Hi. I’ve been afraid of all non-human life since before I could remember. I got past it, mostly, but I’ve never gotten over the fact that animals can’t speak what they mean.

I know that sounds stupid, but fear is irrational and I accept my own.

Anyways, my girlfriends sister has 5 cats that she’s looking to adopt away. I’ve thought recently how nice it would be to have a cat, but I’m scared. I lost my job recently. I’m scared to adopt a cat we can’t take care of. My girlfriends scared I won’t be able to make money to survive. Hell, I’m scared about that too. I’ve been going to therapy for half a year now, and I’ve had a LOT of self discovery along the way.

I think I’m different from the afraid-of-cats-and-all-animals-including-fish-and-hamsters?!?! That I am.

Can you please teach me how cats think? I really want to get a cat, but I didn’t before I got drunk, and I am fishing for support in getting over my fear. I will most likely not end up getting a cat. Can you please teach me facts about how cats work anyways? They don’t have to be general, even just your owns. I’ve seen many cat videos, I get the gist. Kinda. They land so quick and I’m fine getting scratched, but I guess… just not dominated by an animal I can’t understand?!

I don’t know.

Cat facts please? No pressure. Thank you for writing and/or reading, I love you for either.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
    71·
    6 months ago

    There are actually two very good behavioral books by the same author:

    The Hidden Life of Dogs

    https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-marshall-thomas/the-hidden-life-of-dogs/

    The Tribe of Tiger

    https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-marshall-thomas/the-hidden-life-of-dogs/

    I’ve had many cats over the years and no two have been the same.

    There was the “Evil Psycho Flying Cat” who was a little murder machine. Going after anything that got in the house on legs or wings, turning her attention to ankles when she got bored:

    Whisper, who would howl and howl if he didn’t get what he wanted, then whisper “meow” in front of people like “Yeah, man, I don’t know who was making that noise, clearly it was not me…”

    He also demanded his time outside and would express his displeasure by shitting in the bathroom sink if he didn’t get enough of it.

    Poor Max was terrified of doorways. He couldn’t just walk into a room, he would literally hurl himself over the threshold like “floor is lava!”

    Things to know:

    That internet thing about boxes? Totally true. Want a happy cat? Put out a box.

    Cats are obligate carnivores, they HAVE to eat meat, but they will also be DESPERATELY interested in whatever you’re eating. Clearly it’s better if you have it and they are not subtle about stealing food.

    As they get older, they sleep A LOT:

    • cheesymoonshadow@lemmings.world
      2·
      5 months ago

      Your descriptions and pics made my day. 😁

      I’m curious what the dish is that was cooked in the banana leaves. First I thought it was a sweet sticky rice with toasted coconut topping, but when I zoomed in it looked like eggplant?