Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Cat ownership has distinct pleasures

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Aug. 5, 1999 | 9:27 a.m.

Author Cleveland Amory, a news item and Pug inspired me to write about cats. I just finished reading Amory's best-selling "The Best Cat Ever." Pug is my own black Persian, and the news item was from the Las Vegas Humane Society.

Let's start with the news which reported that the LV Humane Society has more than 80 kittens available during "kitten season." If the Humane Society has more than 80, multiply that by the number being put up for adoption by other animal organizations and you have an astounding number of homeless kitties.

To entice new cat owners, the Humane Society's kittens are spayed and neutered, have vaccinations and health guarantees and are tested for leukemia. They come with a breakaway collar, tag and carrier to take them to a new home.

I know what it is to adopt a cat. Pug came into my life to fill the void when I lost a beloved dog, who had been my companion for 11 years. I really wasn't looking for another animal, but someone told me about a veterinary assistant who gave homes to every stray or abandoned cat she found roaming around. The appeal to take a cat off her hands was so sincere that I took a cat carrier and went to see her. I placed the carrier on the floor while she paraded several beautiful cats for me to admire. It was a difficult decision, but Pug determined the outcome by settling himself in the carrier with a smug expression on his face as if daring me not to take him home.

Cats make wonderful companions in spite of their reputation for being aloof and sometimes downright snobbish. When you take a kitten into your home, remember that the cute, playful little ball of fur will be a full-grown cat with personality traits directly associated with your response. The very first thing you do, as a responsible and concerned pet owner, is to make sure your cat has been spayed or neutered. There wouldn't be so many kittens seeking homes if more owners had taken these steps.

Cats respond in a different way than dogs. You can become just as attached to a feline, but in a different way. Dogs need you more than cats do. And cats are much easier to care for as they are so independent and resourceful. If you decide to bring a kitty into your home, you'll be giving up some of your rights of possession because the cat will declare ownership very early on. Author Barbara Webster wrote of cats' one-upmanship, "They always seem to come out on top, no matter what they are doing."

And, Mark Twain, who always had cats as companions, wrote: Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat."

Cat ownership is a privilege bestowed upon you by the cat. And remember, "dogs come when they are called -- cats take a message and get back to you." *

When Connie Walker called to tell me my dear friend Art Force had passed away I was deeply saddened. Art Force was such a good man and beloved by so many. Thinking of Art, the quintessential public relations man, brought memories of others who paved the way for Las Vegas to become the resort and entertainment capital of the world.

Those who have been around awhile will have memories of Gene Murphy, Al Freeman, Maury Stevens, Morry Brodsky, Hank Kovell, Herb McDonald, Ken Frogley, Bennie Goffstein, Abe Schiller, Wilbur Clark, Eddie Fox, Stan Irwin, Bill Willard, Barney Rawlings, Frank Maggio, Joy Hamann and others who beat the drums for our town before it became so sophisticated.

If I have overlooked anyone from those days, please forgive and reminisce along with me. *

An analysis of the achievements of 400 famous men and women throughout history is highly encouraging to all who think they are growing old. The study revealed that more than one-third achieved their greatest accomplishments after they passed the age of 60. A surprising 23 percent scored their greatest success in life after the age of 70. Does that mean the best is yet to come? *

A donation to the Sun Camp Fund makes happiness happen for a handicapped or needy child. *

Sun reader Sam Ewing reminds us: "Every time Congress hammers out a budget, it's the taxpayer who gets nailed."