Animals, particularly cats, have always been part of our family. I have literally never been without one as a friend. Not in almost 31 years.

And in all that time, I have seen small children unwittingly do the most incredibly undignified and painful things to adult cats, with no retaliation on the cat’s part. I have seen a child scratched on purpose perhaps twice, always after being cornered. I’m not saying all cats are angels, but it’s indisputable that cats and children can and do get along together quite well, as long as the cat’s needs are respected by the parents just as much as the child’s.

I don’t understand people who boot cats out when the baby comes. It is, above all, unconscionably cruel to the cat, which they are honor-bound to care for. It is also mean to the kid, who will not get the benefit of the cat’s friendship. Heartbreaking.