Very bright and sensitive kids often form deep attachments to animals, and their depth of feeling may even lead to a sense of identification with a particular species. Within my own family, that species has been cats.
For last year’s birthday party we hosted a Catfe, and this year, we took a day trip to the Cat House Feline Conservation Center in Rosamond, California. “The Cat House” is home to over 70 of the world’s most endangered felines.
For me, it was chilling to stand so close to tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, bobcats, and cougars. For my daughter, the experience was calming and organizing.
One of the volunteers explained to us that everyone who works or volunteers at the Cat House feels a profound connection to one or more species of big cats, and a commitment to their preservation. He shared many stories from history and the present, around the world and from within their facility, of the tremendous bond that can form between humans and cats.
The Cat House is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world’s endangered felines—a fantastic cause and a special experience for children who may or may not be half feline.
Cat Links:
● National Geographic Big Cats Initiative
● CatfeLA