When my husband agreed to let the stray cat—who chose us as his furr-ever home two weeks ago—live with us, our daily routine changed.
Instead of feeling transient since I lived in the metro, having a cat in our marriage home made me feel grounded—the same feeling I have towards my childhood home. And I know it was the cat who made all the difference.
Whenever we arrive home, a white furball of enthusiasm lets us know he is happy to see us. Getting out of bed in the morning, he also gives us a good stretch (or sometimes stares blankly at us before he nudges) to let us know that he’d be starting his day and that we better give him his breakfast too. He never misses mealtimes letting me know with a soft meow (or a couple of varying meows) that it’s time to eat! His unfailing routine also pushes us to stick to a routine to match his.
For the rest of the day, he sleeps, barely meows, and often watches our street turn from dusk to night while sitting on our window sill six meters above ground.
Our days have changed since the cat arrived because we now have somebody else aside from each other to whom we can talk or make ourselves busy.
What dawned on me this week is the sense of responsibility towards another being who depends on us for sustenance. It made me realize what more change a baby could make if we ever had one. And I wouldn’t even touch the idea if not for our new family member in white fur, blue eyes, and pink paws.
jessa 