Creature Corner: February 3, 2022

By Janice Murasko
Last week in “Days of Our Nine Lives,” the ARF cats shared their brainstormed ways to get adopted.
Phil: Well, we are all still here, unfortunately.
Whiskers: I thought for sure after our adoption brainstorming at least one of us would be adopted.
Don: Me too, Whiskers. Now what?
Phil: Let’s get our minds off the fact that we’re still hunting for our forever homes. You, too, Claire!
Don: Great idea! How about a quiz?
Claire: Sounds fun. OK, Don, hit us!
Don: Finish this sentence: Cats are believed to be the only mammals who don’t taste .
Claire: Pizza!
Don: No. Cats don’t taste sweetness! Next sentence: Cats can jump up to times their length.
Lulu: Six?
Don: Right! OK, try this one: Cats use their _ to balance themselves when they’re jumping or walking along narrow ledges. Harley: Oh! I know! It’s their long tails. Don: Correct! Phil, try this one: Cats can spend up to a third of their waking hours ____.
Phil: Causing trouble?
Paisley: No! Cats spend so much time grooming themselves!
Don: That’s right, Paisley. Lucy, try this one: and can extend a cat’s life.
Lucy: That’s easy. The answers are spaying and neutering. A Banfield Pet Hospital study found that neutered males live an average of 62% longer than unneutered cats, and spayed females live an average of 39% longer than unspayed cats.
Pepper: Then I’m certainly glad we’ve all been altered!
Don: OK, last question. For some reason, cats really dislike _ scents.
Pepper: I’ve got this one. Cats dislike citrus scents.
Don: That’s right, Pepper. Maybe that’s why humans use citrus scents to keep us away from dangerous things.
Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of “Days of our Nine Lives” each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Highway 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.
Creature Corner is sponsored by Sandi Mathers.