The Unscripted Journey

A New Beginning 

2021. Isolation. Quarantine. Six feet social distancing. These words had spread all over and had made life tough to live. And amidst all these issues, when a stray cat landed on my doors, I knew I would eventually break all rules. I had not the faintest idea of becoming a pet parent. I used to spend time with my friends’ pets, but it was more recreational than a full-time responsibility. But I was so sure about two things - my parents are not going to be supportive, and pet parenting is not my cup of tea.

Life took a different turn when a stray cat meowed outside our doorstep. It frequently visited our house for almost a fortnight. The construction site in my lane seemed to be her home. She seemed to be fond of humans; my sister and I always cuddled her, but I clearly avoided feeding her. Most of the time, I had to shoo her away. There was no point in making her dependent on our family without permission. As it is, I belong to a strictly vegetarian family. There was no food of her interest that I could offer her.

Her cries changed one night. She stood at the door, meowing in an unusual way that sounded a little scary. It was my mother who opened the door and found her carrying babies in her belly. Remembering her childhood days, she naturally got a cup of milk, left a suitably sized box at the door and left her alone there.

That was the first time I saw my mother being so sensitive towards an animal. It compelled me to think - such gestures are too prominent in our history and culture. We Indians often believe that a soon-to-be-mother cat chooses the house for the divine act of delivering her babies. And with that, it was my duty to do my best towards her. It's strange and intriguing at the same time as to why this particular feeling emerged in me at that very moment.

The next morning, we were overwhelmed to see those adorable kittens in the allotted box and the mother resting peacefully. For the first time ever, something inside convinced me that I did not want to lose them. Before opening the door that morning, little did I expect that I was welcoming a fresh new bond in my life.

And the next thought followed: I think I am ready to be a pet parent.

Growing Attachment Towards My New Family Members

Among the four babies that Piku, our lovely cat, delivered, she lost two. To my surprise, she treated them as equals with the other two who were alive. This time it was my father who thought it was unhygienic to keep all four kittens together. Without spending a single moment, he buried them properly at a safe spot, as if it was his responsibility. It was tough to believe that my father too was involved in this love affair. Without much notice, our family’s attachment towards the new members grew day by day.

Around three months must have passed, and Piku was pregnant again. This time we were ready. She delivered five kittens, of which only one survived. While on a mission to save this little creature, I learnt that cats can conceive and deliver in such a small span.  I was getting involved emotionally, as if they were my babies. I was almost possessive about each one of them. In a span of four months, our house was filled by not only four cats but also with their cuteness, utter madness and chaos.  My only gripe - I wish I were educated enough to handle these cats more responsibly.

Need for the Right Guidance 

That’s when I started hunting for the right people who could help me understand my tasks towards Piku and her litter. Out of habit, I searched for some tips on YouTube, but that was insufficient. I wanted some valuable inputs in person. A close family friend explained the importance of three processes that I needed to do in the immediate future - vaccination, deworming and spaying.

My exploration as a parent had ascended to new levels. One was regarding food for cats. For ages we have been feeding milk to cats. But I read somewhere that most cats are lactose intolerant. As my entire family is vegetarian, meat was prohibited. Should the cats also be vegetarian because we were? Was that fair to them? Was I hampering their growth?

Another concern was about the language and the gestures of cats. Within a few months, I had noticed that their meowing and purring was inconsistent. Their tail movements indicate multiple things that I had no idea of. Throughout the day, she expressed her emotions, worries and love in so many ways that I felt the need to know what each mode meant.

That’s when I needed other experienced cat parents to learn when and how to engage them. Slowly, I met with people who were a part of such communities. I started developing a connection with other animals as well. I felt empathetic like never before; I could not tolerate any cruelty done towards these creatures. 

I knew my journey was incomplete as a pet parent, but yet there was satisfaction. I faltered, I failed, but I tried and carved my own pet parenting methods. I was proud of one thing that completed my arc as a pet parent - I was leaving no stone unturned to give the best to Piku and her kittens.