Fascinating, Janet — Runi is a very empathetic cat. Odd how many think of cats as distant, aloof, uncaring. That has rarely been my experience. Almost every cat I’ve had — and, believe me, I’ve had many, like 30+ in my life — has been engaged and usually affectionate. Male cats, in particular, are such lovey bunnies! Only a few cats, mostly females, were more distant.

Right now, we have two cats, both males. Tango is loving, gentle, a bed-buddy, and very sensitive. He is exceptionally attuned to my depressive moods or when my husband or I is ill. He is our nurse and his nickname is Sweet-Kitty.

The other cat, Sébastien, is friendly and sweet but on his own terms, in his own time. He is in charge of the house. Making sure the other animals are fine and the house is safe and in good order. He is our protector. He patrols and reports disturbances, always keeping us alerted to anything unusual in our environment.

Cats are extremely intuitive, sensitive, and attuned to our problems. Some try to help, others retreat, and some, like Runi, reflect our problems as their own illnesses.

Thank you so much for sharing Runi’s story with us here.