Tip 6– Our animals need attentive protection when living in the city

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineAdult and in the City

Tip 6: Our animals need attentive protection when living in the city.

Welcome!

As an adult, I moved to the city and realized that taking on the responsibility of having a pet in that environment would create a much different scene from the one in the country. I lived on a busy street and so my first pet, a silver miniature poodle that I named Revel, was kept in the yard or house except when I took him for walks with a leash or let him run free when at the beach or in the woods. After Revel, a cat that I later named Regal found me. Finding that I did not have much choice in her decision to be with me, this very strong presence of Catness came to live with me. To be with me, Regal had to give up her freedom. She became an indoor cat except when I took her – or rather when she took me – out for walks utilizing a halter and leash.

Living in the city set up a different scenario regarding their longevity. I found that with my greater protection, both Revel and Regal lived very long rich lives. During those wonderful years, we became fast friends and very close. Our relationships were tight, committed, and very mutual. I have since found out that outdoor cats usually live on the average between 3 to 5 years while indoor cats can live up to 20 plus. Those numbers certainly fit my experience.

Because of our closeness, their passages were much more difficult to deal with. The mutual bond was incredible.

Next Entry: Tip 7 and Intense and Emotional Passages

With blessings, Linda

Filed under Understanding Pet Loss & Grief |