I never intended to be a pet parent. Sure, I’d get my daily dose of dopamine from scrolling through endless cute animal videos on Instagram and YouTube, but the idea of taking care of a living creature that relies on you for everything, yet communicates in a language we humans will never fully grasp, wasn’t exactly on my bucket list.
And yet, here I am, awake at the crack of dawn, with two red leashes twisted tightly in my hands, trying to wrangle two fluffy tyrants, King and Lady, who’ve somehow appointed themselves as my new overlords.
These feline rulers of uncertain pedigree – friends with way too much cat knowledge have thrown around guesses like Maine Coon and Russian Blue – arrived in my life with no warning and even less grace.
King, lives up to his name. One minute, he’s lounging around like he owns the place (which, let’s be honest, he probably thinks he does), and the next, he’s darting off like a missile after a bird that had the audacity to land within his line of sight.
His mood swings are as unpredictable as a toddler’s – he’s either the epitome of chill or a chaotic blur of fur and claws. I’ve learned to keep a fresh supply of band-aids handy, thanks to this mischief-maker.
Lady, on the other hand, is the yin to King’s yang. She’s very demure, very mindful and definitely very cutesy. Walking her is more of a leisurely stroll than an exercise in cardio endurance.
While King’s leash is perpetually taut, Lady’s is often slack, as she prefers to take her time, stopping to smell every flower, or more likely, the dirt around it. She’ll loaf around the garden, a fluffy bread roll of contentment, and when she does decide to explore, it’s with the caution of someone navigating a minefield.
Since these two fur balls appeared in my life during Eid this year, I’ve had to learn a lot – and fast – about taking care of outdoor cats, especially ones that might have some fancy breeding in their lineage. And trust me, even though they spend most of their time outside, they’re still a handful.
So, if you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, whether by accident or by choice, let me share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up on this wild ride of becoming a cat dad from scratch.
EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED: CATS WILL BE CATS
Cats, especially those with a taste for the great outdoors, are unpredictable. One moment they’re napping peacefully, the next they’re halfway up a tree chasing a squirrel. It’s important to accept that your plans are now at the mercy of their whims. Keep an eye on them, but also let them be cats – adventurous, curious, and sometimes downright weird.
OUTDOOR CATS NEED INDOOR LOVE
Just because they love the outside world doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate some home comforts. Make sure they have a cosy spot to retreat to after their adventures – a warm bed, some toys, and, of course, your attention (but only on their terms).
However, if you’re adopting strays, keep in mind that fancy cat beds and other pet gear might not be their cup of tea. I’ve learned the hard way, after investing in all sorts of cat furniture, only to watch these rascals choose a simple box instead.
So, save yourself the heartache (and the money) and start simple.
REGULAR VET VISITS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE
Outdoor cats face more risks than their indoor counterparts – everything from other animals to the elements. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and flea treatments are essential, even if they act like they don’t need you.
It’s your responsibility to keep them healthy. Most importantly, if your cats are in good health and you can afford it, consider spaying them.
Spaying not only helps control the stray population but also reduces the risk of certain health issues, making it a win-win for your cats and the community.
A BALANCED DIET IS KEY
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a diet rich in animal protein. This is especially important for outdoor cats who burn more calories during their daily escapades.
Invest in high-quality cat food, and maybe even some treats to reward them for not bringing home too many “gifts” (read: dead critters).
LEASH TRAINING CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND
If your outdoor cat isn’t used to the big, wide world, leash training can be a lifesaver. Start slow, let them get used to the feel of the harness, and gradually increase the time they spend outside.
It might take a while, and they might give you the stink eye, but it’s worth it for their safety – and your peace of mind.
Whether it’s King finally mastering the art of a leisurely stroll instead of a mad dash, or Lady deciding that perhaps, just perhaps, you’re not so bad after all – celebrate the small victories. Cat parenting is a journey, and every milestone, no matter how tiny, deserves to be cherished.
At the end of the day, being a cat parent is as rewarding as it is chaotic. These little fur balls have a way of sneaking into your heart, even when they’re waking you up at ungodly hours or leaving hair all over your favourite shirt.
Embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdity, and enjoy the ride. After all, you didn’t choose the cat life – the cat life chose you.
The accidental cat dad life isn’t so bad after all. In fact, it’s pretty great. Just don’t tell King and Lady I said that – they’ll never let me live it down. – Wardi Wasil
