Karla's Kolumn: Cats. Who knew?

I write a lot about my dogs, their escapades, the fact that they are my "fur kids" the joy they bring. I'm pretty much a dog person.

But then there are our two cats. We had cats growing up but cats are aloof. Or so I thought. Cats are like certain people. They may seem aloof on first impression but then you have to get to know them and the more time you spend with them, their true personalities start to shine through.

This is true of our two cats. We adopted both cats from New Hope Humane Society. They were "roommates" at New Hope so we figured they would get along here.

Chuck took to us right away. There was not much in the way of being aloof for Chuck. Buddy, on the other hand took more time to get to know. As with some rescue pets, they have trust issues, not wanting to get close.

But, as is true with some people, the more time you invest in their lives, the closer they get and the more they trust you.

Now, both cats follow us on walks. That's right, if we go outside, to change the water, take out the garbage, or go for a nice walk, here come the cats, provided they are around and not catting around the countryside.

If you sit down outside, rest assured you will have at least one of the cats on your lap.

And, contrary to popular belief, at least so I believed, cats actually do come when you call their name. This is especially true of Chuck, I think in part because he usually assumes he'll get a treat. This is not always the case.

And just like people, or siblings, while they have many similarities, they are their own person, well ... cat.

They both want attention, both love treats, both are good mousers. Chuck seems to be more of the long-distance hunter, traveling all around the area. Buddy, as mentioned previously, is more cautious and usually stays a bit closer to home. This may be because he went wondering shortly after we brought him home and he was gone for two weeks. Came home and we could tell he had tangled with something. Not sure if he won or lost but since then he never wonders far away or for very long.

He also seems to love birds more than Chuck.

Chuck loves our window wells, loves to sneak into our shop, in fact has accidentally been shut in there overnight on several occasions, but is not smart enough to find shelter during a rainstorm.

Chuck is also our talker. He'll be clear across the property and hear us outside and come running, talking all the way. No, I have no idea what he is saying, I'm not as fluent in feline language as I am in canine. Perhaps he is hollering 'wait for me' or 'I'm coming' or 'I can't believe you didn't wait for me.'

But as much as I have learned about cats, last week I learned I still have a lot to learn.

I have raved about the dog acts on America's Got Talent but this year there is a talented cat act.

That's right, cat act. Even Simon Cowell, another dog person, was impressed as the cats did many of the same tricks dogs have done on the show, pushing a cylinder while standing on two legs, dancing on two legs, but they also did some high-wire, trapeze artist-type acts.

I was impressed.

The owners said it can take up to a year to train a cat on one trick. That's a lot of patience.

Some of the acts I could see Chuck and Buddy mastering. They love to jump up on the fences and walk along the fence line. I could see them having their own high-wire act. What I can't see, is me having the patience to train them so you won't be seeing us on America's Got Talent anytime soon.

But seriously, cats potentially winning a million dollars and a gig in Vegas for doing tricks? Who knew?