by AnnMarie

Created on: August 07, 2008

In my experience and having owned both a male and female cat I have found that my male cat, Frisky that I had for eighteen years was indeed the friendliest. I took Frisky in as a kitten and he grew up alongside my two children. Playing hide and seek with them and often finding a small toy to bat around the house. Between all the tail pulling, being picked up, and chased around the house by two active children Frisky never struck out or clawed or scratched. He was the most patient, tolerant and affectionate cat I ever owned.

Even when our dog, Smokey came into our family, as big and hairy as he was Frisky just accepted him and they got along fine. There were times when they slept together side by side on the floor. Frisky was a cat that always had to sleep between my feet and jumped up on my lap to be petted as soon as I sat down. As long as I fed him promptly every morning he was at our side for most of our day. When company came around everyone was amazed at how friendly he was. He was such a lovable cat and for eighteen years our little tabby cat gave us so much joy. He is still missed today.

Two years after Frisky passed away our home seemed empty without the antics of a cat, so we decided to adopt an eight month old female calico cat from the shelter. Daisy has her own daily agenda. She is not too demanding and is pretty independent. She likes a little affection, but she definitely lets us know when she doesn't want to bothered anymore. She definitely doesn't like to be picked and held like Frisky did. She often finds a place to hide when she wants to be left alone. I believe it was the fact that her kitten time had been spent in a home with many pets and little attention from humans. She will show her face when company comes, but she disppears pretty quickly if there are children around.

One year later enters our Chihuahua, Pookie, and Pookie loves Daisy. He likes to chase her around and sometimes they play hide and seek together. It surprises me that she tolerates this little dog...and I've never seen her strike out at him, maybe it's the size difference or maybe she is just more trusting to other animals than she is to humans. When I take Pookie for a walk I can bet that Daisy will be trailing behind us often racing past us hoping that Pookie will chase her. When I spend time in the yard with the dog you can bet that Daisy will be nearby waiting to play or wanting to discover things together...once it was a garden snake!

I am very fortunate that both cats I've had have been loving for the most part, but my female is definitely more independent and aloof. She gives her affection on her time schedule and needs. I enjoy having her with us and it is often comical having a dog that is smaller than the cat! However, Pookie can hold his own...and Daisy doesn't seem to mind. It's quite a show around my home almost everyday!

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