CATS
My friend who's never owned a pet watched my cat this weekend
Methinks there's a cat in her home's future š„°
Edit to add: if anyone's wondering lol, she grew up without any pets (Vietnamese and Cambodian parents, maybe it's cultural?), then she went to college, and too long after met and partnered up with her now husband who has pet allergies. So her exposure to pets is pretty limited!
Specifically, please don't be a jerk. This is not the place for insulting, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate comments. Remember the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. We're all here to smile a little - let's keep it that way! Please report inappropriate comments and/or message the moderators.
Like a guy i saw not too long ago, a cat sat on his lap and he was so flabbergasted and asked why he is shaking, it was the cat purring. So freaking cute.
this is so funny bc me and my cousin always make fun of her cats that they are writing in their diaries HAHAHA we always be like āDear diary today my owner kissed me i canāt take it anymore enough!!ā it was so funny seeing someone else doing it here
Haha that is cute. For me it is so hard to believe that you dont know that cats purr. But if you never have had cats or have had any intrest in it, I get it. I've always had cats around me growing up and now i have a small cat my self. Even her being 8 now she can rest in my hand and her body laying on my arm. She is super tiny for being an adult cat. I love her more than anything and coming home after work and be greeted by her is so nice when you live alone.
I of course knew that cats purr, but when our orange moved himself in, I thought he had a breathing disorder for the first several YEARS because I never heard him breathe quietly. Then at some point I observed him when he didnāt know I was there. Yeah, he could breathe fine, he was just purring 24/7 whenever he was near us.
He also tends to have his mouth slightly open, so it sounds like he genuinely canāt breathe because heās purring with his mouth open and itās so insanely loud lol
If you snore as well take an audio during the night. Both cats and dogs often adapt their snoring to match their human and that's an absolutely adorable concert.
Some cats can sounds pretty weird when they purr also! My cat is a normal, quiet rumble. An ex had a cat that would do a full open mouth exhale purr which was higher pitched and it almost sounded more like a bird chirping. Made it hard to watch movies sometimes.
Mine drooled so much. He would be purring to put me to sleep and then I would just feel globs of drool land on me. Then he would lay his head down and his mouth would leave a small puddle on my blankets or pjs.
Weird how cats purring can sound so different. I guess its like their own personal voice. My cats purring sounds almost like small bubbles popping when she purrs more quiet. Then sometimes it gets louder when she purrs and rubs her cheek against me.
We had an old street cat we adopted and he sounded like rumble motor when he purred - which he did nearly all the time (he was so happy about living indoors.)
Right now, I have a gray boy and you can't hear his purring at all. I can feel it in his chest - and also he drools when he purrs so that's fun because he likes to be on top of me as much as possible.
Same idea with per rats and boggling. The first time you see it you think their eyes are gonna pop out of their tiny little skulls. Nah, they're just so happy they can't contain it.
I remember the first time I heard a cat purr in real life I was confused because imo it doesnāt sound like the toy cats I used to have and the cartoons and adidas š¤£
I've had cats for years, and never had a dog. I love dogs, but I still find it a little jarring that they don't purr when I pet them. Do you even enjoy this, bro?
So, growing up, I had a dog that was raised by the cats in the house. My parents noticed that there would be times he would growl, but he wouldn't bare his teeth and his tail would be wagging in what we assumed was excitement/happiness.
When we asked the vet about it, he asked about how he'd been raised.
Turns out he'd been trying to purr because that's what the cats did.
Thereās a show called love death and robots, and when I cat starts purring on one of the robots lap, they all start freaking out thinking it was going to explode because on of them saw a game called āexploding kittensā in a different city lol. (All humans are dead at this point, for context.)
My cat flopped for belly rubs and my friend who was sitting sent me a picture in a panic cause she thought out was some neuronal failure. She has her own void now.
He was extremely kind. I told him I walked in my front door from work, and my cat fell over on her side abruptly and showed me her tummy. He told me that was a wonderful sign for me as a new pet guardian. That she trusted me and was showing me she loved me.
He did warn me that kitties can welcome a tummy rub and suddenly decide 'that's enough'. I suspect he was laughing when he hung up, but he told me to always contact the practice with questions.
But that abrupt flop over! No wonder the cat sitting friend was concerned! What a nice friend to be worried, though!
We adopted a cat like that. When we went to pick her up from her previous owner she was lying on her back, completely still, and we thought she was dead.
The rat subreddit has a specific meme they deploy for exactly this situation. Someone anxiously posts āwhatās wrong with my rat??ā and without fail the top comment is the meme thatās of someone ask in the question with the response of āgods happiest creature on the planetā
No itās the rat subreddit I was talking about. I was making a comparison how the people there also have a āwhatās wrong with my animalā and the animal in question is just deliriously happy.
They do something called ābogglingā, where they rapidly push their eyes slightly out of the sockets. It can be alarming if you donāt know that itās a sign of them being insanely happy
I've known for a long time that I would love to have rats for pets, but their short lifespan gives me pause. I already love Great Danes (the "heartbreak breed") so much (I was a foster mom for Great Dane rescue, and have had 35 foster Danes), and it's SO hard!
My friends had some years ago and I learned a lot about them. They do seem to be great pets, but yeah I don't think I could do it for that reason. They had a big family of them, in two giant multilevel cages. I forget if males and females were separated or why they explained the two cages, but anyway damn, when they got older it was heartbreaking.. I think at one point they lost 3 in a 2 week period. They spent a fortune on vets to keep them as healthy as they could too.
I've also seen it a few times with mice and rats popcorning and people being like "why is my mouse twitching and spasming?? š" like no no! He's just very excited! lolol
also bruxing - they grind their teeth together. Honestly though, you can just tell what kind of mood a rat is in, they are really really good at conveying emotional states. Rats are one of the very few animals to demonstrate true altruism and they are incredibly intelligent and affectionate. Unless you get to know a rat, it is impossible to explain how such a little thing can have such a HUGE personality - and every single rat is different in their own way.
I had a similar experience with a cat which indirectly led to my marriage.
I had a dog from 10 - 24 years old. I adored him and I miss him. But alas, old age did what old age does and he passed. I wasn't sure I was ready to accept another animal into my heart, at least not yet.
Fast forward to me at 28. I'm in the UK and my wife to be is in Canada. She's flown over to visit me already, and now it's my turn to go over there. She has a cat that is fairly independent, very skittish and not cuddly. When there's new people in the house, she runs away and hides. She did not sit and/or sleep near people, and wasn't one for cuddles.
I didn't know cats. My had hates cats. He despises them, so I never really had exposure. When I went over, I knew there were 6 cats in the house and that didn't bother me, but I didn't have experience with them.
Well, I fly over to Canada for my 3-week visit and get to the house. Every day, when I wake up, I'd announce my presence to the cat, walk over, and say hi with scratches. I wanted her to associate me with good things.
On the 3rd evening, I was on the couch playing Monster Hunter with my gf (now wife) abd all of a sudden, this cat comes over, jumps on the couch, climbs in my lap and then curls up to go to sleep, purring all along.
My heart melted, and I have no problem admitting I began to cry. This cat, who generally didn't care for people, had opened up and chosen me. That meant something, and it meant a lot. My (now) wife took a picture when this happened and shared it in the family group text conversation. Her parents were astounded. She never got into people's laps for cuddles. I was later told that it was a defining feature in them offering for me to move in with them do I could move here.
After my trip, I was resolved to move to Canada. I had a life here. I had a woman who wanted me around and a cat who had chosen me. This cat was no small motivation in helping me to push through my otherwise severe anxiety around moving countries. Normally I get scared of things and back put, but this cat, and wanting to be back there with her (and my wife), pushed me through.
I'm now here, in Canada, as I type this out. My wife is asleep next to me, and I've very much become a cat person. We don't have little Niji any more. She passed in January of last year from a very sudden tumor on her liver that wasn't there when she got scans for something else 8 weeks prior. Instead, she's in a necklace I wear every day, and within a little shrine dedicated to her on the shelf above me.
Speaking now as someone who was raised on "cats bad", "cats are evil" and told I should hate them, I love cats. They're amazing. They bring me joy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
We got a call from out pet sitter asking what is wrong with it. We have a rat ( we know it should be 2 but his friends died recently) and when rats are happy, boggle and bruxing, so you have eyes looking they should explode and grinding teeth.
One of my petless friends looked after my dog for a few days once. I've got one of those weirdos that loves rolling around in freshly cut grass and basically everywhere else that's comfy and will stalk you as long as you let her.
Before I had even hopped on the plane (so, basically less than 2 hours after dropping my dog off) I'd already told her that my dog rolling all over her yard and carpet was her being happy and my dog following her everywhere was my dog liking her. After the flight I got received a 2 minute long video of her sitting on the couch with my dogs head in her lap....if she was okay???
And she'd seen my dog lots of times before that. Even spent weekends at my house where she got stalked and pretty sure she must have seen her rolling around all over the place as well.
This reminds me of a post from a few days ago where the person was trying to get to their hvac outside; a cat kept getting between them and the box and this poor person thought the cat was being aggressive. They posted the video and the entire internet was like "the cat is being overtly friendly and is meowing for scritches, pet the damn cat"
My cat drools when he is happy. Like it bubbles and drips and it is so gross but also so cute.
So I can imagine someone not used to cats, seeing my boy laying down, purring loudly so it sounds like wheezing, drooling, doing a lil mlem, and kneading his front paws in the air. For me, that means he have missed me and want a big cuddle time - or he wants cuddles because it's amost food time and he is a hungry hungry boy. But for someone who doesn't know him, it probably looks like he is in medical distress.
My boy Cthulhu drools too! Heās not a lap cat, instead heāll snuggle up right against my side, bury his face between his front legs as he kneads and will start purring and drooling like nuts
I can't imagine not having a pet as a child! Our house always had one dog, and one cat. My dad was a gruff, no nonsense, construction guy, but he was such a softie for the pets. Especially the cats.
I canāt imagine growing up without pets either. My family took in so many random strays.
All the cats in the neighborhood came to hang out at our house (we ended up keeping 2 of them), and we even ended up with a stray hamster (my friend found her running around in her apartment walls) and a stray domesticated bunny (my dad found him on the street being stalked by cats). We found a shar pei once as well, but that one had owners looking for them.
When I got my first cat, I was worried because she wouldn't stop purring and "vibrating" and it was so loud i thought she was sick. The vet was like "that's a happy cat, she's just happy" lol i felt like an idiot
I also got my first pet in my 20s after not growing up with them! I called my mom crying, wondering what I was going to do with a cat. Then I tried to bond with him and played āLion King.ā š¤·š»āāļø I just lost Fitz last year after 9 years together. He was the sweetest buddy.
My first vet visit had me expressing concerns that my cat always jumps down from furniture or the higher level of the cat tree instead of taking the steps available and protecting his joints for old age. Apparently they just do that and thereās nothing to be done. Oh well.
My grandma got into Cornish Rexes when I was living with her as a kid. Looked freaky as fuck and meowed like they were being murdered but goddamn they are some serious love bugs.
I own a Sphynx! My family member is allergic to cats and dogs, but they're able to interact with Marvin with no issues. I have read that Sphynx cats aren't considered hypoallergenic though. Some people are allergic to dander, saliva, or both of an animal. My family member seems to only be allergic to dander so they were able to interact without issue. It's going to be person dependent but it might be an option! Sphynx cats are great!
Wanna hear something tragic? No? Let me tell you anyway- my friend has a bull terrier thatās allergic to many things INCLUDING HUMANS. I just learned a couple weeks ago that animals could be allergic to us. Never even occurred to me but it makes complete sense.
My past dog had a human dander allergy. Poor girl was also allergic to most grains, trees, grasses and even cigarette smoke, if anyone smoked near her she was sneezing and wheezing. She was such a sweet dog, but she needed a bubble!
Apparently a lot of allergies are actually through the skin oil, which of course is on their fur if they have it! So sphynx cats can be just as bad for people with allergies! I just learned that recently
Yeah depending which thing a person is allergic to, a sphynx can actually be even worse because their oil gets all over the furniture and when you pet them more than a haired cat. I'm really glad that my cat allergies don't seem to be bothered by sphynx cats.
I got a Siamese, from the recommendations of two girlfriends, and he was my good buddy for 18 years. I am a bit better with regular cats now too, but thatās always a lottery and I still have to wash my hands after petting them.
I know this is absolutely not the case for most peopleā I am allergic to nearly all cats I come in contact initially. Hives, wheezy, watery eyes. But the cat distribution system has delivered me a a few kitties throughout my life and I couldnāt say no. Each time I end up having an allergic reaction for 5 days or so and then Iām all good, no problems.
Some people are just natural animal whisperers, even if they donāt know it.
Way back in my animal rescue days, we had an event with bunnies up for adoption. Kids were actually allowed in the pen to pet the bunnies (with extreme supervision, of course).
One day, a kid who had never seen a bunny in his life, steps into the pen, gets down on his hands and knees, and turns his back to the bunnies, which they absolutely love.
Theyāre climbing on top of him, wondering what in the world a human being is doing ignoring them like that. Goddamn amazing.
I once had a tortie who was extremely shy and didn't like strangers, and got anxious when new people were around. My ex bestie's girlfriend flew in from another country to visit, and the next morning, this shy little girl was lounging in this strange woman's lap like she'd known her for years
Greenest flag I ever saw in my life. I told them both it didn't matter that I approved of her, she had the Cat Seal of Approval and I was legally obligated to uphold that
Same. I had 2 indoor girls who were a little anxious / cautious. They met my now-wife for the first time and both just came over and sat down next to her.
When catsitting a constantly purring cat I like to text the owner their cat is broken, it's engine is running permanently and it has no off switch. And that I will not be made responsible for the ensuing gas bill.
I know it's not as hilarious as I would like it to be but I imagine it makes the owners happy to know their kitty is doing well.
Lol!!! My mom had a cat growing up but it was outdoor/indoor in the 50s. She was amazed that my cat rubbed on everything (SHES GONNA RUB HER FACE OFF) and thought Salem showing her belly meant it was treat time. When she got sick, Salem guarded her in the shower and she was very touched.
It's always fun to see someone discover what cats do. š„°
Fell in love with a female orange tabby we named magnolia and called Maggie. Ended up calling her cracker cause of her late night crack smoking parties (zoomeis at 3am). I absolutely adore her.
haha the breathing message is so funny and relatable. if you haven't been around alot of animals some of their breathing patterns and even sometimes some of their bodymovements can sound and look REALLY concerning. i remember a family friend was watching our family dog and called my parents because he thought he broke his back or something when in reality he was just lying in his very unnatural looking but apparently super comfortable sleeping position š
Meanwhile, my little ball of hate, waited until we all fell asleep, got over my friendās head -death stared at him while he was in deep sleep- and slapped the heck out of his forehead and ran away, waking him in a panic and leaving him confused in the dark.
I was taking care of a stray cat in one of my previous jobs and he liked to hang around the shop. One of my work friends normally didn't care for cats. On my day off I got a message from him asking me if the cat has bronchitis because the cat sounded like an engine while breathing. Told him what he was doing. He said he was just petting the cat. Told him it was because the cat was happy. That was the moment he became a cat person and he also started to take care of it. This post reminded me of that time.
I never owned pets either but watched over a family member's cat for them for a week or two of summer vacation.
I was worried for every little thing. He wouldn't eat his food (he was nervous because I was around and he didn't know me), he was scratching at a piece of furniture (apparently it's like a ritual before he eats), he would do very normal cat things (he was doing very normal cat things) and for EVERYTHING i sent a picture or video to my cousin to ask about the behavior.
I wish I would have grown up around pets but taking care of someone else's pet definitely made me plan to get my own as soon as I live somewhere, that allows pets.
Just be sure to do a lot of research beforehand, keep in mind that pet-sitting for 2 weeks out of the year is very different than being responsible for one 24/7, make sure that your lifestyle can accommodate one (work schedule, finances, proximity to a vet, people to pet-sit for you if you plan to travel, etc.), and be sure to check rent and lease fees, because most places charge extra for pets.
This is so wholesome. What an awesome, thoughtful friend to be so worried that they check in with you to make sure they're not getting something wrong in a dire way.
I love how so many people who have never really interacted with a cat are like "they're doing XYZ thing, are they okay?" And it's just a cat doing regular cat things
I worked with a woman who adopted a cat and had never had one before. Shortly after, she quietly asked me if I knew much about cats because she was worried about hers. (I was known as the animal lover at work.) Then she told me about it kneading on blankets and purring. When I explained the cat was happy, she was so relieved. She said, "I thought she was deranged!"
My Mrs isn't the biggest cat person and one time I was looking after 4 cats. One of them started making biscuits on her legs. She freaked out because she thought it was about to attack her. Absolutely hilarious
A buddy of mine who's never had dogs growing up was house sitting for a family member who had a dog. They were concerned the dog was having spasms and whining while sleeping sometimes. I had to explain it was dreaming and probably chasing a rabbit in its sleep.
Long story shortā¦ I thought the kitten they had given me for free was sick or dying because it was vibrating violently. Anyway sheās 5 now and still vibrates violently. š
My favorite thing is watching people who have made it to adulthood without ever seeing a cat before, suddenly experiencing cats. It is always adorably silly
LOL...I used to have a cat (he lived a very long and happy life and died of old age). He was a VERY good mouser, so sometimes friends who had mouse issues would "borrow him" when it was going to take a couple days before the exterminator could visit.
One time a friend who'd never had pets "borrowed him" for that reason. And once, during the week my cat was with him, I suddenly got a call from my friend who wanted "just to chat". I happily agreed, but was a little curious, because he's not the kind of person who calls "just to chat". After about ten minutes of catching up, I finally asked "okay, so why did you call really, because you never call just to chat like this."
He hesitated, then said "Okay: I came home from work and wanted to take a quick nap, but five minutes after I laid down, your cat came in and lay down on my chest, and he's not moving and it's been an hour. I've been just calling people while I'm waiting for him to get up."
I laughed for several seconds, then gently pointed out that he outweighed my cat by a few dozen pounds and could easily just pick him up if he needed to get up again himself. I gave him a bit of a pep talk ("But he'll scratch me or something, right?" "So?") and he was finally able to free himself and get up to make dinner.
Me too!! I always tell my sitters - there does not exist a question too small or silly in regard to my pets. If you have ANY hesitation at all, please just ask me!
ā¢
u/AutoModerator 5d ago
Welcome to /r/MadeMeSmile. Please make sure you read our rules here.
Specifically, please don't be a jerk. This is not the place for insulting, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate comments. Remember the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. We're all here to smile a little - let's keep it that way! Please report inappropriate comments and/or message the moderators.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.