When she came into my life in 2001, I didn’t know a thing about cats.
But being an animal lover, I took to her like a fish to water. I read about cats, went online, talked to my vet and then realised that they’re the unfussiest of creatures to keep at home. Morever, you don’t need to take them out for daily walks. They’re independent and don’t go into depression if they’re left alone.
During her growing up days, Kit Kit used to be a riot. Sleeping on the tummy, or curling up into a small ball next to the pillow, swinging from bags, hiding in drawers — she would keep me entertained all the time.
Now she’s all grown up and full of feline grace. And totally lazy too. She only comes looking for me when she needs the warmth of my blanket, in the evenings when it gets a little cool.
When I moved from Mumbai to Bangalore, I put her in a basket and booked an Indian Airlines flight (which claimed that it allowed small pets in the cabin) though I had loads of trouble getting final approval! I didn’t have the heart to put her in the hold. She didn’t utter a single sound all the way, she was too terrified of the loud noises. When we touched down at Bangalore airport, she let out a meek meow as if to remind me that she was still there!
The best part about having her is the fact that in some of my difficult times, she’s been around and I’ve never felt totally alone. I know it seems and sounds strange. It’s not as if I can have a conversation with her, but I think just knowing that there’s another heart beating in the house has been such a blessing.
Animals — cats, dogs — or anything else really are such a joy to be around. I for one, can never totally comprehend how people can proclaim they’re not “into animals” or cats/dogs. It’s quite sad really. They can make such a difference to our lives.
Kit kit is cute.
My mom keeps 4 of them, and they are sure well-behaved! They get emotionally attached, and my mom says each have their own personalities. They are our family members now.
Posted by Kousik | August 1, 2007, 5:34 pmhave to agree with kousik’s mom..:)
if it werent for animals, i’d have either gone insane or sunk into depression during difficult times.…
Posted by catsjellicle | August 2, 2007, 7:06 amkousik: wow! 4 of them? i would love to keep more except for the fact that i feel guilty enough that i don’t have time for one! but one day, i will have a home filled with cats and dogs :)
catsjellicle: they are the best!
Posted by Anita | August 2, 2007, 11:07 amhey, i was just about to ask for an update on KitKit.. thanks for this one. she looks good in picture, as usual :)
Posted by Shrilatha Puthi | August 3, 2007, 10:45 amI will agree with u 100%
“The best part about having her is the fact that in some of my difficult times, she’s been around and I’ve never felt totally alone. I know it seems and sounds strange. It’s not as if I can have a conversation with her, but I think just knowing that there’s another heart beating in the house has been such a blessing.”
This is the same way I feel abt my dog– mandy :)
She is the apple of my eye :)
Posted by Viewer | August 3, 2007, 3:23 pmshri: just in time!! :)
viewer: glad to know you agree :) one bow wow to mandy from kit kit!
Posted by Anita | August 3, 2007, 4:05 pmHi Kit-kat
You look gorgeous. You remind me of Tiao-Tiao (this is the sound he made instead of meow, meow) had walked into my life in Mumbai. Can you believe it, someone had poured hot water or something on him and he was also flesh — well he grew up to be a handsome white and black tomcat.
Posted by Lubna | August 4, 2007, 1:12 pm@ lubna: tiao tiao sounds cute! and very handsome too! do you have any pictures of him? :)
Posted by Anita | August 6, 2007, 1:12 pmHi. Nice blog. Something I can really identify with.
I’m dying to get a dog, I’ve had them around while growing up and really miss having one. WHat worries me is how I’ll manage when I travel. I stay in Blr and visit “home” in Delhi — so I can’t go by road. I’d love to know more about your experience taking your cat by air — how difficult was it and what is the procedure like? Is it expensive? What about larger animals, like say a Golden Retriever? Can they go in the hold and would they survive it?
Posted by poupee97 | August 17, 2007, 3:08 pmHi, Anita I read your blogs, about Goa and the thing about pets. I liked the second One. It is very nice. I am very new to blogspot. And i want learn more about blogs.
regards
Ashok
Bangalore.
Posted by Ashok | August 20, 2007, 10:48 amNice to read the details of your tour. I never visited Goa, but I wish. The informations are useful.Thanks.
Posted by Dr Desh Bandhu Bajpai | August 25, 2007, 6:35 pmHi,
Cool stuff & nice reading,I agree with your thoughts.
It is good to have a pet to ward of “Loneliness” but not “Aloneness”. There is a subtle difference.
(In reference to your statement above :The best part about having her.….totally alone.)
Loneliness is negative — you miss somebody, the other but Aloneness is positive, it is presence of oneself.
Also, it becomes difficult & painful to lose it when become attached to it.
Just my thoughts …
Posted by Basav | August 30, 2007, 8:54 pmI stay alone and i have 9 cats for company,they keep me busy all the time.i find cats very smart and intelligent, some of my cats r potty trained and they poop inside the pot, amazing isnt it ???
they all respond to there names . But the only problem is that i cant go out on a vaccation as there arent pet creches in bangalore, if anybody knows 1 please do let me know, i can be reached @ elvinleo@bangalore.com
Posted by Elvin | December 1, 2007, 2:31 pmHi,
I totall agree with you as I have an identical kitty named Snowy who has become a part of our lives since 2006. He is now like a baby in the family but I’m worried for him as the vet says he now needs a companion and he is terrified of the outside world. He did go out once and returned the following morning badly bruised and bleeding after being bitten by other cats and I had to rush to the vet with him.If someone can help in finding him a mate I’d be happy. He’s handsome and welmannered. Also if anyone does know of a decent creche in Mumbai (Andheri) please inform me. Thank you.
Posted by Sandra Kayathwal | January 2, 2008, 8:31 pm@ Sandra
I could have helped you find him a mate if only you were in Bangalore.
@ All
If anyone needs kittens please do let me know
Posted by Elvin | June 18, 2008, 4:36 pm