Rachel A

Before I write my reflections on the importance of pets in my life, I wish to acknowledge the good fortune and privilege of living in home circumstances which allow for pets, and also of being partnered (mentioned as I will reflect on care for ‘our pets’)

For around 35 of my 45 years, I have lived in homes with cats. Growing through childhood, through teenage years and beyond, a number of fabulous felines have been there to care for, sharing their quiet comfort. To sit with a purring furry friend on a lap or at the end of the bed can soothe and comfort through all that life can throw your way.

In my adult life, along with my husband, we have nurtured four cats.

Within a few weeks in our first settled home, Meg and Mog joined us as kittens. We cared for and looked after them through 18 years. They brought so much catty comfort in our lives: through early career striving, wedding planning, house moving, chronic ill health, losing my Mum very suddenly, and later my Dad after prolonged illness, struggling to conceive, IVF and its heartbreaking losses… they were constant, gentle, sensitive to emotion, most loyal companions.

They joined in with yoga, rest and meditation, showing how to find peace when it felt hard to reach. We doted on them and took every care of their health and comfort, through their younger years and their elderhood. They lived long and happy lives. After a gentle decline, and gradual letting go, we lost Meg at 18, and Mog ten months later. We knew in full heart we had done everything for them, and our hearts broke when we said our goodbyes.

The empty home was full of sadness. No morning greetings. No homecoming hellos. No more lap time, ankle slinking, head bops, chin rubs, zen time, purring therapy. Our home was bereft. We couldn’t feel contentment in a cat free home.

Very soon after, we welcomed two new rescue kittens, Misty and Willow. I felt full of maternal love for these babies – a different feeling now we know we will not have children. For a short while, they were our tiny dependents, and I leaned into caring for these baby beings.

And yes, I thought, I am a proud cat mamma. And as time goes by, I take more pride in being a cat lady.

They are grown now (so fast) and much more independent than our Meg and Mog. They are soft and lovely, fabulously fluffy, adventurous, free-spirited, loving, curious, wild and gentle. They make home feel home. With more good fortune, we will have the chance to give them all our love and care until they grow old. It has been and continues to be a privilege to know and nurture each of these delightful creatures in our lives. Each of them bring a unique and profound joy to life every day.