I come from a long line of feline aficionados. Growing up we had many cats and even though they were all outdoor cats, they were all very important parts of our lives. These cats heard all of my secrets and often were my best friends. If. you are a cat lover, you get it. They worm their way into your life.
When Chris and I got married he knew that I HAD to have a cat and soon after we settled into base housing in Orlando I found an ad for some kittens on base. We picked out Cypress and had him for 19 years — he came to us flea infested and scrawny and it took forever to get the fleas out of that house. Ugh. But he was a good cat and even at the end when he looked mangy and matted, he still was a good cat.
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KC (KittyCat) came next and was the product of one of my sister’s many cats and Micah fell in love with her. I relented and she came home with us and she was a great companion. She really was Micah’s cat and she loved him. Funny how cats definitely pick their person. She lived a long good life (18 years) and even though she had some anxiety and picked at the fur on her belly she was a really pretty cat with a sweet disposition. This is a really poor picture of her but you get the idea.
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I was cat less for awhile and Chris promised me I could have cats again when we moved to Iowa. It was strange to not have a furry friend but much easier when selling a house and moving. Once we got to Iowa Aaron and I found Buddy and Holly and they came home with us. They really were great cats and had quite a life. When we lived in Australia they lived with Chris’ dad in Ohio and he was reluctant to let go of them when we got home. We finally took them home and then when we were in the process of moving to North Carolina they lived with Aaron for awhile. Finally came home with us to live where we live now. Buddy lived quite a life — had surgery when he was 5 months old because he swallowed a string and then had chylothorax when we moved back in Chris’ dad’s home when we were taking care of him and Carlton. He beat the odds and recovered and lived a really good life but died early at 12. Holly lived to almost 18 and was a grumpy old lady at the end.
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Then came my sweet Maksim – Siberian extraordinaire. He was 12 weeks when we got him, Holly was not impressed but she ended up tolerating him after a while. He has really brought so much joy to our house and the best thing is that he does not make Chris sneeze. After years of sneezing because of cats, he no longer sneezes with the hypoallergenic Siberian breed.
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And then came Misha last year – another Siberian and full of antics and crazy behaviors. Maksim loved her from the beginning and they are best friends which makes life easier than having two cats who don’t get along.
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Life is better, in my opinion, with felines. Science shows their purring and presence actively lower stress hormones and blood pressure, making them excellent, easy-going roommates that provide deep emotional support. I love all animals but am definitely Team Cat and have loved each of my 6 kitties. They all have their own personalities that make them unique. I am glad I have a husband who supports my cat love. I can’t imagine life without my kitties.
