1. They love the outside, but they will live longer if you let them in.

The outdoors feels like my natural habitat, with all kinds of wonders to explore and track. Yet, it is not the best place for me to live. Did you know that if I live outside, I only live 2-5 years? That is very short. But if I am placed in a warm and kind home, I can live for 17 years. That means I can give you an extra 15 years of cuddles and kisses for you.

2. it purrs only for you, not other cats.

Cats do not have to meow at other cats. We meow only to you humans. When we are kittens, we meow to tell our mother when we need food or a little comfort. As adult cats, we don\’t need to meow except to talk to you when we are hungry, when we want to say hello, or when something is wrong. And the more you talk to us, the more we talk to you.

3. I want more than just dry cat food.

I don\’t just look like a tiger. I also need to eat like a tiger. As a cat, I am a true carnivore and need a meat-based diet. Of course, I like to eat dry food to chew on during the day, but dry food alone is not a healthy diet. I am more prone to obesity and diabetes than my furry friends who live on wet food.

4. I need you to spend some interesting time with me once in a while–I\’m bored.

I get sad when you leave for work. I love my friends. If you don\’t have a sister or brother to play with, I want more time with you. When you come home, don\’t play with your phone or watch TV. Spend time with me and work on my senses. Play with cat toys and exercise with me and strengthen the human-cat bond. By doing so, not only will I love you, but I will also be a little tired and ready for sleep.

5. Sitting with me will help reduce your stress and risk of heart attack and stroke.26]

You knew that owning me would reduce your risk of stroke by a third. That\’s right. My lovely furry soul can also reduce your stress and anxiety and heal you with the vibrations from my spinning.

6. If you see me scratching your furniture, it is not because I want to ruin your couch. I just need a good place to stretch my legs and nails. I also need to remove the outer layer of old, brittle nails. Sometimes I scratch things to mark my territory and leave claw marks and scents. Don\’t be offended, it\’s just instinct. A good way to remedy this is to provide a tree or post for scratching. That way, they know they have a safe place to stretch and scratch every day.

7. Just because I call your name doesn\’t mean you will come.

No matter how cute my cat\’s name is or how many times you call it a million times, I may still be staring out the window. Trust me, I know my name. I learned it because you taught me so many times. Because I am a cat, I am not compelled to do what you say, like Fido next door. If you call the dog, the dog will come running right away. That is not my problem. I remember everything from the last time they gave me stupid pills to the last time they took me to the vet. It\’s not that I don\’t love them. I just decided to do things my way.

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