PETA AU Global 2021 Issue 4

Do You Deserve Your Cat? Take the Quiz

Kitten stretching: © iStock.com/NickyLloyd • Cuddling cats: © iStock.com/Okssi68 • Kim Basinger: © Starmaxinc.com

Stack of books: © iStock.com/TARIK KIZILKAYA • Gray cat: © iStock.com/hocus-focus

Two Cats Are Better Than One Some of my favorite life lessons came from a cat named Moomin. When I first took her in, she was a tiny, frail Siamese kitten with a respiratory virus that left her with a wheeze you could hear a mile away. There were other cats on the premises, but she was instantly drawn to the only other Siamese. Jarvis was handsome but reserved – to the point of snobbishness. I doubt Moomin realized that she, too, was Siamese. I think she was drawn to Jarvis because he looked just like Mom and Dad. This lonely little kitten pursued him relentlessly. Every time she pulled her tiny wheezing body up to his, he swatted her across the face, spat, and headed for higher ground. Yet no matter how often he moved, no sooner had he settled down again than along came Moomin, squashing herself right up against him, certain that, at any moment, Jarvis would recognize her as “family.” After about a week, Jarvis gave up. He began to let Moomin sit beside him while still ignoring her. After a few weeks, I caught him grooming her. From then on, they did everything together: ate, slept, and once, in a fabulous feat of coordination, simultaneously threw up on my shoe.

Are you the cat’s meow or a feline failure? Rate your cat care capabilities by taking this quiz, adapted fromPETA President Ingrid Newkirk’s cat care bible, 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know .

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13. I always keep the dryer door closed or check inside for a sleeping cat before switching it on. 14. I have provided for my cat in case of my death. 15. There is a sticker on my front door that reads, “IN CASE OF FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY, PLEASE RESCUE MY CAT(S).” 16. My cat is microchipped and always wears a detachable, break-away collar with a current address tag. 17. I would never be so sadistic as to declawmy cat. (If your cat came to you declawed, you can still score a point if you were horrified.) 18. I never board my cat when I go on vacation and instead arrange for a reliable, thoroughly vetted pet sitter. (Give yourself two points if you never go on vacation!) 19. I never allow the vet to keep my cat overnight – unless it’s an emergency clinic that’s open and attended all night. 20. I would never fly my cat in the cargo hold of a plane. 21. I never hit or raise my voice at my cat. 22. I never throw or push my cat off the bed or any furniture (but would throw or push off anyone who did!).

4. I am always on time with meals. 5. I keep a cat carrier and my veterinarian’s number handy. 6. I know the signs of a painful, life-threatening urinary tract infection and that, if suspected, it’s vital to rush my cat to the vet right away. 7. My cat can see out of at least one window without

1. I have gotten my cat spayed or neutered. 2. I never let my cat outside unattended. (Give yourself two points if you have provided an escape proof yard or a catio.) 3. I always keep the litterbox impeccably clean.

23. I would never give away my cat (unless I was incapacitated, terminally ill, imprisoned, or deployed overseas). 24. I give my cat fresh water and scrub all bowls (or put them in the dishwasher) at least once a day, even if my own dishes pile up in the sink. 25. I never forget to say goodbye when I leave or to announce myself when I get back home.

having to act like a contortionist. 8. I take time to play with my cat every day, even when I’m busy. 9. I always remember to bring home a present. (This can be as small and inexpensive as a paper bag, a leaf, or a pinecone.) 10. I would never give my cat aspirin or Tylenol. (Just one Tylenol can kill.) 11. I never allow anyone to smoke in the vicinity of my cat’s sensitive nose and lungs. 12. I never make loud, startling noises when my cat is trying to rest.

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FLOWERPOT FELINES Kittens rescued by PETA India make themselves at home after being spayed and neutered.

After Jarvis died 14 years later, Moomin spent weeks

BONUS!

roaming the house at night, crying for her lost love. Their relationship taught me something quite obvious: Togetherness is a wonderful treasure – for cats as much as for humans. This adapted excerpt comes from 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know by Ingrid Newkirk . Take Action Now Share the love: Buy five copies of 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know to share with friends and PETA will throw in a free necklace! Use the code FiveForFriends at PETA.org/Store .

How Did You Score?

If you scored 23 or higher, you’re the cat’s pajamas. Any score below 14 is claws for concern. For goodness’ sake, shape up!

Defender of cats large and small, Kim Basinger wrote the foreword to 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know .

Take Action Now Visit PETA.org/Cats for tips on improving the lives of both companion

Free catnip ball with every purchase J

and homeless cats.

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