For "Hug your cat day"
on 4 June 2024
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
At Gut Aiderbichl live over 600 cats. These are abandoned cats that have found a new home with us, cats whose owners have died, cats that have caused trouble in the neighbourhood by roaming the garden, and cats that – for whatever reason – a person simply no longer wanted to own and have been abandoned.
Cats have probably always been the most popular pet in Austrian households. With their velvet paws, snub noses and quirky character, they manage to make people happy.
Since 2016, all cats with access to the outdoors must be neutered by law. Unneutered outdoor cats contribute to the increasing number of stray cats. Around 80,000 cats are born in eight years from a cat family whose female offspring are not neutered.
The great luck of being a cat ...
One of Gut Aiderbichl’s three visitor farms is the meeting place for humans and animals in Deggendorf, Germany. There is a cat villa here, where many little purring personalities live together peacefully and happily. The old farmhouse has eight rooms, two bathrooms and a large, fenced-in garden. In 2008, this farmhouse was furnished to meet the needs of the cats. Each of the eight rooms is decorated in a different colour. Countless cat baskets and beds are available for the velvet paws. If they want to lie down in the sun, they can do so on the cushion on the windowsill, on the wooden bench in front of the front door or somewhere under a shady shrub or tree in the garden. All cats are free to lie down wherever they like. The retreat for cats that don’t get on so well with the others is the ten metre high cat pen.
About two months ago, we received a cat from an animal shelter. Kiku was a found cat that had been handed in to the shelter. From there, Gut Aiderbichl enquired whether we could adopt Kiku. And lo and behold, we had space at Gut Aiderbichl Maria Schmolln.Kiku is about eight years old, her coat is tricolour – tabby, and she has one of the sweetest “meows” in the world.
Kiku has a few health issues that are being treated. Kiku herself has quickly learnt what it means to be a cat at Gut Aiderbichl. She gets food every day and the occasional treat. Nobody disputes her sleeping place, she can move freely around the house and the fenced-in garden.
We will probably never know what happened to Kiku before the veterinary clinic contacted Gut Aiderbichl’s animal emergency centre. Now she has a regular cat life – Kiku can lie lazily in the sun and enjoy herself.
Why is the cat the most sought-after pet?
The evolution of the relationship between cats and humans is deeply rooted in history and reflects a long journey. In ancient times, cats were often prized for their ability to control the abundance of rodents in agricultural communities. This led to gradual domestication and closer cohabitation with humans.
Communication between cats and humans is characterised by a variety of non-verbal signals that offer a deep insight into the emotional world of cats. Body language plays a decisive role here. A raised tail can express joy or self-confidence, while a tucked tail can indicate insecurity or fear. The position of the ears, eye contact and the type of meowing are further decisive elements in communication. A deep purr can signal relaxation or contentment.
"I humbly bend down to stroke the silky fur. I am content to be her slave"
— Walter Adolphe Roberts
Well then – hug your cat for as long as she will let you. Sincerely, your Gisela.
