Random pet focused thoughts
I used to fear cats
Feb, 2026
I used to be terrified of cats. When I was fairly young, I saw a friend get attacked by a young cat and it was only later I realized it was because he antagonized it each visit. But this kitty would attack hanging hands or feet, go for your face if you bent down, and none of it was ever out of aggression, just unneutered energy.
Eventually, my mom, who was handicapped, adopted a cat that was abused in her past home, Midnight was her name. A beautiful black cat that was scared of men. Yet, for some reason, she bonded to me a bit. My fear of cats went away dramatically and eventually lead me to picking up a stray that was abandoned and carrying him 2 miles back to my house. Shenron made ANY reservations I had about cats go away. Little dude never hissed or bit, only gave me one scar because I tried to give him a bath, so my fault really.
Today, even if I visit an aggressive cat I generally know how to act. I am in their territory, their domain, and must carefully move in a way that shows no fear but also that I am not there to harm them. I know to wear sweatshirts and jeans just in case and find ways to work in their area without making them angry. Easier said than done at times, but even the times I am scratched I never blame them.
Why Rats?
March, 2026
A lot of people look at rats and see them as creepy, weird, and smelly. But anyone that has had the pleasure of owning them knows those ideas are mainly lies, except the smelly, they can be stinky at times but not if you take care of them.
Rats are extremely smart, can recognize their own names, and will do more extravagant tricks than even some of the most well trained dogs can do. They groom you when they have accepted you as one of their own, treat you like one of the mischief, and when they boggle it is adorable, once you get past the freaky aspect of it the first couple times you see it.
Every rat is unique, just like every pet. They all have preferences of play and interaction, different preferred tastes in food, and different ways of showing their love. Some will chitter and boggle when they are happy, others will wag their tails like a dog, and some will press up against you as much as they can and try to sleep.
The point I am trying to make is that rats are just like every other pet. Sure, they can be scary when seen randomly in the wild, or your basement, but the ones that become your pet, friend, and family, will make you happy every time you go near the cage with their little squeaks and chittering.
Skittish Pets
July 2026
Having 3 skittish kitties myself, I fully understand that being skittish is completely normal. How I proceed in a new environment with a skittish kitty changes dramatically depending on each cat. None of them are the same, so there is no one trick to make them all like me, and there are some that just never will and I accept that.
When I enter a new home and the kitty runs off, I focus first and foremost on limiting random noises. I mute my phone, I make sure my shoes are off and my socks are limiting noise, I put down my keys and focus purely on talking in a calm voice. I then go to work with their litter, food, water, etc. and talk as much as I can on that first visit, often offering treats if allowed. Often, this will get them to show their faces, but not always. When they do not, and the client has said they are friendly but just skittish, I will often go to where they are hiding, sit on the floor nearby, and just talk. Over time, this often works.
When the skittish kitties do approach me, I will offer my hand can sometimes make muted snapping gestures without moving my arms, just simple “hi, want pets” motions. I NEVER approach them and make that first contact, I let them cover that lost space on their own. My goal is not always to pet them, or even have them like me if they refuse, it is to be able to see them (for any health issues), let them know I am not their enemy (but hopefully their friend), and keep them as stress free as possible. In the end, hopefully I am able to give pets and comfort, but at the very least I want them to know they are safe when I am around.