Growing up, my only pets were two grey and white gerbils. My sisters and I frequently let these tiny rodents loose to wreak havoc in the hallways and terrify an aunt who regularly babysat us. We were mischievous children, but that’s another story.
Despite this failed attempt at caring for animals (the gerbils were promptly returned), I know I always had those pet-loving genes somewhere inside me. I can still recall begging my parents for a puppy, though they shrewdly managed to divert my attention with a brand new American Girl doll complete with a shiny bed and a closet full of clothes. If you were growing up in the ‘90s, that was a pretty big deal.
So, a few days before Juju’s owner arrived at my apartment last Wednesday, I was – to put it mildly – freaking out. I checked every nook and cranny at least a dozen times to make sure she wouldn’t choke on a stray button or long lost earring. I moved breakables, scrubbed floors and possibly bought out an entire pet store worth of toys.
I think my cat-craze started when one of my pals from college picked up Hazel, a tiny kitten with bright eyes and limitless energy. At the time, I couldn’t care for a feline friend of my own – unless, of course, I wanted to get booted out of my college dorm room. This all changed when I finally, finally scrounged up enough cash to move out on my own.
This past December, I decided that since I manage to feed myself, do laundry and pay the rent, it was time to start searching for the kitty of my dreams.
As someone who is totally clueless on a number of things (cats being one of them), I bought a Barron’s pet owner manual on kittens. I almost didn’t finish the slim volume because of its mind-melting overuse o f the words “little predator”, but after 12 years of waiting, I was determined to get that ball of yarn rolling.
For those of you who’ve broken out on your own and are searching for a pet, Craigslist or your local animal shelter are great places to go. When I first clicked on the Craigslist posting for Juju, I was smitten. When I visited her, I fell in love. I knew this five-year-old midnight black cat with giant green eyes would be my match.
And the gal whose only concern used to be the overflowing pile of laundry in her bedroom was right. The first night Juju arrived, she immediately headed for my closet and buried herself beneath stuffed animals and boots. When she finally strutted out, she made herself comfortable atop my bed and purred until I devoted every last ounce of attention to her petting. Did I mention that she fell asleep on the pillow next to me with her tiny paw on my hand?
Though it’s only been about a week, the search and the diminished savings account (kitty litter, food, scratching posts, toys, etc. add up!) is so worth it.
Though I’m over a decade late on getting that pet (sorry, 10-year-old self), I am so happy that I have my Juju now. Those of you who are pet owners will know what I mean when I say that she’s not simply a cat, she’s a part of my family. As I sit on my oversized green chair with Juju sprawled across my stomach, I can’t help but think that my place has never felt more like a home.
Don’t forget to look at http://www.petfinder.com for adoptions in your area
Yay! Kitty! I am so happy for you. I used to raise blue abyssinian kittens and would SO almost get a kitty but my life is not settled “up” enough to facilitate. I have a bird of prey that frequents my backyard that I have named Winston. I think that is a cool name for a red tail hawk, or wtvr. I used to have a pet spider named frank but he just hung out in the window, nothing special. And there is this funny squirrel hauling ass like it has a burr up it’s butt, it looks like it’s head was on fire and just put out from his burnt head colorations. Oooh… you squirrely-squirrel! I need to start a tradition to raise a glass to Cindy my blue abyssinian I grew up with, that and Montara Beach, have imprinted a corner of my heart never to be re-taken.
love this story! and so happy you went with a black cat! you know, they are the least adopted of all kitties… stupid superstitions. i looove my black cat. juju sounds like a sweetheart
Congratulations on your new baby girl! =) You will keep learning more about her everyday. Cats rule!!
I’m allergic to cats, and I can’t have a dog at my apartment, so my mom got me a toy cat that purrs for Christmas. His name is Walter and he is super snuggly and low-maintenance! lol
Thanks so much for the support you guys! I’m so happy to have Juju =) Though I have to say, she’s going to end up being the most spoiled cat ever!
This takes me back to 6 months ago when I got my babies Daisy and Bijou. They bring so much joy to my life and I am so happy for you and Juju!
I had a cat growing up, and when she died I spent every Christmas begging for one until I had my own apartment. Now I’ve got two and a dog and I will never let them go, regardless of how bad my allergies are
Best of luck with Juju!!
<3 this story!!! congrats on your new family member, she's adorable!
I just adopted my kitten Maggie back in October of last year. She’s grown so much just within a couple months. She definitely makes life brighter and keeps me on my toes. I like to think her boundless energy is in some way preparing me for children. Although, she might have me spoiled as I’m sure I’ll wish babies came out of the womb bathing themselves and equipped with waste clean-up instincts like Mags.
This is kind of creepy because just a week ago, I submitted a story about my first cat to HelloGiggles and your story has some eerily similar characteristics. Enjoy your new furchild, I thoroughly enjoy mine!
They are just like children! I can remember the day I brought home my little rescue (Eggo) and she’s going to be 13 this year! She was my first pet as a “grownup”. Thanks for bringing back good memories.
Eggo?! How cute! I didn’t know about Petfinder.com so thanks for mentioning it =)
Forgot to mention…there is a site called petfinder.com and it only lists homeless pets. You can search for your area and most local shelters and rescues post pictures and descriptions of the available pets.
What a great story, it reminded me of how excited I was when I got my first pet in my first apartment. I got a cat for the local animal shelter and named him Winston. It’s strange how quickly they become another family member.
Aww, thanks Brittany! Yes, she really, really is like my child. And Winston is a fab name!