Some people are dog people, some cat people. With a dog you know where you are, train it well and it will follow you to the end of the earth, tail wagging the whole way. It will always be pleased to see you, even after doing something wrong, it will still bounce with joy at your return.
No-one truly owns a cat, their independence doesn't allow for domestication.
When you share your life with a cat, you make choices. If both the temperament and the location are suitable then perhaps the easier option of restriction to the home is viable. However not every feline is happy with such an arrangement. Many prefer being free roaming animals, free to indulge in their feral tendencies, away from the strictures of the home environment.
Whether the cat hunts, spreads their wild oats or gathers infections; a cat will still return and fully expect the adoration to remain. Provided of course that it wishes attention, if not you will be dismissed with a haughty look.
Neutering is a positive option to curtail a felines travels, as is tagging , but none of these show the required trust to develop a healthy relationship. As a cats natural instinct is to hunt, some have been know to circumvent the need by copious overfeeding. Laziness can also be encouraged by supplying the feline with enough inside entertainment to ensure a willing couch companion.
You allow it the freedom it requires and hope it returns. You learn to accept that it might eat and even sleep else where. You learn to be content that it returns to you. You live in the present and hope for the future with a happy heart and distinct lack of anxiety. And you learn to lie to yourself, ignore the symptoms and consequences.
If you don't understand the metaphor, you are a extremely lucky person....or own dogs!
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