Boo Cat

So.  I'm getting a cat.  Why would you do that?, I hear you ask.  Are you a cat lover?  Are you enthralled by those tiny minions of Beelzebub? The answer would have to be a no.  I have always had my feet placed firmly in the dog lovers' camp.  I love dogs.  I love their wiggly welcomes, their rascally, devoted, slobbery, snugly selves.  I love taking them out for bracing walks on the beach, rambling the mountains, jogging in the suburbs.  I love their tongue lolling, their stick fetching, their galumphing energy.  I love their sensitivity to your mood, their loyalty and companionship.  


I've never had a cat.  I have, however, shared apartments and houses with people who've had cats, and been duly hissed at, scratched, terrorised, peed on and ambushed in the dark on many occasions by said spawn of Satan.  Suffice to say, I'm nervous around cats.  With dogs, I can take a reasonable stab at assessing their mood.  Their body language is pretty much out there for you to read.  I can generally tell if they're a friendly chap or a bit of a snarly beast.  
With a cat, I draw a blank.  I have no idea if an outstretched hand will be greeted with a purring welcome or left minus several digits.  So I tend to say a friendly "Hello, cat", keep my distance and leave it at that.  Even if a cat approaches me, or - cue heart in mouth - curls up on my lap, I make sure my hands are out of the way lest the white flag be withdrawn and I be destined enemy number one.  


So, why am I getting a cat?  Well, I made a promise that I'd adopt an animal when I bought my own place.  Admittedly, I thought my first place would be a three bed semi with a back garden and room for a dog, but it wasn't.  It's a two bed apartment.  Without a balcony.  I love it though and am loving my first home.  But there is no room for a dog.  And I'm at work all day, so the poor bugger would be locked in all day.  So a dog is a no no.  But a cat is doable. 


I've been contemplating the whole adopt a cat for a quite some time.  I moved in to my new pad in October, and have been keeping an eye on the DSPCA's website.  Fair enough, I've been looking at the dogs somewhat wistfully, but it's into the domain of cats I've decided to venture this time.  I have the space and the time for a cat.  There are so many abandoned pets out there it is shameful.  And I could give a cat a good home.  So, I'm off to the DSPCA on Saturday to meet the cats and see if there's one out there for me.  


I am quietly terrified.