My first pet, a cat we would name Mittens of course, was a consolation for my parents’ divorce when I was 6. I never asked my mother whose idea it was to get the kitten. However, I vividly remember the day my mom, 4-year-old sister, 2-year-old brother and I went to pick her out. Since then I’ve always had cats, with a few gerbils and fish thrown into the mix. Mittens lived a good long life and was with us for 4 moves.
Next came Max, a black cat that my sister snuck into my bedroom when I was away for my high school graduation beach week. When I came home early, the jig was up. Who knows what my sister’s plan for Max was in the long run, but he quickly became part of our family. Max became my mom’s cat as we kids were out and about at college and then with our own places. My mother, who never had pets when she was growing up, became attached to the cat against her will. She would never admit it.
For almost a decade, I went without a pet as I lived my best life in my 20s. I would work late and go to way too many happy hours which made a pet impractical. I missed the snuggles, but not the responsibility.
Finally, A Cat of My Own
Then, my niece got a kitten from a neighbor, but her younger sister kept carrying it around by the neck. I stepped in and adopted my first cat, Sophie, for my own. Sophie was my first baby who stayed by my side when I was on bed rest during my pregnancy. After my kids were born, she would still lay in the corner of my bed, and jump down to accompany me to the nursery each time a baby cried.
Sophie was my kids’ first pet, bonding with my son and becoming his. When Sophie passed. he was devastated and even my daughter, who avoided Sophie, felt the loss. A painful life lesson, as parents, we know can’t be avoided.
Were We Dog People?
After Sophie died, we took a brief pause in pet ownership to consider our options. Were we ‘dog people’? I had never had a dog, but I had a boyfriend once who had a beautiful Alaskan Huskie. From a distance, dog care looked easy. Give them a worm pill hidden in cheese, and then take them for a walk in the evening. I wasn’t there for the early morning walks, rainy and snowy day walks, or the cleaning of dog hair that was sure to be everywhere.
So, we fostered a dog named Macho. I found out shortly that the answer was no. We were not dog people. Too much work. I encourage everyone including my brother who wants a dog that they foster first to see if it is right for them.
So, we fostered a dog named Macho. I found out shortly that the answer was no. We were not dog people. Too much work. I encourage everyone including my brother who wants a dog that they foster first to see if it is right for them.
My brother ignored my advice. Although he loves his dog, he did admit the other day he wished he had fostered first because, duh, dogs are a lot of work.
Eureka! We Are and Will Always Be Cat People
After our 2 weeks of fostering ‘Macho’, it was time to look into adopting cats. Shortly after, we welcomed Daisy and Bubbles into our family. We got them through the same rescue, Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, at 10 weeks old from the same litter. While some folks think cats are not affectionate, I would argue strongly against that myth.
Our cats snuggle with us and always come around to cheer us up when we are sad and need a lift. And I can’t imagine the house without them.
Pet Products Our Family Uses
When they were little, both Bubs and Daisy would use this Pet Tent – Soft Bed. Now it is Bubbles that claims ownership!
This Wonder Creature Cat Water Fountain is a must. If you’ve ever seen a cat drinking from a dripping faucet, you know that cat’s love water that is circulating. This fountain is quiet and easy to take care of.
Cats don’t require the early morning or bad weather walk outside. Litter supply and cleaning is the trade we cat owners are willing to make. Litter, I believe, is best when it is delivered straight to your door. We’ve tried many, and Cat’s Pride is at the top of our list. Affordable with odor control, we have this on an automatic delivery schedule.
Read more about The Power of Pets: How Our Pets Make Our Lives Better
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