Nobody Ever Owns a Cat
From Chicken Soup for the Soul:My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat
By Connie Kaseweter Pullen

Cats are designated friends.
~Norman Corwin

“Mom.” I hesitated. “Jacqui saw the cutest little kittens at the feed store today. Maybe we should think about adopting one.”

I treaded lightly since my mother had never owned a cat. When she was growing up, most families in the neighborhood didn’t have house cats like people do today. Instead, the neighbors would throw out leftovers for the strays or sometimes set out a special treat. Cats more or less belonged to the entire community.

When my brothers and I were young, Mom always told us nobody ever owns a cat. Thus, we were never allowed to have one. Although I wasn’t able to grasp the meaning of her words at the time, I’m assuming the expression came about because cats are considered to be quite disloyal when compared to other pets, especially dogs. (Keep reading)