Zip and I had our afternoon meeting today as the sun began to set. First, we sat together while I scratched his back and chin, and then he joined me in the woodshed when I went there to help Maria load some wood into the cart for our fire. It’s getting chilly here.
Bud got loose and chased Zip up a ladder in the barn, but a few minutes later, Zip was back on the wood pile gazing safely out at the farm. Nothing seems to face him for long, and he is ten times faster than Bud could ever be.
I don’t know much about cats, but Zip is a particular and special animal. (Photo above by Maria Wulf)
He is wicked smart and loves to be handled, scratched, and rubbed. He is warm and soft, and I find it peaceful, even healing, to sit with him. We seem somehow to be on the same channel. I haven’t figured it out. All I do is sit down at the edge of the porch, and he pops up. I don’t see him after our morning meeting; he disappears somewhere. He loves to go out into the marsh and hunt.
I think he’s out on the march. He returns at dusk and is always in the barn in the morning. I’m getting offers from everywhere from people who want to buy Zip and take him home. He’s a feline rock star. He’s not going anywhere.
Zip has greatly enriched my life. I enjoy sitting with him, feeling his purr, and looking at the world. He does this for up to a half hour and then vanishes again. I know he is coming into my leaf for a reason; I’m unsure what it is.
I never dreamed I’d be saying this – but Zip is making me want a cat. I’ve been a dog person for almost 83 years, but I’ve totally fallen in love with your Zip. He is so beautiful. And for the first time ever, I’m considering getting a kitty. Thanks for introducing us to the magnificent Zip.
Thanks much Charlotte, I never thought I’d be saying this either…Go for it..
Cats are awesome Charlotte, and good for 80 somethings. I love cats and dogs equally but living in snow, cats are easier after a certain age!!
Zip is bringing you the joy and healing you are seeking. Animals do that when you have time to connect with them. That is why he came into your life! Just enjoy him as I can tell you are.!
One of my greatest regrets is that it took me 65 years to welcome a cat into our family.
Several of us people who have lived with many cats over the years, are convinced we get a resonating vibe to cats’ purrs. A key paragraph to a supporting article explains, “The potential health benefits of a cat’s purr for humans may be what people find most fascinating. According to research, the human body may benefit from the frequency of a cat’s purr. Notably, research has shown that the vibrations emitted by a cat’s purr can lower blood pressure, lessen stress, and even promote healing.” There are other articles out there from trustworthy sources.
An “AHA!” moment for me was realizing that whenever I or one of my children had an ear infection or a sore throat, the senior cat in my house would sleep/cuddle/curl around our head on the pillow, purring. I had a LOT of ear infections and sore throats and my kids had the normal run of them. The feline response was consistent.
The source of that nicely worded quotation is https://vbvh.net/blog/the-therapeutic-benefits-of-a-cats-purr/ Also: I generally have 2 to 4 cats living with me because I take them in off the street. They’re adult or old, and most have been sick until they move in. They don’t live very long but are all completely vetted by a talented vet with a University Vet Hospital for what he can’t do. The one kitten I did take in made it to 19+ years, so I”m doing something right enough. My point is that my experience is garnered over the last 50 years, with multiple cats.
Getting a cat is a great idea. Just be aware that it’s a big commitment. Our Bella is a beautiful calico and is 23 years old. She seems to be having some neurological issues but otherwise is doing well. 🐈⬛ can live a long time. Good luck.
Hah, that’s funny, the notion that Zip could be bought. Zip is where he wants to be, where he should be. You are his person which is so obvious to anyone who knows cats.
I would gently advise people to visit your local animal shelter rather than offer money to interrupt this feline soul mate connection. I have too many ; stories to tell ; each cat is a miracle and a mystery. These amazing personalities are wasting away , waiting. Please give it some thought .
Thank you Diane Guidice, I couldn’t have said it better.
I appreciate that so much , Christine 🙂