Cat Therapy

For years, our veterinarian has told us that we need an outdoor cat to keep all the critters away. We live outside of town and we have our share of snakes, rodents, scorpions, spiders, etc. I'm not a fan of cats, however, so it wasn't top priority. I'll take a dog... or two or three... but dealing with a litter box is not my idea of fun.

A few months ago, as my husband and I were chasing a big mouse (him with hoe, me with rake) under the deck in our backyard, I started to consider the idea again. I mean, it's only a matter of time until we find all these varmints inside our house, right?

When we visited my in-laws (a.k.a. "cat lovers") a few weeks ago, it was confirmed: a cat was in our future. Jared loved all the cats we were around (12 total). At his grandpa's house, he found a stray outside and stayed out there with her for hours. I'd find him sitting next to the cat, talking to her. It seemed so therapeutic for him. It was time. It was also nice that one of the cat lovers, my mother-in-law, gave us a ton of cat things, like a carrier, litter box, etc. All we needed was a cat.

It's like the whole word disappeared and it was just him and the cat.

He didn't even see me with the camera.

...and then there were his aunt's kittens oustide.

Grandpa also had a cat inside that Jared loved.

This is where, I believe, God gave us a gift. Not only did we find a great cat, he's almost like a dog. He has to be one of the best cats I've ever seen. He will let kids... ANY kid... carry him around like a sack of potatoes. He is content being around people all the time. He comes when he's called. He hasn't used his claws or teeth on any of these kids carrying him around, upside down, floppily. He can't even be in the same room with someone without purring. The best part is, he makes everyone feel like they are the most loved person on earth. That's why he's a hit with the kids. Usually pets run and hide from crazy kids. This little guy runs to any person, young or old, purring to be picked up. 

As for therapy... Jared will spend hours just loving on and talking with Smudge. He has a new best friend.

Our  "Smudge" kitty

A friend loves at all times.... Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)