On Cats

Hello friends!

A writer’s best companion is not their reader or editor. No, it is their cat.

Hear me out.

Many writers famously had or have feline companions. Some writers, like N.K. Jemisin, thank their cats in the acknowledgements. I thanked my lone cat (at the time) in my master’s thesis. 

So, why cats?

Perhaps surprisingly, cats are the second most popular pet in the United States, as of 2020. Unlike dogs, though, cats require less training and maintenance. I’ve always felt like cats are the introverts of the pet world, especially next to the dog’s extrovert. Because of this, I’ve preferred cats throughout my life, because they match my energy. 

I have had four cats in my life. When I was in kindergarten, my family adopted a kitten we named Princesa. She lived with my parents until she was 18, at which point she died peacefully. She was a brat and terrorized every pet my parents tried to have after her. Still, I loved her dearly.

When I was 11, we got a second cat, my cat, Mimi. She was a feisty little demon who liked to sleep by my feet and would attack me if I ever kicked her by mistake. She unfortunately ran away when I was away at an arts program in high school.

Five years ago, I met Dobby, and I fell in love. My friend, who cared for him at the time, was looking to rehome him, and after negotiating with my partner, I finally adopted Dobby. To this day, he is the most affectionate cat I’ve ever had, and I spoil him like crazy. He is my handsome boy.

Earlier this year, I adopted Mayday from a rescue, and while she’s still warming up to me, she is Dobby’s best friend. The two of them romp all night, and May will actively cry for Dobby if he’s ignoring her. Shortly after she came home with us, she had to get all of her teeth pulled, so now she’s out sweet, toothless senior kitty.

All-in-all, I’ve had cats in my life for more than 20 years now, and I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without them. If you’re a writer looking for an independent furry companion, I highly recommend.

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What I wrote this week: “Alice Gets the Girl;” “Gabi Believes.”

What I read this week: Malice by Heather Walter; The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.