The reaction to petting is very individual. It makes a good rubric. Some cats never tire of it, some just leave when it gets to be too much and some stay and get feisty. We use rubrics re people's reactions to attention and touch, so we should use them for animals, also.

Maybe if the cat and family are not well matched (I can't imagine not being willing to try a new, better diet for a pet), maybe a new home placement would be in the best interests of all.

I'm sure the poor kitty is aware that his humans don't really love him as he would want and deserve. This may be the crux of the problem.

PS - I just told Kitkat about the situation and he says it's better to leave home than stay where you're not loved. Much better than getting fat and pulling your hair out. Of course, he's never had to go a day without a meal, or shelter in bad weather, so it may be easy for him to say this.

[ 24. August 2002, 15:58: Message edited by: sreischman ]

__________________
Shirley Reischman