by the time goes by so fast… That’s such a cliché , but it’s a cliché because it’s true. It really does seem like yesterday Tabs was this bouncy kitten with bright green eyes and a crooked tail who would pounce in and out of my apartment. now he’s like the crabby old man who begrudgingly lets me hug him him and hold him and pet him.
He’s still all sweetness at heart, though, and being his pet mom has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. He’s been my constant companion, dance partner and sounding board for 10 years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thinking back, the first time I really felt bonded to him was the first time we took him to the vet. He was still more or less a neighborhood stray at the time, and we think he was about a year old. He would come around our old apartment building, but he always left on his nightly adventures at night.
One day we noticed some troubling things about his health. His tummy was distended (he had worms), and his eyes were watering, so we took him to the vet. On the way there, he pooped in his cat carrier, this cardboard cat carrier we had bought for him.
I went into a pet store to look for a cat shampoo and something to wash his fur with because the poor thing had pooped all over himself, and I remember talking to this lady who was helping me in the store. I burst into tears and said, “He’s so helpless. He’s just a little thing. You should hear him meowing in the car.” I just wanted to help him, and the lady gave me one of those half hugs that you give to strangers talking about their cat. but she totally got me.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cats & makeup Sweatshirt ??
$42
Shop Now
I still remember later that day. El Hub was the one who took Tabs into the tub to wash his fur, and Tabs didn’t once swat him or resist anything. He was terrified of the water, but he must have trusted and somehow known that we were trying to help him.
Tabs is the best cat any cat mom could wish to have, but I think all pet moms feel that way about their companions.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, and Tabs would like to say a special thank you to all the pet moms.
ADVERTISEMENT
Do you remember the first time you felt deeply connected to your pet companion? Did it come as a surprise to you? I’d love to hear about it.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
