My KatStyle Tips to animal ownership style:

Hearing: What time frame do you have available?

If your schedule is tight, and you are always hearing you need to be somewhere, a cat may be a better choice. It is less dependent on you. If you can be present more, or work out of your home, then a dog would be great. Remember that barking noise and walks are a big part of maintaining a healthy dog.

Seeing: Like to be noticed for your unique look?

Choose a pet that fits that experience. I had an Abyssinian cat that looks like a little cougar. It was the descendant of the high eared, arched back cat that sat at the throne of the Egyptian kings. I am very attracted to Egypt and the esoteric of that era, so it felt right to live with that look. It was a gift from an art client. I never went looking. The cat fit my exotic visual aesthetic style. You will know when you see the animal – it will just feel right. For that type it doesn’t need to be a cat or dog. Maybe an iguana or exotic bird fits. (Please US raised, not a captured creature). Check the breeder out carefully. Fitting a style is not about exploiting an animal. It is about mixing heart with your head of practicality.

Smelling: See yourself as a social animal? Dogs do!

Walking a dog opens up new hellos and relationships. Pick a socially adjusted dog that likes to visit with other people. All those good smells make the walks more interesting, so expect to slow down. An older dog may fit into this category. As for visiting with other dogs – get a strong leash. Do you like to stay more within and have a warm lap, then a cat may be perfect for you.

Tasting: Dogs will eat just about anything, so be prepared to make some new food purchases. There are excellent food mixtures these days, especially natural pet foods, which are geared for all ages. Be stern on no table scraps or fast food. Let’s face it – it’s iffy for you; so the same goes for the pets. My rule of thumb for serving the pet’s menu is – would they find it in the wild?

Touching: How much do you like to touch, be bothered, and be interrupted in your focus?

Animals love to be wanted and most dogs want to be touched a lot. As for cats they pick the person and the lap to become attached to. Look at touching as a process to slow down, communicate with them, and return back to nature. All animals preen or groom each other. They bring us back to that natural process.

Sensing: How do you exercise and how often?

A new pet can change your whole activity regimen, so choose wisely for one that fits your inside and outside schedule, or your New Year’s resolution of more exercise. A fast quicker pace will be a younger pup. Are you still a pup and can handle it? Is there anyone in the family who can take walking shifts gleefully and not grudgingly? The animal will sense your vibration and thoughts and respond accordingly. If it becomes a chore, not a choice, you are both in for a rough time as to who is in control.

Just be honest in who you are and know what you want.  The animal that fits your heart essence will remind you everyday how to get that intention.

KatStyle Tips on Six-Sense PetStyle:

Before purchasing or being chosen by an animal, think about these style choices:

Do I have the time?

Does it fit my schedule now?

Am I tolerant of antics in my space?

Will it cramp my social agenda?

Does it fit my aesthetic sense?

Who will be the real caretaker?

What can I offer the animal?

NEXT HOME SPACE3: GARDEN