"All Animals Are Created Equal, but Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others"

As some of you may remember, I lost my cat not too long ago and hoped to get a new kitty. There are myriad shelters where I live, housed with many feral and unwanted cats especially, and so I sought to adopt one. In my journey, I was denied by one shelter for not having taken my cat to the vet enough. I often marveled at the superiority of my cat to my dog: He was independent, I never needed to bathe him, he only ate when he was hungry, and I didn’t have to worry about expensive “daycare” for him when I knew I’d be away for a while. In short, he enjoyed life and himself. He also loved the outdoors. He could sit outside for hours, rolling around in the sun, chasing birds, climbing trees…being a cat.

He was also the most lovable cat I’ve ever owned. Loud and from Puerto Rico, when he wanted attention, which was often, there was no earplug in the world that could block him out. He was a lap-cat and a lover and was uncharacteristically friendly and trusting. Replacing him is impossible I realize, but still, I want to give another a home.

After I got past the vet issue, it then came to signing a document that stated I would vow to only keep my new family member indoors. I have heard this before. And it is true. It’s dangerous out there for the small critters. But no. And I said so. Any cat who wishes to go outdoors will be allowed. If he/she wants to remain indoors, then so be that. I’ve had two cats in my past who destroyed doors trying to get to the great outdoors, their natural habitats and natural inclinations. I’m not going to deny an animal’s happiness just for the sake of prolonging his/her life. To me, that’s cruel. What “family” member is confined and imprisoned? We argued. And here I sit, still catless.

There are myriad unwanted felines. Some have heart issues. Some body deformities. Many possibly unable to trust. And here I am, ready to love one. I guess it comes down to whether we want to live a brilliant life, like a flower that blooms and dies too quickly, or live a life without color. And I couldn’t help but wonder if this woman treats all animals in this way. But of course not. When I arrived to discuss the adoption, she was putting away her lunch, filled with meat. And I found it absurd, because after all: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” ~Orwell Painting by artist Paweł Kuczyński.
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