Kitty kisses 
By Mauri Formigoni

I have spent some time at home and so have been observing my animals for entertainment, and have discovered some new qualities in my cats. You know when you caress any cat, not necessarily your own, you often hear a soft purr, or in some cats, a loud, heavy purr. 

In the late sixties I was a big fan of the television series Star Trek. It is truly amazing how many of the science-fiction technologies of the series have become reality today. I remember at the time discussing these with other “Trekkies.” The “transporter” instantly transported people and things from place to place.

I have discovered another kind of affection. If you own the cat and she loves you, you will get a lick or two, kitty kisses no less. We may be used to dogs licking but like it or not, I have to say, “When a cat kisses you, you feel loved.” 

The drawback is that the bacteria count is high in cat saliva as is the count in people’s saliva. Dogs tend to have less bacteria and are relatively clean, so to speak. Still, I hope you have the privilege of being quietly kissed by a cat you care about.

Letter to your pet

I have been sent this email maybe four times (author unknown), and each time I laugh and think, “This is true.” For die-hard cat and dog lovers only, posted very low on the refrigerator door—nose high.

“Dear Dogs and Cats,


The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king-sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years—canine and feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is to kiss me, then smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough!”

Visit the SPA

We have several new kittens that are perfect for adoption, including these part-Siamese beauties. Come down to the Sociedad Protectora de Animales 11am–2pm at Los Pinos 7, just off of Calzada de la Estación (formerly Canal) to see if you find a cat or kitten to give you quiet kisses. Call 152-6124 for information.