feline affection Archives - Cat Lady in the CanyonCat Lady in the Canyon

Cats have been pets in my life since I was a toddler. But it was after rescuing my first cat at the age of 26 that I truly made cats an integral part of my world. Over a short period of time, having one cat turned into having two or three at any given time. (read more in About the Cat Lady). I never once considered myself crazy, yet others did. I got so tired of the disapproving comments and justifying my affinity for felines:

You don’t have kids—only cats? Yep, just cats.
You know what they say about having two cats… Do tell!
You have three cats!? So you’re a crazy cat lady, huh? No, I just love cats.
Have you ever thought about getting a dog? I don’t understand the question.

I put my paw down. It was time to dispel those archaic beliefs and misperceptions about ladies who love cats. After all, cats have been domestic companions for humans for at least 10,000 years. History documents that ancient Egyptian and Roman societies highly revered these animals. Yet, in today’s world, even despite the recent cat craze (thank you social media), a woman living with cat companions (especially a single woman) is still considered to be a “Crazy Cat Lady”. I bet the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet would disagree.

During the time I was getting fed up with the crazy cat lady comments, I lived in Laguna Canyon with three cats and I was writing for a local magazine and blogging for an e-commerce website.

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Topper

Lexington

These platforms sparked an idea and Cat Lady in the Canyon–Crazy Cat Lady Redefined was created. I merged my passion for cats and writing together into mini memoirs shared through blog entries, which showcase these amazing creatures as not only lovable companions, but as guides and healers.

Cat Lady Gets Cancer. I experienced a whole new level of devotion for my cats and from my cats when I was diagnosed with advanced stage cancer in 2020. From diagnosis to treatments, to victories leading to post-cancer healing, my cat companions were critical members of my support team throughout every step of the journey. Blog entries chronicling my cancer journey can be found in the 2020 through 2022 archives. Writing about coping with cancer was cathartic, but my intention with these stories was to inspire and support anyone dealing with cancer, either themselves or a loved one.

What people may actually see in a crazy cat lady is a passionate, enthusiastic and devoted cat lover—someone the ancient Egyptians would hold in the highest regard.

Love comes in many shapes, sizes and types. There’s the love you have for your family, your dear friends, your country, chocolate, your favorite music, and of course…the love you have for your special guy or girl. Love is exhilarating.

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We all desire to be in love, to have loving relationships, yet love can also be fraught with frustration: divisive politics…one too many dark chocolate truffles, and as they say…men, you can’t live with them; can’t live without ‘em.

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I know, guys, you say the same about us. It’s just the nature of that beast they call romantic love. Humans are complicated creatures with our egos, emotional baggage, differences, and peculiar habits—it’s impossible to be lovey-dovey and in purrrfect sync all the time.

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And then there’s that sweet, peaceful, easy-going love we have for our kitty-cats (and any other pet we fall for). The more I experience the pure and simple love I have for my felines, the more I appreciate its uncomplicated bliss. They always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, even on my worst of days. All it takes is one look into the eyes of Lexington, Topper’s comforting paw on my arm, or Bobcat’s cheerful chirp as he rubs up against my leg to melt away any rage, sorrow, stress, or sadness that life brings on. And when I get all snuggly with them—nap time and furry hugs—forget it…seriously, bad day? What bad day?