While I was reading Spunky's and Jason's story the same thing kept coming to mind - cats do not deserve the reputation of being independent and aloof. Cats react to the way they are treated, for the most part (of course depending on when you adopt your furry friend, it can take time for them to come around to accepting love, especially if they have been abandoned or abused). I have read the stories on this website for years now and often read of cat's having "dog-like" behaviour (fetching, etc.). Cats are just being cats - reacting to the attention, friendship, love and care we give them. They can be easier to care for, especially since they do not need to go out to take care of "business" - but for all of you who think they need next to no care at all, wrong.... You get what you give, and you can get alot back from cats and enjoy every minute of it.