As I write this, my cat, Wabby (aka Pandora) is roaming around the house meowing. Now, I speak pretty good cat, but I'm baffled by her behavior at this moment. I have given her treats, I have carried her around like a baby for ten minutes, I even held her up to the window so she could look out. Still, she's roaming the house acting like she lost something.

Cats are pretty mysterious, sometimes. They act so differently than dogs, we can sometimes take them for granted. But, in the end, despite the naysayers, cats are loving, affectionate, and loyal creatures. They have shown themselves so in many instances, not the least of which is their ability to offer consolation and support to women with breast cancer.

Because of this, Purina Cat Chow® has partnered with Susan G. Komen Cure, for the second year, to highlight that special bond between owner and cat - especially as it pertains to women with breast cancer.

Turns out, a recent national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats highlighted the connection between owners and their cats by revealing 84 percent of respondents felt their cat had a calming effect during their battle with breast cancer and 76 percent of respondents received daily support from their cat during treatment.  

Obviously, we ladies with cats know this - not necesarily from the perspective of a breast cancer survivor, but just from the perspective of a cat Mom. It's encouraging and heartening to see the Purina Cat Chow brand get behind this story with a website that invites women to share their stories and upload their pictures (pics of them and their cats, of course). And, a donation of $200,000!

Dr. Karen Sueda, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, says, "...cats are perceptive to their owners needs during an illness. Whether pet owners are fighting a disease such as breast cancer or going through a rough period in life such as a job loss or financial stress, their cats often display intuitive behaviors of knowing when they need extra love and support."

You know this is true. I know this is true. It's time to tell the world. I invite you to visit the Connected for the Cause website and join the conversation. Explore the beautiful mosaic (click on the tiny boxes), watch the videos, and remember to tell a friend.