The Cat Really Did That?: 101 Stories of Miracles, Mischief and Magical Moments Read online

  Changing lives one story at a time®

  www.chickensoup.com

  Table of Contents

  Foreword, Dr. Robin Ganzert

  ~That Little Rascal~

  1. A Cat Named Icky, David Hull

  2. One Click, Eva Carter

  3. Hide and Seek, Marti Robards

  4. The Rescue, Jessica Edwards

  5. My Musical Cat, L.A. Strucke

  6. Our Marmalade Safecracker, Susan A. Hoffert

  7. The Power of Purr-sistence, Pat Wahler

  8. The Charmer, Candis Y. McDow

  9. Timeshare Kitty, Eva Carter

  10. Where’s Baby Cinder? Diane P. Morey

  11. My Plastic Nemesis, Heather Harshman

  ~Learning to Love the Cat~

  12. The First Time My Cat Died, Josh Burnell

  13. A Cat of My Own, Joshua J. Mark

  14. Pansy, the Two-Timing Cat, Timothy Martin

  15. Gizmo and Boots, Karen Reeves

  16. The Guest Cats, Charlotte A. Lewis

  17. Until I Met Kittery, Ryan Dube

  18. The Cat That Couldn’t Meow, Donna Fawcett

  19. Casper, Jessica L. Moran

  20. Oliver Twist, the Original Grumpy Cat, M. Scott Coffman

  21. Mad Max, Catherine Ancewicz

  ~Who Me?~

  22. Happy Hour, Laurel Standley

  23. One Clever Kitty, Janny J. Johnson

  24. Who’s Your Mama? Sandy A. Reid

  25. Hide and Don’t Seek, Kathryn J. Martin

  26. The Alpha Mouse, Joyce Laird

  27. This Is Who I Am, Marijo Herndon

  28. When Dad’s Away, the Cat Will Play, Sheri Zeck

  29. The Cat That Wouldn’t Hunt, Connie Biddle Morrison

  30. Ringo’s Own Rescue, Joyce Laird

  31. Finding Dexter, Gretchen Allen

  32. Cats with Benefits, Sam Moorman

  ~Learning What’s Important~

  33. It Takes a Village, Terilynn Mitchell

  34. Lion-Sized Courage, B.J. Taylor

  35. Unexpected Visitors, Marilyn Helmer

  36. My Annie-versary Kitty, Diane Stark

  37. Sinbad’s Sofa, Dirk B. Sayers

  38. Max, Carmen Marlin

  39. The Fierce, Bad Cat of Evergreen Farm, Joanne M. Copeland

  40. One Step at a Time, Gretchen Bassier

  41. The Snow Cat, Sharon Rene Dick

  42. Bruni, Jill Berni

  ~A Purrfect Life~

  43. The Turtle Tabby, Terilynn Mitchell

  44. Settling into Siblinghood, Christy Heitger-Ewing

  45. Doolittle, Keturah Mazo

  46. For the Love of Maggie, Michelle Close Mills

  47. Purr-fectly Paired, Melissa Richeson

  48. Old Cat New Calling, Meredith Engerski

  49. A Band of Brothers, Melanie Saxton

  50. Lucky for Love, Marilyn June Janson

  51. Cade & Cally, Megan Nelson

  52. Miss Adventure, Sue Ross

  53. Hospitality Cat, Connie Nice

  ~My Heroic Cat~

  54. Mr. Princess, Stormy Corrin Russell

  55. Up a Tree, Troy Seate

  56. Miraculous Mira, Lissa Dobbs

  57. Gingham, the Hero Cat, Sharon F. Norton

  58. One of a Kind, Freda Bradley

  59. Kitty and the Bear, Deb Louis

  60. Ripple in the Snow, Kiva Arne

  61. She Knew, Rosemarie Riley

  62. Ellie, the Angel, Mary Fluhr Bajda

  63. How Daisy Earned Her Middle Name, Kristin Ingersoll

  ~Four-Legged Therapists~

  64. Hidden Voices, Stephanie Jones-McKee

  65. The Pair, Kathleen Gemmell

  66. Man’s Best Friend, April Serock

  67. Did My Rescue Cat Extend My Life? Evelyn Shamay Mayfield

  68. Healing a Broken Heart, Dawn Smith Gondeck

  69. In from the Cold, L.M. Fillingim

  70. My Shadow, Angela M. Meek

  71. We Saved Each Other, Brittany L. Stalsburg

  72. The Nurse Cat, Jeffree Wyn Itrich

  73. A Furry Angel, Leslee Kahler

  ~Eight Lives and Counting~

  74. Everyone’s Cat, Robin Jankiewicz

  75. The Cat-fish, Brenda Leppington

  76. The Loner, Tori Cleaves

  77. Dog People, Janet Anderson-Murch

  78. One Lucky Cat, Lisa Napell Dicksteen

  79. Old Tom, Barbara Bartocci

  80. When Friends Meet, Deborah Lean

  81. United by a Myrakle, Mary Ellen Angelscribe

  82. Passion and Compassion, Dr. Robin Ganzert

  ~My Goofy Cat~

  83. Fashion Diva, Leanne Froebel

  84. Here’s Looking at You, Kid! Jan Bono

  85. Cat Got His Tongue, Miriam Van Scott

  86. Velcro, Ann Vitale

  87. On a Mission, Lisa Mackinder

  88. Pumpkin’s Magic Sweater, Connie Kaseweter Pullen

  89. The Great Chicken War, C. E. DeRosier

  90. The Voice of Authority, Stephen Taylor

  91. The Designing Cat, Leslee Kahler

  ~Meant to Be~

  92. A Series of Miracles, Amie Gordon-Langbein

  93. Harley and the Angel, Joyce Laird

  94. Sushi to Go, Shawndra Miller

  95. Kindred Spirits, Ashley Ledlow

  96. Blue Eyes and Elbows, Lisa Faire Graham

  97. Tea Cozy, Alex Lester

  98. Soul Mates, Anita Weisheit

  99. The Starter Cat, Mary T. Wagner

  100. The Story of Greta Noelle, Stacia Giftos Bissell

  101. Mission Impossible, Gretchen Allen

  Meet Our Contributors

  Meet Amy Newmark

  About Robin Ganzert and American Humane

  Thank You

  About Chicken Soup for the Soul

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  Foreword

  Cats are the most amazing creatures. They are fascinating, independent, goofy, brave, hilarious, and beautiful. They entertain us, inspire us, and make us feel loved. For those of us who know and love cats, every day is Caturday!

  As I am writing this, my own feline, Rosebud, wants me to be sure to let you know that she is a rescue and has her own amazing journey to share. Rosebud was found several years ago in a storm drain and placed in a foster home with other cats, dogs, and even a few parrots.

  Rosebud doesn’t get along well with others and she has a strong independent streak we refer to as cat-titude, so Rosebud’s foster mom needed to find the purr-fect home for her. She called me and said this cat was destined for me.

  With two cats and three dogs already living in a house with my three children, I was wondering how Rosebud would adapt to our home. But she quickly found herself a new Best Friend Forever in my daughter Aidan. Rosebud ignored the other cats and dogs, and focused her attention on Aidan. Several years have passed, and now Aidan is moving into her first apartment after graduate school. Rosebud will be joining her in Atlanta soon. I look at the beautiful bond between Aidan and Rosebud and it warms my heart.

  That bond is the underlying theme of all the heartwarming stories that fill Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cat Really Did That? There are tales of amazing rescues, where the cats display such amazing tenacity and resilience that you’ll be inspired to overcome whatever challenges you have in your own life. There are stories of rascals and goofballs that will help you gain perspective on what really matters in life and teach you to relax and go with the flow. You’ll probably tear up when yo
u read the stories about cats changing human lives and acting like four-legged therapists. And then there are the hero cats, the ones that save their humans from fires and crime and perform other miracles.

  You’ll find yourself laughing a lot, too, as you read about some truly crazy cats. I laughed out loud reading the story “Fashion Diva,” about a male kitty who loves wearing costumes and wins contests. What the diva doesn’t know is that he’s wearing dog costumes, because he’s a rather large kitty and can’t fit into the cat outfits!

  When you read “The Pair,” in which an introverted, autistic girl picks out a shy, frightened cat at the shelter, you’ll be amazed by how the two of them blossom once they are put together. There truly is a special cat for everyone, with every need, at your local shelter.

  And being an animal rescuer, I just loved the story “One of a Kind,” in which the family rescued the feral kitten, and the kitten ends up saving the family from a fire and a burglar! As animal rescuers often say, who rescued whom?

  And as a proud parent of several senior pets, I cried over the story “Kindred Spirits,” where an elderly lady visits a shelter for weeks and finally adopts the senior cat she has fallen for as her new BFF. It’s such a powerful reminder of the value of adopting senior cats.

  If you love cat-titude, humorous antics, and heartwarming adventures, be prepared to fall in love with these stories and these precious cats. I am so grateful that Chicken Soup for the Soul has brought us yet another series of stories that will melt your heart and hopefully encourage you to open your home to a new cat.

  Cats make purr-fect pets for some people, but it’s important to remember that although they appear to be very independent, they are actually dependent on us humans for their needs. We provide the food, water, medical attention, shelter, and companionship, and they provide us with years of unconditional love and devotion that far outweigh the daily responsibilities.

  If you wish to have a feline join your family (and I hope you do!), remember to consider the following:

  • Do you want a kitten or an adult cat? Kittens need a lot of attention and will have to be house-trained. On the plus side, they do adapt well to their new home and surroundings. But for many people, especially those who work outside the home, an adult cat is a wiser choice.

  • Do you want a long or shorthaired cat? Longhaired cats require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting, so be prepared to spend time grooming your new feline best friend.

  • Do you want a male or female? Both male and female felines can be equally playful and affectionate! Gender is purely a personal preference.

  You may be the purr-fect cat owner if you…

  • Believe caring for a pet for fifteen to eighteen years does not seem like a lifetime.

  • Look forward to having your ankles rubbed by an affectionate, loving creature.

  • Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who sheds.

  • Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who will never clean up after herself.

  • Love a housemate who will randomly and regularly entertain you with outrageous and silly antics, at his whim, not yours!

  Set the stage for a life filled with love and companionship by adopting a cat from your local shelter. American Humane created Adopt A Cat Month® in 1983, and every year since, during the month of June, we have encouraged adoptions from local animal shelters. But those of us who know how much fun it is to have cats in our lives know that every day is Caturday, and every month should be “Adopt a Cat” month!

  Once you adopt a feline friend, be sure to care for your cat by remembering the following:

  • Twice is nice. Visit your veterinarian twice a year to keep your kitty healthy and happy.

  • No tubby tabbies! Lower the risk of obesity by feeding your cat the right food and providing exercise. Ask your veterinarian about the right diet for your cat based on his age and activity.

  • Don’t bug me. It’s easy to prevent parasites with year-round protection.

  • Lost and found. Be sure to get your feline micro-chipped!

  • Cleanliness counts. Use proper sized litter boxes for better cleanliness.

  • Play for prey. Cats need exercise and play, so be sure to provide toys and activities.

  • The More the Merrier! Cats are social, and adopting two or more provides for a loving home.

  So if inspiration strikes after enjoying these purr-fect stories, please visit your local shelter to adopt a new best friend. Remember, there is no greater love than that of a cat. And thank goodness they have nine lives, since they have so much love to give!

  And while you are enjoying this collection, know that Chicken Soup for the Soul is generously donating part of the proceeds from your purchase of this book to American Humane, allowing us to save more lives of our animal friends. Thank you for making a difference and for helping us to build a more humane world!

  ~Dr. Robin Ganzert

  President and CEO, American Humane

  A Cat Named Icky

  My relationship with cats has saved me from a deadly, pervasive ignorance.

  ~William S. Burroughs

  One morning in early spring a scruffy-looking, shorthaired, gray-and-white cat showed up on my front porch. I really didn’t want to adopt a pet, so even though the cat was friendly and way too thin, I did not feed, pet, or encourage him in any way.

  Regrettably, the cat didn’t take the hint. After he hung around for a few days, I broke down and scratched him between the ears. I put food and water bowls on the porch. Evidently, that convinced the cat he was home, and he never left.

  The next week, after a visit to the vet, I allowed him to move into the house. I named him Ichabod, because for some reason he reminded me of Ichabod Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — so the named seemed appropriate.

  Unfortunately, my three-year-old niece couldn’t pronounce Ichabod, so she shortened the cat’s name to Icky — and that’s the moniker that stuck.

  A cat named Icky.

  It was mid-May by the time winter finally released its frozen grasp that year, and I started working on preparing the flower and vegetable gardens every afternoon when I got home from work. Icky was my constant companion in the garden, following me around as I weeded, hoed, and pruned. Every day, after a short while outside, Icky would fall asleep in the warm sunshine and continue to nap until I called him inside for his dinner.

  That spring the garden was invaded by snails. Well, maybe “invaded” is the wrong word considering the speed at which snails move, but the newly forming vegetation was besieged by the slimy critters. They nibbled the nasturtiums, bit the begonias, gobbled the gladioli, and devoured the daisies, all while sluggishly slithering along at, well, at a snail’s pace.

  It was frustrating that I couldn’t stop the slowly creeping creatures. I plucked snails off the pansies, flicked them off the forsythia, rinsed them off the rutabagas, and even squashed a few on the squash. It did no good; every morning, there were more snails.

  I called a local gardening center and asked for an environmentally friendly way to alleviate the infestation. They suggested placing shallow bowls of beer around the garden. Supposedly, the odor of the beer would attract the snails. They would sip the liquid, become inebriated, and slide into the bowls, leading to their demise. I felt a little guilty but I was desperate enough to give the idea a try.

  The next afternoon, I stopped at the market to buy a six-pack of cheap beer and some shallow bowls. As soon as I got home, I put out my defensive weapons.

  That evening, like always, I called for Icky to come in and eat. Usually he hurried in the door, but not that evening. I stood on the front porch and called a few more times. When Icky did not appear, I slipped on my shoes and went out to search for him.

  As I was wandering around the garden, Icky suddenly stumbled out from between two rosebushes with his tail drooping. He shook his head, turned in a circle, and fell forward onto the ground. He meowed loudly as he got back
up on wobbly legs. Something was obviously very wrong, and I rushed to Icky, scooping him up in my arms. He purred loudly as he cuddled against me and attempted to lick my cheek.

  One whiff of the cat’s breath and I knew.

  “Oh, no,” I groaned. “Icky, you’re drunk!”

  A quick inspection showed what had occurred. Most of the beer-filled bowls I had left out for snail traps were empty. I didn’t know a lot about cats, but I assumed this was not good.

  Should I administer some aspirin? Make a pot of strong, black coffee? Perhaps a cold shower? What was the best remedy for a blotto feline? I had no idea, so I called the vet.

  “Oh, dear,” said the vet. “Beer can be toxic to cats. How much did he drink?”

  “At least half a bottle,” I explained. “He’s really plastered.”

  “Well, just try to keep him calm. Hopefully, he’ll sleep it off in a few hours. Just watch for vomiting or diarrhea.”

  “He’s already sound asleep on the couch,” I said. “He had no interest in food when I brought him in, so I’ll just let him snooze and keep an eye on him.”

  Icky didn’t move from his spot on the couch all night. Luckily, after a good night’s rest, he recovered in time to join me in the garden the following afternoon. As far as I know, he has never imbibed again.

  Icky continues to wander in the yard with me while I garden, and I continue my battle against the snails. Needless to say, I never attempted the beer-baited traps again.

  Nowadays, I use bowls filled with a sugar-water-and-yeast mixture that works similarly to the beer to help control the snails — but doesn’t intoxicate my cat.

  ~David Hull

  One Click

  Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.

  ~Jim Davis

  Hannah, a college girl who fostered strays, walked out of her apartment one day to discover a tiny orange kitten lurking at her door. She thought he was feral because he quickly ran away. The next day, the kitty returned. This time, he scratched at the door, so Hannah assumed he was hungry. He even rolled over, revealing his fluffy, white belly, and produced a purr so loud it was almost an exaggeration. Next came a pitiful, manipulative meow, as if pleading for a meal. Of course, kindhearted Hannah fell for it and fed him.