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National Cat Day is the perfect day to showcase Butler’s cat lovers. Photo courtesy of Tenor.
OWEN MADRIGAL | EMPLOYEE REPORTER | omadriga@butler.edu
In a celebration of our many cat friends, it is October 29th National Cat Day. Although Butler is the home of the Bulldogs, many cats find their home on campus as well.
Frankie
Photos by Lauren Koehring.
One of the cats that call Butler’s campus home is a gray-haired, one-year-old tabby named Frankie. Its owner, Lauren Koehring, senior health science major, said Frankie was a “little delight”.
“I got it last year,” said Koehring. “She’s kind of weird and very naughty, but I love her … She’s a brat, but she’s the best girl in the world.”
Koehring and Frankie are one of the many cat-bulldog duos that live on Butler’s campus. However, Koehring believes this place was built for dogs.
“I wish I could take her outside,” said Koehring. “This is definitely a dog campus. A dog is our mascot. There’s nowhere to go without seeing at least one dog. I kind of wish that walking would be easier for cats because it would be fun to be able to take them with you. “
Although Frankie may not accept the leash purchased by her owners and will resist walks at all costs, she is still a pleasure to be with. With her gray-striped fur and spotted belly, Frankie seems to deserve all the attention she gets. Her owner, however, was surprised by her and Frankie’s bond.
“Before Frankie, I didn’t really think I was a cat person,” said Koehring. “I’ve always loved dogs.”
However, she believes that humans have a misconception about cats and their affection.
“They are just a lot more independent,” said Koehring. “You have to earn their trust. Dogs can bond with more than one person, but cats can only bond with one person. That’s why other people are so deterred that the cat doesn’t like them straight away. “
While many people may perceive cats as creatures that do not want affection, it is not. According to studiesOften times, cats will only attach themselves to one or two people, despite socialization.
Frankie’s silly and cheeky demeanor is surely one of the reasons why she and Koehring feel such a deep bond. Cats are only looking for their special connections with humans, and Frankie is no exception.
Pippin
Photos by Julian Cirnigliaro.
Noel DenHouter and her cat Pippin live in Butler’s Apartment Village. According to its owner, it is a shining star for all who enter.
“He’s very playful and very, very social,” said DenHouter. “He loves to be held and he’ll go limp in your arms when you hold him. He’s a very social animal. “
Pippin found his human bond in DenHouter as their love is deep and loving, even to the point where they mimic each other’s behavior.
“I’m pretty extroverted too,” said DenHouter. “Just like my cat. If I’m alone in the apartment or something and need company, he’s there for me. “
DenHouter can have Pippin in her apartment because Butler allows animals on campus to help mental health students. In order to apply and sign up, students must view Butler’s website and follow directions, including medical clearance.
DenHouter also had the option of getting a dog as a pet. Obviously she chose a cat and she and Pippin have been inseparable ever since. DenHouter hasn’t looked back, believing a cat is easier to care for.
“I enjoy living with my cat,” said DenHouter. “I preferred a cat to a dog because I don’t want to go outside and take the dog for a walk. [Pippin] simply takes care of himself in a litter box. “
Howl & Beans
Christy Rodriguez, Senior Psychology Major, and her boyfriend are the proud owners of two very different cats: the black, cozy beans and the orange, fearful Tabby Howl.
“Beans is really cozy and really cute,” said Rodriguez. “He sleeps on us every night. Howling is kind of scared. He just meows very loudly when he wants something, but sometimes he doesn’t even know what he wants. He’s cute anyway. It’s orange and therefore particularly cute for autumn. “
Both Howl and Beans are fairly young cats, with both being under two years old.
“The first time we got Howl it scratched a bit,” said Rodriguez. “I think it was because we adopted him, he was already a year old, and because he lived on the street in the wild for a while.”
Howl is still an extremely cute kitten. Rodriguez believes that many of the misconceptions about cats can lead to disdain for the animal. However, as many cat owners you will know, cats are much multidimensional than their typical icy behavior.
“People think they’re mean,” said Rodriguez. “Some cats are, they scratch, but I think that’s just because of poor socialization.”
Howl and Beans found a home and a source of love through Rodriguez. Rodriguez has found a close friendship with the two kittens. She has also found a new source of entertainment.
“They’re fun to watch,” said Rodriguez. “You never get really bored because they do really weird things all the time.”
Rodriguez talks about the many funny memories her cats left her with.
“My cats will stand on my desk and knock things over,” said Rodriguez. “Or play with trash on the floor forever. They just do really weird things all the time, so it’s always entertaining. “
Aven
Aven lives off campus with her owner, Talia Slowinski, a senior marketing major. Their relationship is based entirely on mutual love and understanding.
Slowinski got her cat for psychological reasons. As a therapy animal, she believes Aven is one of the best ways to benefit her mental health.
“It’s very comforting,” said Slowinski. “Living with a cat is one of the most mentally calming and anxiety-reducing things you can do… When you go to bed at night and feel my cat is with me, it sits on my chest. She gives comfort. “
Slowinski lives with Aven and a dog in a retirement home. Although they are often viewed as natural enemies – two opposite ends of an animal spectrum – the duo seem to understand each other. According to Slowinski, this is not without teasing.
“Sometimes they take each other’s toys,” said Slowinski. “They’ll stare in the living room and they won’t take steps because they just have the toy and look at each other until one of them snaps it.”
As someone who has always had animals, Slowinski attributes her love for cats to her childhood pets.
“I always had cats when I was growing up,” said Slowinski. “I have a feeling that some cats have very different personalities. I think I live with him [Aven] is simply because she is a super calming cat. “
Aven has a great home with Slowinski, who loves and praises her kitten again and again.
“I think it’s great,” said Slowinski. “I love cats. I’m a huge cat lady!”
