I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior. ~ Hippolyte Taine
There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. ~ Albert Schweitzer
With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats? ~ Fernand Mery
As I sat down to write this post my cats (two of them, anyhow) became my inspiration. I have said many times that I just cannot imagine life without cats in my home – they are such a gift… most of the time, anyhow. They are less of a gift when they want in and out of the bedroom throughout the night…. one of our cats catapults (no pun intended) herself towards the handle with a big “thud” in an attempt to open the door by herself.
However, today as I write this post, my cat is sitting at my feet starting at me adoringly, purring and pawing at my feet. I find that my cats are very loving animals who want to be around us, who love getting attention from us, and who always come when called. They love us and we adore them.
There is something very special about an animal sitting at your feet doing nothing but loving you. It is very humbling, and utterly amazing. Unconditional love in one of the highest senses.
Today, 101 days ’til 40, I am so thankful for my furry family members.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
walkwiththerabbi
November 12, 2012 at 00:42
This is a wonderful message – because it is so very true. I came to see today, that in loving animal creation, we demonstrate love towards THE CREATOR. May I invite you to read both last week’s post (Chance) and todays. Similar themes for sure (be sure to have some kleenex handy for last Sunday’s post). I’m with you – without my animals, my babies, our home would be a virtual shell. What would you say to you and I interviewing each other for a future post? I still would like for you and I to link with each other’s blog. I believe we have effective synergy – very similar spirits! Keep Walking!!!
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:35
Thank you so very much!
walkwiththerabbi
November 12, 2012 at 00:45
WOOPS! If you need it – thewalkbook.wordpress.com. Oh – let me invite you to my book’s new blogsite at “thewalkbook.com.” and new Facebook page at “TheWalkBook.” I’d love your thoughts. Thank you my dear friend.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:34
Thank you!
Lani Longshore
November 12, 2012 at 01:07
Since various family members are allergic to cats, we’re a dog family, but you’re right about the love of animals. The kindest families I’ve ever known have all shared their lives with furry, feathered, or scaly friends.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:34
Yes, so true!
buckwheatsrisk
November 12, 2012 at 01:45
i’m partial to my snake… 😉
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:34
hehehe – I bet your snake is nice and cuddly!
buckwheatsrisk
November 19, 2012 at 00:08
totally! 😉
viveka
November 12, 2012 at 02:33
A wonderful and sweet post about your cats and their love to you – but you love them too. A cat wouldn’t stay in a home where it’s not love and cared for, they move. My big cat, Whiskey, he moved …. And he picked me out a couple of people that wanted him – he accepted me, but he never loved me, but he was well looked after … and he was happy with that.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:34
Thank you!!!
Sid Dunnebacke
November 12, 2012 at 03:06
Sweet! I’m your first commenter! I couldn’t agree more.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:33
🙂
sharonhughson
November 12, 2012 at 06:55
I agree that it’s hard to imagine a life without at least one cat. Even when they’re in a snit, they don’t hold a grudge for too long. If only people could be so forgiving.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:33
Yes, we could learn a lot from the felines around us!
Spider42
November 12, 2012 at 08:35
It’s true, there are few times in life one can be loved the way an adoring pet will love you. I’ve always been a dog person, but I have no issues with cat’s like most do – I’d love to actually have one of each if I could afford to keep them.
But it really is special.
…I miss my dog now. Ah well… 🙂
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:32
Yes, I agree. I like dogs and cats…. we may get a dog at our next post…
sakuraandme
November 12, 2012 at 08:42
I totally agree! Sakura is like a child to me. Actually better! *laughing* she doesn’t talk back! x
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:32
hehehe!
Tovah
November 12, 2012 at 12:48
How I agree a 1,000 %. I too have always had a cat or cats! My fat, long haired, furry, fluff ball, also learned that trick of opening doors and talks to me too. Only a cat lover can understand that one! – Tovah
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:32
Yes!!!!!
Long Life Cats and Dogs
November 12, 2012 at 14:01
Beautiful post and, of course, I couldn’t agree more.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:30
Yes, I knew you would understand!
Another Thousand Words
November 12, 2012 at 17:42
At times, I truly wish more people had the wisdom of cats! Yours look very healthy and happy…they seem to brighten your days!
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:29
Yes, I love my cats!
simon7banks
November 13, 2012 at 18:16
Absolutely agree. As for Mery’s question, I have to agree with the implied answer. I could not, for example, catch a young rat in my mouth, carry it through a cat-flap and up a flight of stairs and release it before catching it again.
400daystil40
November 18, 2012 at 22:28
🙂