One of the advantages of sharing your home with cats is that you’ll never feel alone. You may be left alone at times, but you won’t feel lonely. Cats seem to have an amazing ability to encourage us to enjoy solitude, silence, and yes – time with merely ourselves. I think they teach us this by example, they certainly display plenty of appreciation for time with themselves.
When you have a cat around, you also know that you have a constant, appreciative and understanding companion. There is something about the look in a cat’s eyes, as though they comprehend your every word and have empathy for you. Your friend is there for you, with you, but not smothering you. There is respect, dignity, and a grace in life with cats. It lifts your spirits, opens your mind to new possibilities. And of course the purrs lower your blood pressure. Life with cats is much like yoga or meditation! A great balance of mind and body.
Although the dog has always been thought of as man’s best friend, and deservedly so, the cat should really be in that classification as well. There are countless tales of cats coming to the rescue, being the Hero to their person, just as dogs are known for. It is the simple animal-to-animal bond I believe that does not discriminate. We, too, are animals.
Unfortunately, too many men are still under the notion that felines are for females only; that it would emasculate them to spend time with, not to mention appreciate, a cat. Those men who have been fortunate enough to have known and loved cats before they learned (or in spite of) this idea can attest to the wonderful power a cat in your life can bring. Those men who work tirelessly as advocates for or rescuers of cats are proof that men and cats can and do mix well.
If men in general could overcome their misgivings, dare I even say their insecurities, not only would more cats find loving homes, but also more men would find peace at home. Having a zen master with whiskers to sit beside them in the evening could only be a good thing.
And then they would understand the mantra – Real men love cats!
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