Meet my cat friends
How I became friends with many cats without parenting one
I have always been in love in cats — they’re cute, cuddly and adorably stupid. And they teach me how to live my own life — have a full tummy, play lots, rest lots, make friends with people you like and do what you like. So naturally, I wanted a pet cat.
Like most Indian parents, my parents didn’t want animals in the house (their actions, however, speak differently) — and refused to let me get one. And now that I’m old enough to get one for myself, I am also now aware of how huge the responsibility of caring for another living being is. Most pet parents dote on their pets like a child — and there is no reason not to.
Being a pet parent requires a lot more than desire to care for the pet, it requires you to understand the tough parts and know that you are willing and able to take care of the ups and downs of the pet parent life — their diet, exercise, entertainment, training, medical and social requirements and how they will fit into your routine, home, vacations, activity level, mental health and social life.
And I know I’m only halfway there yet — so how do I become friends with these lovely animals and take care of them like I love to?
Answer: Cat Foster/ Sitting
Two years ago, I moved out and was free to get pets into my home. Being someone who plans extensively for everything to (hopefully) go right — I wanted to ensure that eventually when I do have cats, I give them the best care and environment possible. So I decided to be available for cat sitting and fostering. Here starts my journey of befriending and looking after multiple cats.
It’s been nothing short of a fun-filled learning and bonding experience and of course, I have to write about it. Let’s meet my cat friends:
- Fia — 9 months old
A gorgeous, white Persian who was my first pet sitting experience. The most gentle creature — pretends to not care but is absolutely determined to accompany you anywhere you go because you both HAVE to be in the same space, whether you’re working, working out or she’s sleeping. I pet sat Fia at my place for about 3 weeks and she made my parents fall for cats! Fia is happily living with her pet parents :D
2. Theo — 4 months old
The opposite of Fia in every way — except the following around. A menace to your toes but the perfect addition to your lap as you work or just laze around. He loved cat naps and is super active with playing and running around. My parents loved playing with him with a simple paper ball toy — a huge relief to me while I worked and could not give him all the attention he requires! Theo is also living a happy life with his pet parents :D
3. Nifty — 5 months old
A scaredy cat at first who made me think I’d lost him, and questioning my every skill as a cat caretaker when I found him just hiding under my study table — that was day 1 and by day 3, this cat dominated the entire house as if he’d been staying there forever — demanding belly rubs, cuddles, head pats, face massages and conversations with the most adorable meows. Nifty is living his best life now with ginger cat friend Pari and a caring pet parent :D
4. Ginger — 8 years old
Is Ginger my favorite cat friend ever? Probably. This gentleman, handsome and muscular cat has the most charisma I have ever seen in a cat. Confident and aware of his surroundings — he quickly learnt how to open my door and make the house his territory. Incredibly affectionate at all times but especially in the mornings — kiss showers, bunting and butt showing was all the rage during my time with Ginger.
5. Cookie and Coco — 1 year old
Cookie and Coco came as a pair, abandoned by their previous pet owner. While Coco was a shy cat who only liked to lay around with Cookie, Cookie on the other hand was one curious kitty — wanting to know about anything and everything happening around him. He also relied on Coco — who quickly learnt how to open the door, much like Ginger himself!
My learnings from successful cat sitting are clear:
- Give the cat its space and time
- Learn its personality and style — from the owners/ previous fosters/ if new — a few days should be good
- Develop a routine with the cat in tandem with your space and time
- Have fun!
If you’d like to connect with me for cat sitting/ fostering or know more about it, please send me an email on soumya.gupta136@gmail.com.
