Just an update that our Toast to the Animals fundraiser last Saturday evening was quite a success. Lots of animal lovers showed up to help us celebrate, including many first-timers. It was a wonderful evening to kick off our capital campaign for our brand-new building project. We will have more details in next week’s Star Herald and also a final tally of the funds raised. Stay tuned.
Those of you who have had the pleasure of having furry four-legged creatures in your lives most likely have treated your pets like family. They bring joy, companionship and love to our homes and lives. They can tell when they are being adored or being pampered. Oftentimes, to show their gratitude, cats will bring their owners certain “gifts” — such as dead mice, bugs, a bouquet of dead plants, chipmunks, etc. All very thoughtful goodies in their eyes, but not so much for us. It’s the thought that counts, right?
You might find your cat gazing into open spaces as though reflecting on life. They also have a habit of staring at humans, often with unblinking focus. We often wonder just exactly what they are plotting. Probably thinking what fragile object that would be fun to swat off the counter or perhaps upending that most favorite potted plant. We all know and chuckle over the endless shenanigans that we find our kitties involved in.
Sometimes a cat’s stare might just mean that they want something. They might want to sit on your lap, be fed, or curl up to sleep beside you. A soft, blinking gaze may be their way of showing their affection. But beware a prolonged, intense stare. This usually precedes an attack.
Certain cats can be hungry for attention. It’s comical how cats know just when to bother you at the perfect time. A deadline for an important project on the computer is the perfect opportunity to jump up and strut across the keyboard. Feeling a paw gently caressing your cheek at 3 a.m. is certainly a popular antic.
For me it was always my kitty Willie, that would go crazy when I brought a long palm home to braid for Palm Sunday. It was at least a three-hour job to braid, but with Willie “helping” it was closer to five. There’s no use fighting it, they will always win.
Unlike dogs, cats will only approach humans when they feel like it. Cats very rarely can be ordered to do anything and will pretty much do whatever they want with not a care in the world for your opinion. They are very capable of love and affection, but it has to be on their terms.
Fun facts: A straight tail means your cat trusts you completely. An upright tail is a display of openness and that the cat is happy to be around you. If your cat turns its back on you, it’s giving you permission to stroke its back. It your kitty rolls over and exposes its tummy, it’s their way of giving you the green light for a belly rub.
Let’s not forget the friendly head-butt. Cats do it gently with a bump so soft that it might also be a gentle rub. They do it when they feel close to a person or another animal. Happily, it’s their way of showing that you are a part of their trusted circle of humans.
Stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society if you are looking for a new pet to add to your family. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 to 12:30. Also check out our Facebook page for updates.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
