A Cat's Prayer 

Although 
I am too proud to beg,
and may appear to be a very independent creature, 
I 
ask for your loving care and attention. 
I rely on you for my well being much 
more than you may realize. 
This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will 
not be a burden on you 
nor will I demand more of you than you care to give. 

I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon; 
a 
soft soothing body to caress, 
and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your 
weary ears. 

Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations,
I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily.
You know dear friend, how I love to go.
Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place
where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.
If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease,
please tend me gently, and see that I am treated
by loving and competent hands.
Please protect me from the inhuman humans
who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement.

I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious
nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts.
In my later years when my senses fail me
and my infirmities become too great to bear,
allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days
and help me gently in my pain or passing.
Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

*author unknown