Random weekly pet focused thoughts
I used to fear cats
Feb 22, 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?
Feb 28, 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.