as strong as any human to human bond. I won't be having kids either, so the cats *are* my kids (and I like it that way, I don't
want human babies!).
my first cat, elizibeth, was like no other. we don't know where she came from (appeared one cold january morning, sitting on top of the window AC, demanding to be let in) or where she went (went out for a stroll one day, never came back). We believe that she was brought by (and returned to) the aliens.
she was very smart & fiercely loyal to me. she used to sleep under the covers with me, and she'd lick my feet when I was sick. she used to wait for me at the bus stop every day, when I was coming home from school. when I got off, she'd jump up on my shoulder for the walk home (I grew up way out in the country).
there will never be another elizibeth.
my current cat, chloe, is a sweetie pie too. we don't have same intense bond, but we do love each other. she was very aloof when my mom brought her to me (and preggers, to boot!), but she's gotten more snuggly as the years have passed.
I don't know how much I've spent on cats over the years, but it's definintely in the thousand. when I was in college, I used to pick up strays, get them their shots/get fixed (at a discount, for bringing in so many), and find them homes. I placed over a dozen, in the year or so that I was living on my own & able to do it.
Ever since my bf got more into feline nutrition, we've been feeding them higher end canned food: natural balance, evolve, merrik's. it's made quite a difference in my chloe, she was getting a bit too voluptious for her own good. and she love's merrik's turducken.
If I ever move out of nyc, I would definitely have more cats. right now, I live with bf & his cat too (and she's a sweetie too, but obviously
his little girl). If we had more room, I'd get at least a few more strays. not much makes me happier than a house full of good mews.