For those who believe cats are independent creatures that don't appreciate or love the humans who care for them, I have news for you. They do! At least mine does.
Since I've been away, my cat has been diagnosed with depression. No, I'm not lying.
My boyfriend Chris noticed that Willie (our cat)
had been chewing off parts of his fur. Naturally, being parents, we began to think of all the horrible diseases he could have.
Immediately, we called our vet because at this point, we were convinced he either had ringworm or some other fur-eating disease.
Just the visit alone was going to cost us $80, plus the cost of meds. But we pet-parents would do anything for the greater good of our furry companions, right?
“It doesn't look like ringworm,” the vet told Chris. “Has there been any change in his diet or routine? Have you left him alone for great lengths of time?”
Chris told the vet I've been away for over a month now and that he has been working more than usual.
The vet's final diagnosis was that Willie is depressed.
Okay, maybe she didn't use those exact words but I'm pretty sure that's what she meant. She did say he misses us.
I haven't seen my kitty since mid-December, when we left to go home to Ontario for Christmas. And though Chris has been back in La Crete with Willie since the New Year, it's just not enough for our dear cat. Nothing compares to a mother's love.
People like to say a dog is a man's best friend. I disagree. I think cats deserve a little more credit for their commitment to our loving relationships.
Think of it more like this: dogs are like the kids that grow up to be the annoying, mooching teenager that never moves out and is constantly relying on others to take care of and entertain them; whereas cats are the successful, creative children that grow up to entertain and support themselves.
Sure, a cat can't roll over, play fetch or come when you call it but they're showing their maturity in using a litter box so you don't have let them out in the middle of night and not tearing apart and destroying the hardwood floors and new paint job in the house if you go away for a weekend.
Cats may not need as much as attention as other pets but that's just because they love you and want you to be able to get back to doing the things you love. Like watching The Bachelor.
So if you don't want a bald, depressed cat, don't underestimate their attachment to you.
