A Pet’s Ten Commandments
Recently I read the Pet’s Ten Commandments at PetsHealth.com, and was touched by the list. I think a lot of “passive” animal cruelty (not giving pets the love and attention they crave, which can result in behavior problems) could be avoided if all pet owners understood that they’re not “just cats.” Cats and dogs (and other pets) are sentient beings with as rich an emotional life as you or I, and they need our love, care and approval just as they need food, water and air. Here are the Pet’s Ten Commandments:
My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Please understand that any separation from you is likely to be painful.
- Give me time to understand what you want of me.
- Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
- Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.
- Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
- Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
- Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite or scratch you.
- Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
- Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
- On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
[PHOTO CREDIT: Catster Superstar Louis Lebeau]
“Ten Commandments” Source: petshealth.com. Author: Stan Rawlinson
And Commandment #11:
We felines may have 9 lives but 1 great one with you is all we really need.
Very good article. It’s true, they enjoy our company so much, which is nice to always have someone there.
Handsome mancat!
That looks like Louis LeBeau to me – he is a handsome dude! Mawmee has trouble reading stuff like this without getting all teary eyed. She is a sap that way, but we love her anyway!
Thanks for sharing this with us. It’s a great reminder for all of our Moms and Dads! Mom got all teary eyed reading it too!
aww mom got all sentamentl after reading thiz and said it made herz want to cry a little bit… ezpecialy teh last few… but yoos furgot most importnt comandment: “yoo shall alwayz lovez yur kitteh!!” that includez atenshun, peting/scratching sweet spots liek ears bak and belly, toyz, treatz, an lotz a hugz!
Those are very wise words. It’s so important for people to make time in their busy lives to take care of their pets emotional needs.
Our mom gets teary-eyed too!
We cats are so important to our humans. We are their family!
There were tears here, too. Thankyou for sharing, Skeezix.
As an Iraq war vet,I lost the ability to cry,but the first time I saw this and the Rainbow Bridge poem,I found that I can still make tears. I love me 3 babies and I do the best I can for them,I know I gotta lose them someday,but I hope not for YEARS…they are one of the very few things I can still feel love for,
Meowm loves this and we do too.
What a marvelous post!
All vet lobbies should post this–and all shelters, for that matter!
This is so true, especially #10. If possible, my babies will always leave this world in my arms.
Wow some of you cats sure have good eyes. It is me for sure in that pic. MOL! Those 10 Pet Commandments are wonderful and made my mom cry too. Thanks for the honor Skeezix.
Ka – zar is the 5th member of our family and these ten commandments are so true. I talk to Ka – zar because I know he listens and loves to be included with what’s going on with the family. This love is the most likely reason he’s nearly 11 years old.
The ten commandments are wonderful. To me my cats are just like family and I love them dearly.
Lenore & Jaws, and Dora
Our Mommy loves us!
This is beautiful. Whoever wrote it, is a most decent person one can find. Thank you so much. B.M.