Cats

Rainbow Essay Model
Instructions: Identify the different types of sentences by their color in each of the three sections of the essay below. Use this model to construct your own essay. Write your essay in basic black.

TITLE (green)
(INTRODUCTION)
Interest Technique—Quotation (blue)
Background Information (red)
Thesis Statement with Body Paragraph Order (pink)

(BODY PARAGRAPHS)
Topic Sentence (black)
Supporting Sentences (orange)
Examples (purple)
Concluding Sentence (black)

(CONCLUSION)
Summary (green)
Restatement of the Thesis Statement (pink)
Suggestion (blue)

Cats Are Friends, Too! "A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets because they are good companions, civilized members of the household, and easy to own. People enjoy the companionship of cats. First, many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? Also, if they're not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. For example, they love to chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Finally, contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch! People all over the world enjoy the company of cats. Cats are civilized members of the household. To begin, unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Lastly, although cats have claws, owners can make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed. As you can see, cats can be very polite and proper members of the family. One of the most attractive features of cats as house pets is that they are so easy to care for. One reason is cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is quick and painless. Another reason is cats take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. The final reason is cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy furniture when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return. To conclude, the number one reason to own a cat is that they are easy to have around the house or apartment. In conclusion, cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care appreciate these characteristics of cats. Also, cats are easy! They take are of themselves and they respect household furnishings. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet. As the proud owner of a cat, I suggest that you purchase one or adopt one in the near future.