Packerman, 1977–1978. Ate poison.
Jagluan, 1980–1981. Peed on sweaters and was put to sleep.
Flash, 1981. Eaten by family friends.
Prowler, 1983–1984. Feline Peritonitis.
Leo & Missy, 1985–1989. Leo had leukemia, Missy was attacked and killed by wolf-dog hybrids.
Lou, 1990–1996. Run over by a stranger in a car.
Unnamed Gray Kitty, 1991. Head crushed by a car door.
Unnamed Black Kitty, 1991–1992. Run over by a stranger in a car.
Mama Kitty, 1995–1997. Frozen in an ice storm.
Baby Kitty, 1997–1999. Run over by my sister in her car.
New Kitty, 1999–2002. Eaten by Chupacabras.
Byron, 2003. Bled to death.
Hugo, 2003–. Still wandering the hinterlands.
Please don’t adopt any more pets. You’re obviously not responsible enough to care for anything that breathes.
You said it, Sus. In fact, this may come as no shock to you, all our plants recently died. I’ve started writing the plant memoir although the subject matter is a bit boring.
I was getting bored with life… until I came across this “13 Cats” thing. It’s safe to say you’ve added the spark that I needed. Thank you. I’m excited.
No, thank you, Chloe. I’m happy to remedy your ennui.
Your writing sucks.
Although Rebecca, I am completely on your side about the lunacy it must require to feel so emotionless about putting down a cat for urinating on your material possessions. It’s probably the most hideous and inhumane cop-out I’ve heard of. And for that, Desmond, you are seriously a heartless dick.
I love cats. My family loves cats. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had 13 of them. Odds are, with having that many cats, you’re going to get that one that behaves irreconcilably over and over again. Some animals just aren’t meant to live in homes with people. Yes, we took him to the shelter. No, we didn’t request that he be put down. Am I a heartless dick? Maybe. I was only five at the time, though. I prefer to think that he went to go live on a farm and maybe you should, too.
I understand how difficult it is to keep cats safe. I’ve had cats disappear, get ran over, and one cat caught a disease that was so dangerous we couldn’t get her body back from the vet. They are just curious (and sometimes just dumb) creatures that if they get an idea in their head they are going to go with it.
That said, I really like your writing. It reminded me of Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. I really hope this book gets published because I’m excited to read it!
I would not purchase or read anything about a bunch of people who cannot keep their pets safe. Run over by cars, bleeding to death, eatin by other animals. Disgusting. I have a cat rescue sanctuary and each and every cat here is indoor in their building. They are all spayed and neuter and vaccinated. They are kept safe from any type of harm especially predators. I find it awful that you value their lives so little that you allow them to be run over or crushed or eaten. The fact that you allowed this things to happen says little about your integrity or worth as a person. I am going to pass this along to all of the rescue folks I know and we will certainly make sure any book you publish at least get our disapproval.
Lisa, thanks for sharing. I find your comments to be helpful. I know there’s nothing I can say to make you think differently. Perhaps I can offer to adopt one of your cats.
Such odd lives (or deaths, I suppose)…
Perhaps it IS a curse…but why your family…and why cats? I suppose the world will never know. Can’t wait to read the book!
Catie, you’re absolutely right. The world may never know. I think my mother is about to get a kitten. Say a tiny prayer.
I find the way your pets died disturbing. I am the mother of a precious cat named Shadow. I have managed to keep him alive for over 10 years. Trust me it is not difficult at all if you are responsible and don’t purposely kill them, which you and your family obviously did. I have been a responsible pet owner since High School. I love him so much that when he got out one night and we couldn’t find him I couldn’t even sleep for fear of what may happen to my baby. He came home and my whole house was over joyed. He isn’t allowed outside without supervision and lives a carefree life in a house of love. All animals should know the experience of a truly loving family. My boyfriend has two cats, I consider them my adoptive babies and he know to take care of them. Bottome line they are family and should be treated as such. The last cat who obviously ran away out of fear, I hope stays gone, and pray that a good family has taken him in. You all should have charges of animal abuse and cruelty filed on you and never allowed near a living thing including people. My cat hasn’t always behaved, like children growing up, they have personalities that change. I have never thought of giving him up or putting him down it takes patience to deal with them like children. Could you imagine a mother giving up her child for having difficulty with potty training, seriously, this is ridiculous.
This is so strange and morbid, yet I’m still intrigued about the book. 13 cats? Why on earth would your family keep getting cats?
Thank you, Crystal, for reading my book.
I must admit, it is a little strange. But it’s all true. If you’re a fan of dark, comedic things or funny family stories, you might enjoy it.
Desmond I’m conflicted about your book. I am a cat lover, perhaps not to the overly precious extent that some of the posters display, but a lover none the less, so your subject matter is distubing. Yet I agree with Maisha that I’m intrigued in a morbid kind of way.
I’m also enjoying the subtlety in your responses to the various detractors.
“Perhaps I can offer to adopt one of your cats.” Nice.
I instantly became a fan of your easy but engrossing writing style. Thank you for sharing your life and times with pets. I have had pets of all kinds except cats and they all bring different challenges but despite it all I have been enriched in life for their being a part of mine and I theirs. I commend you for keeping composed despite the harsh and unfounded criticisms. Readers PAY ATTENTION, some of his cats lived more than two years with his family!
Thank you for your time and I wish you much success in your writing life.
Amy, I appreciate your comments. Dark humor is a hard pill to swallow for some people. If you’re intrigued, I would encourage you to take the leap and read the book.
Dora,
I instantly became a fan of your post.
Best to you,
Desmond
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.