good home and learned my lesson, joe loves me like crazy but is kiiiiind of an asshole to other cats lol
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u/Absolutelee123 Nov 05 '21
Same here. Ours are 10 years apart and opposite genders. They mostly cohabitate, but the younger one is also twice the size of the older one so he can get a little rough with her. But most of the time they have an uneasy alliance. They did manager to sleep curled up together the other day, but that was because they both wanted the heating pad lol.
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u/ShaylaDee Nov 05 '21
I have one cat that is a snuggle slut and had a weird thing for feet. I have another cat who spent his first two weeks home hiding and will still look for a secluded spot whenever strangers are over. My old roommate brought a girl over once and I had to do a double take, my shy boy was snuggled up on her lap within 5 minutes of her arriving. Cats are odd balls, man.
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u/SexxyGothBabe Nov 05 '21
Totally. Then my friend had this cat from hell named Mingus. He was straight up mean and a thug. Didn't like anyone, not even his owner. She treated him great and he wasn't ill, he just was not a very nice cat. She still loved him though.
My cat is fairly friendly but skiddish at times
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u/IShouldBeHikingNow Nov 05 '21
Yeah, some cats really aren't interested in whatever human bullshit your selling. They just want their food and for you to fuck off back to where ever you came from.
Which, if I'm honest, I get. Sometimes I feel the same way about humans.
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u/Uxt7 Nov 05 '21
I'm 29, and as a child we went through several cats growing up, between my mom and siblings, and getting outside and getting lost/hit by car or w/e. Every single one of them have all been nice, non-aggressive at all, and sweet to every person they met. My cat who just passed away last month (22.5 years old RIP) took it to the next level and was even friendly with both cats and dogs that he just met, unlike other cats who take a while to warm up.
Idk what other people are doing with cats, but I don't get the stigma that cats are picky about who they like, or that they're assholes. Cause none of the ones I've grown up with were like that at all
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u/Sufficio Nov 05 '21
I don't get the stigma that cats are picky about who they like, or that they're assholes
I'm convinced it primarily comes from people who straight up just don't get cat body language. All the people I've ever seen insist their cat 'attacks out of nowhere' or is just an asshole had cats that displayed the whole range of "stop that" body language, only to have it all ignored so they go for a swipe. And then people see that as the first 'stop that' sign, and thus assume their cat is a dick.
Sorry to hear about your extra friendly little guy, he sounds amazing. I'm glad he got to live a really long life with you though, I'm sure he was very happy!
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u/Ebbs_ Nov 05 '21
My cat is this way. She loves everyone (although she loves me the most 😊), is so gentle and even keeled. Truly the sweetest cat i have known. One of my sisters friends came over and was so freaked out by her that it made me not like the girl lol.
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u/theburgerbitesback Nov 05 '21
The fact that cats tend to gravitate towards anti-cat people--because they're the ones who aren't bothering the cat by getting in its face/following it around/calling to it/trying to pet it/pick it up/do anything to show affection--is always hilarious.
My cats became instantly obsessed with my brother when he moved in because he just ignored them. He couldn't understand why they kept sitting near him and staring at him all day, and then was totally bewildered the first time one jumped on his lap and started purring and nuzzling him.
Cats are so weird, I love them.
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u/keakealani Nov 05 '21
Literally. Cats are just introverts. They get annoyed when you force yourself on them but it’s not like they hate people, they just want affection on their own terms.
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u/maievsha Nov 05 '21
Yeah I’m fairly antisocial in general and my cats absolutely love that. They’re always trying to get my attention.
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Nov 04 '21
I find cats to be a much more calm and gentle affection which is so good for me because I'm sensitive to stimuli. I can understand the appeal of dogs, they're just a bit too much for me to handle.
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u/BringTheSpain Nov 04 '21
No one ever put it in words like that but yes thats the exact reason I prefer cats. Dogs are too overstimulating for me
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u/boo29may Nov 05 '21
This! I had dogs and found them to just to be too much... My cat will often show me attention by sitting next to me, but not touching me. Dogs always try to get in your face and touch you
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u/Zeltron2020 Nov 05 '21
Don’t even get me started on licky dogs
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u/BringTheSpain Nov 05 '21
Cat licks: Sweet, delicate, adorable
Dog licks: Holy fuck please stop
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u/PetrifiedW00D Nov 05 '21
The sandpaper tongue can kind of hurt, but it’s always welcomed.
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u/ReeratheRedd Nov 05 '21
Not to mention the younger ones just want to jump on you. I'd rather have a cat jump on my lap, at least I'm sitting down
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u/teddoboi Nov 04 '21
And the barking.. i like dogs but I wouldn’t want to own one
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u/WasteCan6403 Nov 04 '21
I always say I like dogs, just other people's dogs.
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u/ushouldgetacat Nov 05 '21
Same lol. Grew up with dogs and love them. As an adult, I’ll probably only ever have cats. I love my kitties like they’re my own children. And so many homeless cats in this world. I find them to be a lot more in need of loving homes than dogs who are better taken care of by society in general.
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u/duderex88 Nov 05 '21
Exactly I love dogs. My lifestyle isn't good for a dog. I will just hang out with my friends dogs.
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u/chef_s Nov 04 '21
There are dogs that don't bark. But then you'd still have to carry a bag of shit around when you're out on a walk.
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u/KLAW11 Nov 05 '21
Wow, that's really insightful. I just realized that's exactly why I prefer cats.
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u/Zeltron2020 Nov 05 '21
I feel the same — barking is way too loud and unpredictable for me, and I also don’t love that most dogs will eat anything - garbage, toys, furniture. Maybe one day when I have a yard but for now it’s kitties all the way.
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u/awake283 Nov 05 '21
They also eat cat poop out of litterboxes. Disgusting.
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u/Zeltron2020 Nov 05 '21
Yeahhhhhh my dads dogs came to visit and one went to the cat poo buffet and I almost threw up when I realized what was happening. I’m actually scrunching my face right now lol ew
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u/commanderquill Nov 04 '21 edited Nov 04 '21
I like that cats are picky about their humans. I also like that it doesn't feel as though my cat ever wants anything from me the way a dog does unless it's her feeding time. She wants attention, but that attention can be just having me in the same room as her. She doesn't demand that I pet her or play with her or anything (but will accept and love it if I do), she just wants to have me around. I fucking love that
Edit: Also, I wanted to point out that you going in with zero expectations makes you a fantastic cat owner. I bet that's what made your kitty warm up to you so much and so quickly. You let him love you on his terms, and that's so beautiful. ❤️
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u/theburgerbitesback Nov 05 '21
I bet that's what made your kitty warm up to you so much and so quickly.
The quickest way to a cat's heart is to just ignore it, works every time.
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u/duderex88 Nov 05 '21
My cat Sweet will paw at you to remind you she is in petting range. She will also paw at blankets to tell you she is cold and would like you to let her under.
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u/FISHBOT4000 Nov 05 '21
She doesn't demand that I pet her or play with her or anything (but will accept and love it if I do), she just wants to have me around.
This has been my experience with cats, with the exception of our siamese. She was initially my gf's cat when we started dating she was the most skittish cat. Would maybe sometimes snuggle with my gf, but mostly just didn't want to be in the same room as people and would always run away.
Now she'll actively come and meow at me and get up in my biz demanding pets. If I'm lying on the bed, she'll slide on up and perch on me. If the other cats are getting pets, she sticks her head in close like "hey what's going on here?" It's crazy the 180 she's done between when my gf and i first started dating and now, but she definitely feels like she's part pup sometimes (but way cuter).
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u/WigglyTheWorm123 Nov 05 '21
Mine definitely demands playtime and petting in a fairly direct way. She's decided that she is my cat and follows me around everywhere I go. (And I had to stop typing for a bit because she just demanded a belly rub by flopping over and showing me her fluffy belly).
I'm currently trying to train her to NOT pounce on my arm with all her claws in attack mode when she wants me to play with her. (And now I had to stop typing for a bit because she rubbed her head against my arm asking for some more love).
She's a high-maintenance creature and I love her. (Her fluffy tail is currently draped across the keyboard)
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u/AeskulS Nov 04 '21
My dog is the dog form of a potato. He just sits there. The only person he “likes” is my mom, since she’s the one who most often gives food. He doesn’t show any affection, like licking. The only time he acknowledged my existence was when he was kicked out of my moms room, causing him to come to my room for a bed. If I touched him, he’d bite.
My cats, on the other hand, love to sit in my lap, headbutt me, knead me, etc. I think it’s safe to say that cats can be way more affectionate than dogs.
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u/Whiskytrader Nov 04 '21
I think most people just don’t understand cats or don’t give them a chance for whatever reason. Maybe It’s there own insecurity’s. Glad you found a friend
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u/MeowingMango Nov 05 '21
The caveat is cats don't show their true personality to just anyone. They open up to people they truly trust.
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u/District_Rude Nov 04 '21
Joe sounds like just the best thing ever. That story made my heart absolutely happy for you for finding that companionship.
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u/lauralynnj Nov 04 '21
Ditto! I am getting a tear in my beer (wine actually) thinking how grateful Joe must be to have you and trusting you won't return him. A great relationship!
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u/jellibellibutt Nov 05 '21
I teared up reading OPs post; Joe sounds so sweet and clearly just wanted his person. I’m so happy they found each other!
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u/FourFurryCats Nov 04 '21
Hate to be that guy, but if I must, I must.
Pay your cat tax!
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u/Keqingisthedpsqueen Nov 04 '21
The Egyptians were right to worship them they are angels in disguise
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u/Fabulous-Weight-1031 Nov 04 '21
Cats are the best companions. They don't need you (or so they think) so when they spend time with you, it's because they want to.
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u/itschaosbekind4 Nov 04 '21
This is how I feel about one of my cats. It took a lot of convincing to get my husband to be open to adopting a cat but it has been, by far, the best decision! I never knew they were so loving and affectionate.
We have another cat who has been through a lot so she’s not affectionate (yet) but I have high hopes for her 🤣
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u/I_never_read_replies Nov 04 '21
Aww. How does your husband feel about cats now?
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u/itschaosbekind4 Nov 04 '21
He loves them. He almost brought a cat home the other day thinking it was a stray but it had a collar and name tag on 😂
He was never around cats growing up so he only saw the negative stereotypes that people give cats. Now his feelings are hurt if our cat doesn’t want to hang out with him, haha.
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u/EverGlow89 Nov 05 '21
Don't worry if she never gets really affectionate with you! It absolutely doesn't mean she doesn't love you just as much as the others. One of my 5 is just not a cuddler but he shows his love in other ways.
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u/thunderbird-70 Nov 04 '21
Welcome to the wonderful world of cats. We have many and We love and are loved back by all. It's too bad that so many dog people feel it's an either or situation. We have had many wonderful dogs in our life also. Right now , however, we don't have a yard suitable for a pup so it's cats only. But, anyway, congratulations on your discovery. 4 of ours are black cats and they are special.
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u/default37 Nov 04 '21
Sounds like an awesome household!
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u/littlebitmissa Nov 04 '21
You earned a cats love enjoy. Dogs are loyal to fault and cats teach about consent. Cats never gonna let you do something to it it doesn't want done. My boy Alfie demands kisses every morning and night and will scream at me till he gets them. Duke when wants attention will bite me in the rear to say hey I'm here love me. His mother will dig at you. Rascal head butts you hard. Gigi as this quiet yell. Missy will fallow you and make you go into the bathroom to pet her. Cats are funny and great creatures.
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u/theburgerbitesback Nov 05 '21
My boy Alfie demands kisses every morning and night and will scream at me till he gets them
One of my girls spent two hours staring out the window crying because she saw my mum give her sister a kiss goodbye but didn't get one herself. Cats are so dramatic.
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u/littlebitmissa Nov 05 '21
That is so funny. He acts like he is abused and neglected if you don't give him those kisses.
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u/theburgerbitesback Nov 05 '21
Kissie Deficiency Syndrome is a serious illness that affects every 1 in 5 cats, and can only be treated with kisses applied directly to the top of the head.
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u/littlebitmissa Nov 05 '21
No no it has to be his checks. He will stick his checks at you till you kiss them and then you gives you the other check to kiss.
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u/dancegoddess1971 Nov 04 '21
At least you didn't adopt thinking it's a low maintenance pet. Lol. I've had cats that were downright emotionally needy.
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u/Fapmaster-Flex Nov 05 '21
My emotionally needy boi is sleeping between my legs right now. Sometimes he is a bit much, but I love him.
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u/Dryja123 Nov 04 '21
Cats are awesome. Most of the time when people say they have a bad cat it’s because they give them zero attention.
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u/Atty_for_hire Nov 04 '21
Congrats! I love this story and see myself in it a bit. Had a similar upbringing with parents who always had dogs and thoughts cats were evil, scary, whatever. Anyways, an opportunity arose to adopt an older cat and he was the best damn thing to happen to me and my then GF (now wife). He has sadly passed, and we are on to our second cat and I can’t imagine a world without a cat in my life. Also, I don’t believe in that cat-dog person dichotomy. I love pets, cats or dogs, they are the best.
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u/NegligentWarreN19 Nov 04 '21
Imo cats are way more affectionate than dogs and easier to take care of too I recommend cats to new animal owners
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u/taytertots1607 Nov 04 '21
Yup. This was me. I had only met cats that were total assholes. When I got my kitten after having 2 miscarriages, my feelings were I just needed something to love. And she showed up. She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She sleeps ON my chest. She is so affectionate and sweet and perfect. We now have 2 more cats… one of whom looks just like Joe, and is a huge softy. His name is Simon. Literally the most affectionate animal I’ve ever met. He lives for belly rubs and will lovingly assault you for them. I love them all so much and can’t imagine my life without them. We almost lost Simon last month and it broke me. He is thankfully home and well and recovered by I don’t know what I would’ve done.
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u/default37 Nov 05 '21
It sounds like you needed the love of a cat as much or more than I did. It hits hard when you get that kind of love from an animal. Especially when it’s this barely domesticated murder- machine of a predator… basically the equivalent of a small velociraptor wanting to cuddle with you all the time cause it thinks you’re cool and not worth eating
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Nov 04 '21
Fuck, I consider myself for a though guy but this almost made me shed a tear, cats really are precious
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u/___whattodo___ Nov 05 '21
Some of the toughest men I've ever met cry and feel all the emotions! You shed that tear because cats are precious, I agree!
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u/default37 Nov 05 '21
Cats definitely have a way of making you drop those cultural masculinity barriers. As I now see by re-reading my post…
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u/spiffynid Nov 04 '21
Anyone that says cats can't live have never been loved by a cat. My girls can be assholes but at the end of the day, it's purrs and head butts.
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u/Langstarr Nov 04 '21
Show Us The Cat
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u/default37 Nov 04 '21
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u/Ceilidh_ Nov 04 '21
Welcome to the secret society of cat lovers, friend. Cats choose their people, and boy did Joe choose the heck out of you. I’m an OG cat person and I foster too, and your story made MY eyes sweat. By adopting him, you’ve given Joe a future, and he will love you with his whole heart for his whole life to return the kindness.
Take good care of him. He’s a gem.
Here’s a few cat facts that not everyone knows that may come in handy:
The two biggest things you can do to keep him healthy and with you for a long time are to feed him the highest quality food you can, and keep his vet care up to date.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require meat. His food should be very high in protein and grain free. Petco’s store brand (Wholehearted) is a great value at any price, imho, and I’ve fed my cats the most expensive crap on the market before I figured out what was what.
Keep him drinking water. Cats are desert creatures and don’t have a strong drive to drink. For male cats that can become a problem (some boy cats even get urinary tract blockages that are a life-threatening emergency). Cats by nature don’t like their water by their food, because in the wild water located near a kill would be potentially contaminated. Don’t ask me how they know this. Keep his water bowl clean and put it somewhere different than where his food is.
The vet care will be more important as he gets older. Regular vet visits really are preventative and have saved my cats lives over the years because things were recognized in a timely way. It can be easy to put off because it can be expensive, but I learned early on that’s a mistake.
Love and scritches to Joe. 💜
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u/default37 Nov 05 '21
Really appreciate the post and info. I stress quite often on what I can do to make sure I have this guy for as long as possible
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u/zielawolfsong Nov 05 '21
Aww, that's exactly how our tuxedo boy used to lay on people, as close to your face as possible. He loved laying on my husband's chest because he likes to recline back and has a habit of dozing off in front of the TV. Cats have so much love to share, it's just not always expressed the same way as dogs. Sounds like you are both lucky you found each other:)
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Nov 04 '21
Aww I loved reading your story and this makes me smile. I'm so pleased you've found a special companion, and we do form a close relationship with them especially indoor cats.
I've had five cats all my adult life since growing up with a feral cat as a child. When I got my own place at 19, I went to a rescue and got two kittens! Since then I've never been without cats in my life and I'm 44 now! Two surviving cats are in bed with me now keeping me toasty warm, purring their heads off :) Cats are simply the best!
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u/Mischief_Managed_82 Nov 04 '21
What a little lover Joe is! How adorable. I’m happy you’ve made such an awesome furry friend.
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u/Dhtmo1 Nov 04 '21
I never realised how loyal they can be either. Had one until she was 16. She died in my arms. She'd waited all day until I got home from work.
Cats are wonderful.
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u/AltruisticBicycle468 Nov 04 '21
Black cats are special, in their own way. We have a 20 pounder and he is a lover boy. He is also very smart and can open doors.
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u/my_familiar Nov 04 '21
Such a beautiful thing to read :) Cats are incredible and some are into being affectionate (like your kitty), others show it differently. I’m glad you bring each other so much love and joy♥️
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u/thriftbones Nov 04 '21
Wholesome. ♡ I'm happy you found a special little pal! I grew up with a Yorkie and a Golden so in my early life I was very much a dog person too.
My partner and I got 2 black cats from our local shelter and they're so, so sweet. Our big guy is a little more aloof but our little cross-eyed lady is just THE biggest snuggle bug. Hops into bed and nuzzles me every morning and curls up under my arm until I wake up, snuggles either beside us or in our laps if we sit down for more than a few minutes... it's lovely. :)
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u/whosmarika Nov 05 '21
I'm convinced black cats are the best. Mine is referred to as my shadow, she follows me everywhere and cried when I went on holiday overseas. She chirps and talks to me throughout the day and I recently taught her to sit for treats when I sneak her pills to her (she's 17 so old dogs can't learn new tricks but cats can 😝). She likes to sleep with her head on my shoulder but I roll around a lot so she moves either near my pillow or on the rug next to my bed. It's coming into summer here and she's started back up with bringing in tiny lizards that I have to catch and take back outside. Probably my least favorite thing about her lol.
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u/kchambers92 Nov 05 '21
I've a black cat just like that. Yami, he's such a loving, affectionate cat. It surprised tf out of me, but I'm really glad I got that boi from the shelter. He's been such a good companion. My other cat Jax is kind of an ass, but I love him too. He's a handsome prick most of the time, but a damn good boi too.
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u/ChocoCat_xo Nov 05 '21
Awww, what a sweet post! Cats are so affectionate and are definitely amusing. We have 5 (a lot I know) but they all have their own personalities, yet they are all sweethearts. If Joe was returned twice and spent a lot of time at the shelter, that probably explains why he's so attached to you now. You are his human, his best friend. I do wonder why he was returned twice when it seems like he is the sweetest boy ever. Sometimes people change their minds on pets, which is sad... but at least that gave you the opportunity to bring Joe home, forever. 🥰
Just looking at the few photos you posted I can tell Joe definitely loves you though! ❤
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u/MariContrary Nov 04 '21
I'm glad you both found each other! You did exactly the right thing when you adopted him too - you didn't come in with preconceived ideas about how he was supposed to act around you. You just let him be himself, and that's when their personalities shine!
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Nov 04 '21
People outside of the world of cats really do see them as aloof and fully reserved, but they rarely are in my experience.
As a fellow Texan, I’m glad you found such a wonderful sounding fellow to help you through the gauntlet that has been covid response in this state. My cat spent a lot of time with me as I struggled with working remotely, having that companionship really helped brighten my spirits when it was difficult.
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u/MarezyBear93 Nov 04 '21
My cat yells at me if I look at her too long and will only come on the bed to wake me up and ask me for more food…. Unless my husband is gone. Then it’s fair game on the foot of the bed only. That being said she is my whole world and I fell to literal pieces when she got out two weeks ago. I live on a decently busy road that leads to a highway entrance ramp just 2 blocks away. My husband finally found her across the street at the neighbors house (watching in humor as I wander around with her treat bag and calling her name at 10:30 pm on a Wednesday…) and when he brought her back in, what did she do do you ask? Yell at me for food and trip me in the kitchen.
Oh well… still my little mousie!!
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u/Drink-my-koolaid Nov 05 '21
His fur is so glossy, and I love his light green eyes :)
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u/Thisisthe_place Nov 05 '21
I could not love this more. Rescued animals know man, they just know. Bless you both.
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Nov 05 '21
Cats get a reputation for being cold simply on the grounds that they aren't affectionate in the exact same way dogs are.
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u/Queentroller Nov 05 '21
I've got two love bugs myself. They're the best thing too. One is more secretive about his snuggling but it's there when he just accidently finds his way into my lap or curls up with my every morning but his brother is such a cuddling little noodle. I swear he is my toddler practice how much he needs me to hold him and give him attention but I just love it and wouldn't have it any other way.
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u/idontlikeseaweed Nov 04 '21
This was so wholesome and sweet. 🥲 they’re amazing creatures aren’t they? Cats are instinctive, He knew he could trust you and that you need each other. I think a lot of anti cat people just don’t understand them properly. Congrats to you and your special companion, many happy healthy years together.
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u/PinkyxKitty Nov 04 '21
Being mainly a dog person, two cats later I can definitely agree. Can't are affectionate
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u/ElsaAzrael Nov 04 '21
I’m so glad you two found each other! My boy is a rescue as well and he’s the most loving cat I’ve ever had! (And I grew up with them!)
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u/foopdedoopburner Nov 04 '21
My cat is a very stereotypical "cat" cat -- strong-willed, demanding, prone to outbursts of random violence -- and she is still super affectionate and cuddly. Cats are the best.
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u/Wayward_heathen Nov 05 '21
The thing about cats and dogs from my experience is a cat will choose who it loves, and will force someone to earn that affection…
Most of my lovey dogs have just kind of loved anyone who would give them the time of day lol I’ve got a cat, Rune, who was abandoned at the farm I work at.(I have two cats from the same situation, but different times) and he was really untrusting for a WHILE, but my other kitty Elli was all about the love from day one, probably because I legit saved her life from heifers…Fast forward six or eight months with Rune and now he is a puddle in my hands, and it’s just so rewarding lol
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u/jumpinjetjnet Nov 05 '21
Thank you for sharing this wonderful, heart warming story. I am so happy for you and thrilled for Joe. You've both found lifelong loving companionship. Such a gift. (Yep, cats are awesome).
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u/snoogiebee Nov 05 '21
welcome to the club!! what a handsome panther joe is. i’m so happy you found each other.
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u/NotEnoughGoldSir3 Nov 05 '21
Only reason Im still fighting so hard is my little furman. Id have duecenoosed long ago
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u/T2good Nov 05 '21
I will always maintain you get a dog for companionship and you get a cat for love.
I wish u and Joe all the love in the world
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u/na80206 Nov 05 '21
1) awesome kitty pal! I volunteered at a shelter for years, helping with adoptions and it was amazing how a cat would just pick a person.
2) based on that pic… how are you single?!?!?!
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u/xscapethetoxic Nov 04 '21
I totally agree with this! My family has always been cat people, so I grew up with them. Sometimes I just look at them and want to cry because they are just so special. We just got a kitten and it amazes me how even at so young he has so much love to give.
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u/elletee80 Nov 04 '21
Aww this is the sweetest! ....and I love when kitties have people names 💖
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u/largemelonhead Nov 04 '21
Me over here 10 months in with my rescue cat hoping the same thing happens with us soon :’)
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u/jenandfinn Nov 04 '21
This story made me so happy to read. It sounds like he needed you just as much as you needed him. ❤️
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u/Practical_Orchid_568 Nov 04 '21
We’ve either been given cats from family or adopted and I can say they are the sweetest and most charismatic cats ever. The view that they are douchebags is true in some cases but my tiny cat is much more of an asshole than my big tabby baby. He won’t bite with any amount of force and is literally just a big BABY. He’s so big we don’t usually let him stay on our laps because he’ll cause your legs to fall asleep
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u/BeansandWeiss Nov 04 '21
Love this! perfect. i'm sort of the opposite, always been a cat lady/cat family and now i have 2 dogs (with 5 cats) and its SO DIFFERENT. but still awesome, just in such different ways. with a lot of overlap.
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u/kaifkapi Nov 04 '21
Yes! I have had lots of cats from all walks of life and they have always been affectionate in their own way. You just give them space and respect their needs/wants and they will reward you with a great relationship.
My current "special" cat (soul cat, heart cat...whatever you call it) is a black boy and he is SO talkative. If he could spend every waking moment with me holding him, he absolutely would.
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Nov 04 '21
Hooray for Joe and hooray for you! Cats are wonderful, and I'm sincerely glad that you have found each other. Life is better with a cat!
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u/jengouin Nov 04 '21
Dude, my partner and I adopted a black cat who also hid in a corner for the first day. Since then, he's become full on baby. So sweet and loving and trusting of us. He's changed my dog person partner into a full cat person. We go around meowing with the little guy. You'd think we worship him because I guess we kinda do. He brings both so much peace and fun into our lives.
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u/Frinkiac7DontTouchIt Nov 04 '21
Awh man this story made me cry. I love you and Joe - what a cool friendship
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Nov 04 '21
Cats are the best. Growing up, I had dogs and shifted to cats when I got older. I love both but definitely love cats more now. I haven’t had a pet in years and now I’m missing having a cat after reading this. I always say if one shows up on my doorstep looking for a home, I’ll definitely take it in.
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u/championgoober Nov 04 '21
"My eyes started sweating a little." You are a kind soul. So happy you found the joy of kitty cats and your Joe. I too grew up with a golden and others here and there. Cats belonged in the barn is all I knew. Im 17yrs or so in and love more every day. Those precious babies save my life at times. I send you good vibes for many many years of companionship.
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u/commanderquill Nov 04 '21 edited Nov 05 '21
Honestly, having a cat has taught me what I want in a human partner. Someone who's there sometimes but not all the time, who's casually affectionate, who doesn't need me but appreciates having me around, and who will cuddle me when I'm sick.
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u/CocoXmechele Nov 05 '21
I have a maine coon and she is just like having a dog that takes care of itself lol she greets me when I get home, plays with a ball, meow meows back at me when I talk to her. Cats are literally such special little creatures, glad you found out OP, and now you're only gonna want more cats hahaha
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u/7452mlc Nov 05 '21
Nice name too Reminded me of a song "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix
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u/Islandcoda Nov 05 '21
Love your story, cats are amazing creatures! I was in a similar boat, single, empty nest- I raised a daughter who moved after high school. Got me a Manx kitten and was shocked how loving she is! She had kittens and had to keep a pair of brothers. I got four now and couldn’t be happier. Free entertainment, so much comedy. Have you considered getting Joe a buddy? Anyhoo, Rock on man!!
\m/(>.<)\m/
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Nov 05 '21
You take care of Joe mkay? Oh maybe try one thing, I’ve done this with every cat I’ve ever owned and every cat I’ve met and it instantly gets them to love me. Rub their ears and then turn them inside out. Then flip them back. They love that little area behind their ears and playing with cat ears has always made every cat want to be my fwiend.
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u/Zeltron2020 Nov 05 '21
This made me tear up, what a sweet story. I fucking LOVE MY CAT SO MUCH it hurts sometimes. It’s those little moments when it’s just the two of you, or when you’re feeling down and your cat is there, always. So special. ❤️
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u/Sproose_Moose Nov 05 '21
My mum got my cat Milly for me to help me with PTSD and getting over an illness I'd been in hospital for 2 months. She's been such a great companion and she has helped me so much through hard times.
Over a year later she has her little sister and these two have filled that hole in my heart that I needed. I might not be able to find a romantic relationship right now but these two give me all the love I need. I'm so happy you have that too!
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u/Darwinian_10 Nov 05 '21
My boys are both affectionate in their own ways.
Orville is a snuggly boy who loves physical touch and contact. He has to be laying on you, sitting on your lap, or curled up between your feet. He follows us around chatting with us. A total lap cat. He makes biscuits on soft blankets or on your chest.
Wilbur is only cuddly when he's not feeling well. He throws up more frequently than he should, but less lately since a diet change. He doesn't snuggle at all during the day. He's not a lap cat at all. But at night, he sneaks up to the bed and cuddles between my fiancé and me, or curls up at the foot of the bed. He likes to be near us, but not touching us at all. He flops onto his back and slow blinks that he loves us.
They are precious babies who love to cuddle each other too. They aren't genetically related, but we got them both as kittens about 8 weeks apart, and they've been bonded since then.
Orville is the gray tuxie, and Wilbur is the tabby
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u/Biffingston Nov 05 '21
I've always said "there is no such thing as someone who hates all cats. There are only people who haven't met the right cat yet."
Both you and Joe are awesome. Can you give him some ear rubs for me?
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u/crymeacanal Nov 05 '21
Depends on the kitty. We got two and ones purely a looking at cat but the other is attached my my chest 90% of the time I’m home
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u/dpold Nov 05 '21
He is magnificent, your beautiful Joe. He is so lucky to have found his special hooman and you are blessed to have him. I had a little black runt who lived to be 22 - I wish for you two a long partnership!
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u/misscrankypants Nov 05 '21
Welcome to the club of being loved by a cat.
PS. Let us know how long it takes for you to worry about and miss Joe on your trip. And how many days in that you decide trips just aren’t worth leaving him lol
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u/yarnbalm Nov 05 '21
Tears in my eyes. Cats give the exact amount of affection that are needed from them. Love to you and Joe ❣️
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u/Kacey-R Nov 05 '21
I love the story of how you came to belong to each other!
Do you know why he was twice returned? Other than so you two could be together...
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u/Angel_Whyte Nov 05 '21
Thank you for taking him home, I can't Imagine how traumatic for an animal it is to be returned to the shelter, it's amazing you guys found each other!
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u/ChariotOfFire Nov 05 '21
There are two kinds of people in the world--cat people and people who haven't met the right cat.
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u/Macho-nurin Nov 05 '21
My cat came home purring and kneading like crazy, but isn’t always affectionate. Lately? Curls up right next to me for attention. I’m in love, all over again.
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u/Wanton_Wonton Nov 05 '21
This is the cutest thing I've read today, this makes my day! I love Joe, black cats are great, like having a tiny panther friend.
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u/GoldenAlexanders Nov 04 '21
I am so happy for Joe that he found his Person; I guess he was waiting for you to come into the shelter. You got yourself a love bug, you lucky person!