Lecture Notes on Cats and Family Pets

Introduction

• Humor about family pets, specifically hamsters and cats.
• Mention that some cats have passed away but lived happy lives.

Cats vs. Dogs

• Cats often perceived as less loyal than dogs.
• Cats improve our lives (e.g., popularity of cat videos on YouTube).
• Personal anecdote about the joy of snuggling with a cat despite allergies.

Family Cats

Finding Shady

• Family's first cat, Shady, found by older brother in a bush.
• Named after Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" due to her obnoxious nature.

Luna's Arrival

• Luna came into the house uninvited, named after the cat from Sailor Moon.
• Two cats in the household: Shady and Luna.

The Feral Cats

• A calico cat started visiting the backyard, leading to feeding three more cats.
• Cats were not neutered initially, resulting in more cats.
• All cats eventually became part of the family.

Spot and Pepper

• The boy cat named Spot, the other two unnamed for attachment reasons.
• Spot disappeared mysteriously, raising questions about his fate.

Family Dynamics with Cats

• Description of the family's interaction with feral cats.
• Attempted to bring calico indoors during rain, but she resisted.

Changes with New Cats

• Shady passed away; family left with three cats.
• Pepsi, a black kitten, adopted after being found by parents.
• Pepsi went missing for two months but eventually returned.

Conclusion of Cat Stories

• Luna's passing acknowledged; cats have finite lives.
• Introduction of Baby Cat, originally named Azula.

Reflection on Pets

• Acknowledgment of the impermanence of pets and the importance of appreciating them.
• Mention of the family's dog, Georgie, who passed away and the emotional impact on other pets.
• Introduction of an emotional support dog named Jacks.

Final Thoughts

• Emphasis on light-heartedness but acknowledging the emotional aspect of pet ownership.