There are periods in most lives when we can’t or we choose not to have a cat in our home. Any number of lifestyle changes and situations might make it awkward or impossible to own a cat. So what do we do instead? We might read about cats, enjoy the cat videos on facebook, become enamored with cat fiction. I can’t tell you how many people are in love with Rags (the star character in my Klepto Cat Mysteries) and his cat-friends. My own cat, Lily, had fans, too. I wrote about her so much and shared so many of her photos, that people came to know and love her. Some even shed tears when I reported her death.
In some states of the US, everything is done remotely these days. I order groceries online 
and have them delivered. We attend church and concerts remotely. School is taught remotely, millions of people are now working from home as much as is possible, friends and family are connecting more than ever via technology. We even choose our next pet from photos and videos online. I knew our new kitten, Olivia, from her 
photograph for 5 weeks before actually meeting her in purr-son.
This past weekend the Cat Writer’s Association awards program was held online. I missed it—got mixed up on the time frame, but I hear it was a wonderful success. Who knew we were such an adaptable society?
What are you doing differently in this crazy 
time—for me, like I said, I’m ordering groceries rather than shopping myself. Oh yes, and Amazon is my market of choice for many items I used to enjoy selecting from the shelf. If only you could get your hair cut online.
Another thing that’s not possible online is snuggling with and petting a cat. If you don’t currently have a cat and you’d like the companionship or you’d like to help an abandoned cat out, contact one of your local shelters online and start viewing the photos and videos of cats that are up for adoption.
