Becoming a cat dad was never my intention. After losing over a dozen cats to a tonsil infection in childhood, I lived cat-free for a decade.
However, the pandemic changed that. Our home unexpectedly became a refuge for stray cats seeking relief from the heat.
The verandah transformed into a gathering place for various breeds, some in good health and others emaciated. I started buying cat food to help them along their way.
Among these strays was a long-haired grey cat, initially feral, who eventually began to trust me.
She would rub against my legs, marking her territory and showing affection through scent glands around her face and tail. She’s been with us for nearly five years, despite several litters not surviving.
This Eid, however, I managed to save two of her latest kittens from the lizards that frequent our home.
Being long-haired, both the mama cat and her kittens are prone to tangles, which has led to a nightly brushing routine.
Her now four-month-old kittens eagerly anticipate their turn. Although I sometimes approach this task with reluctance, I would move mountains for these kittens.
We go to great lengths in service of our pets, and International Cat Day – celebrated every August 8 – is a perfect occasion to reflect on this.
We spoke with several cat owners about how their felines have profoundly enriched their lives, all while winning hearts with their irresistible cuteness.
Fellow feature writer Izah Azahari shared the story of her cat Miku, who was given to her by her stepmother’s old friend last year. “I wouldn’t say she’s my cat,” Izah explained. “My older sister was the one who decided to adopt her initially, but as time went by, Miku developed a strong attachment to me.”
She added that Miku has become such a beloved member of the family that her children now refer to her as “our youngest sister”.
“Every morning, Miku perches on a shelf in my room, prompting me to open the curtains so she can enjoy her daily bird and people-watching. I let her stay in my room all morning, even when I go off to work.”
Similarly, Ridhwan Kamarulzaman’s cat Tito has taken on the role of the “man of the house”, claiming every surface in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) officer’s home. It’s a heartwarming change considering Tito was initially an outside cat.
“We decided to make him an indoor cat after one of his extended absences, when he didn’t return for days, maybe weeks,” Ridhwan explained.
Now a cherished member of the household, Ridhwan shared that Tito, who is seven years old, has a morning ritual of joining the family in the prayer room.
“He is a great bundle of joy and definitely helps us relax at the end of the day.”
Self-proclaimed “certified cat lady” Nabilah enjoys the best of both worlds with her two cats: Witchy, a black cat, and Almond, a tabby. According to the 36-year-old, the two are brothers from the same litter but have very different personalities.
“Almond is a social butterfly, while Witchy embodies the stereotypical aloof black tomcat. He tends to ignore everyone, but when Almond isn’t around, Witchy demands attention until his brother shows up,” Nabilah explained.
The pair team up to hunt for house lizards and often enlist some human assistance when the lizards are out of reach.
“Their current kill count is zero despite the help because they get too distracted.”
If there’s one thing our cats excel at, aside from bringing us joy, it’s adding humour to our lives.
For Ain Bandial, her cat Oscar, despite his advancing age, remains quite mischievous and lively. Ain shared that Oscar has some unique habits, such as hiding in the closet during thunderstorms and showing a surprising fondness for the smell of burnt food, like barbecue and satay.
When it comes to his quirks, Ain humorously noted, “Does biting the vet and refusing to go back in the carrier count?”
Ultimately, despite their cats’ varied personalities and quirks, all cat owners share a common goal: to provide the best care for their feline companions. For Ratu and her three-year-old cat Azzam, this care is evident.
Azzam’s name, which means “very determined and resolute” in Arabic, reflects his impressive mane, as the term is also used to describe a lion.
According to Ratu, Azzam is a very laid-back cat, seemingly unfazed by the world around him. In a charming twist, Azzam has a penchant for her iPad and can often be seen pawing at the screen, engrossed in Cat TV on YouTube. Ratu takes great care in pampering Azzam, brushing his fur every two days. On International Cat Day, celebrated today, Ratu expressed her hope that Azzam, along with the rest of his litter, will “live a long and good life”.
People choose to raise pets for many reasons, but what unites these experiences is the deep happiness and joy that cats bring into our lives.
Whether through their playful antics, distinct personalities, or comforting presence, our feline friends add a special kind of warmth and delight to our daily routines, making each moment with them uniquely rewarding. – Wardi Wasil
