What Makes a Cat So Special?
That is the question I am frequently asked. Why design cat fabric? Why cat dolls? Why cat cartoons? What's the deal with cats?
"Because I lie next to them and think 'Oh, you are so beautiful!'
To me, they're magical and heartbreaking and mysterious and loyal - yes loyal. They're athletic and funny and purr and cuddle. I look at them and my heart warms.
"What could I possibly do to make you better? I can't."
The quotes above could have come from me but they come from a man named Kevin Richardson, also known as The Lion Whisperer. If you love cats, you'll recognize yourself in his words.
This is my cat Rudy.
He had a rough start in life and we adopted him at 18 months of age after he was turned out of his home. He has freckles on his lips and long silky tufts of fur sprouting from between his toes.
We call him Bloomer Boy because when he darts out ahead of us in an excited, full-throttle run, he looks like he's wearing baggy bloomers. It delights me. Every. Time. When I have a moment like that, when I get out of my head and my heart smiles and I feel love for this creature, how can it be anything other than perfect and a gift?
Below is an incredible video featuring The Lion Whisperer. If you're short on time, try to watch the first 3-5 minutes. Other than a few minutes of time he spends with hyenas, the video is all about lions.
A few minutes spent warming your heart will do you good!
Richardson will admit he has been clawed and bitten often. It is the nature of lions to scratch each other and they regard Richardson no differently. He is not dissuaded by these dangers. In an interview, he mentions,
"Obviously one realizes the danger when working with animals of this caliber, I've weighed the pros and the cons, and the pros far outweigh the cons."
He warns about following in his footsteps, however. All the pictures of his adventures do not portray his years of experience and bonding.
"People like to take things out of context. They don't know the relationship I have with this lion."
As a rule, Richardson only interacts with lions he has been with since their birth. He also differentiates his work from those of zoologists interacting with completely wild animals they have not raised, or that of trainers whose animals are required to perform on stage day after day.
Richardson hopes the media attention of his movies will raise public awareness and educate them on the need to protect and conserve Africa's animals.
NOTE: Facts researched via Wikipedia.org and their excellent detail to footnotes and linking to articles!
For more information on Kevin Richardson and his cause, please visit:
Candie
Cat's indeed. All cat lovers have their stories of the beloved cats they have rescued and how they changed their lives and the cats. My beloved Sissy lived among us for 19 years. Rescued from a horse farm, she was always with me move after move, comforted me when I was sad, amused me when I was down. Our dear Spot, who fit in a tea cup and who could fly to the top of a four poster bed rail and walk it with easy. Past from cancer a few years ago. Tiger, who was left behind when he was six months old by his owners. Gill, who was the runt of his litter adopted from the Humane Society. Rosebud who along with her brother and sister were dropped in my garden one spring day. All give us comfort, unconditional love and devotion. They ask nothing more than to be petted, food, water and a treat now and then. Who could possible turn there backs on such lovely creatures.
The Kreatrix
Post authorI love your comments! And I love all that you have done for cats! My time spent in rescue work on the streets of Los Angeles was an eye opening experience (and often heartbreaking). Anytime we came across someone like you we felt so fortunate. You ROCK!
Kendra
Cats are very special people. Can't imagine life without them
Love the video.
The Kreatrix
Post authorYep. My cats have been some of my best friends throughout my life. Can't imagine life without them!
BJ
Oh my gosh, this video is SO good!
Love it. Thank you!!
The Kreatrix
Post authorIt does make you feel good, doesn't it? I've watched it at least 4 times!