I saw this thread yesterday, and didn't open it. I figured it would be more about dogs, and a bit of cat bashing. Along with bashing of that commercial.)
I am SO glad I was wrong.
First, I, like many here have the intelligence to see beyond the pity hype they use to get folks off their wallets & put the money in their wallets. I liken the ones who donate to them to the folks PT Barnum used to talk about,, you know,, the suckers!
But it truly warmed my heart to see the posts were very positive about our pets, and especially about cats. I too fall into that category of "cat lover."
I have enjoyed cats as my friends for decades. For the last 16-17 years, once we adopt one, it comes inside & never goes out except for a vet visit. Cars have killed a few of my cats years ago, and now, with coyotes around, I do not want one of my friends to become coyote poop.
When my wife & I got together 21 years ago, I kept telling her; "Three is the limit" on cats. Mostly because I wasn't sure how other cats would behave when overly crowded. Well, we currently have 6. Our most recent addition, was found on my gun range this past june. A young kitten, starving for food and attention. In fact of my 6, 5 of them were found on my range. Our oldest one is 13 yrs & 7 months old, & he's the only non-stray we have. His mother was a stray, and she came to us pregnant. her one & only kitten was born, literally in my wifes lap, 5 weeks to the day after we took her in. She passed a few years ago, but we have adopted others.
One of my biggest compliments came from a friend last year, a guy who really isn't a cat person. He doesn't hate them, but he's just more of a dog person. He came to visit, and later commented how my house was the only one he'd ever been in, where cats lived that didn't smell of cats.
I like to think that the way we treat our cats, and keep things clean prevents the odor many homes have with them.
We have 5 litter boxes, and they get regular cleanings. We allow our cats certain things to scratch upon, and discourage other stuff with a water squirt bottle. But, one of the biggest things I feel makes all the difference is how we spend time with out cats. They all get held, petted, loved upon, sleep on our bed with us, have toys, we play with them etc.
Our home is also their home. We can come & go, but they stay here, 24/7. So, we make their life fun as well as loving. As such, our cats are very social, friendly, & loving, even to strangers.
So, when I see that commercial, I just smile & know that the very people who send them money are the same type of folks who voted for Hussain, wanted socialism (Obummercare,) & live the liberal life of looking at things via rose colored glasses.
And to the other cat lovers here, I'm proud to see I'm in great company!