I cannot remember a time in my life that I have not had an overwhelming attachment to cats. Their soothing purrs, soft fur and tiny bean paws bring me immense joy and it has always been difficult to process that many feel the exact opposite.
I had a few cats when I was younger but it was not until high school that my parents let me get one that would be all mine. Excitement poured over me as I held her for the first time — a tiny little calico kitten that I named Amour. As she grew up, the inevitable happened and Amour soon became pregnant and began having her own kittens (this was only a matter of time since she is an outside cat).
While I could hardly wait for their birth, my parents were skeptical. This would only mean more animals around our home and, of course, I did not want to give any away. Who could be a better cat mom to them besides me? So we didn’t. Weeks passed and it was not long until Amour’s belly began swelling up again; a look that I knew all too well. This cycle repeated itself multiple times and while some ventured off on their own, three of her kittens from the last litter have stuck around.
Four cats may be one too many for some, but I love every minute of it. I come home from work and they are always there to greet me. It is the best welcoming party I could ever hope for and any other time I know where to find them if I need a pick-me-up.
While I wouldn’t bat an eye at the thought of having more kittens, I decided that the time has come for Amour to retire from motherhood. Thursday I packed her into a pet taxi and we ventured to Huntington to the vet in the early morning so she could be spayed.
Even the pouring rain could not drown out her loud cries. It was obvious that she was terrified but it is something that had to be done. And while I am upset there will no longer be any new kittens to cuddle up to, I know it was the best thing for Amour and her health.
It was easy to become selfish with Amour and her kittens throughout the years. I am fully aware of the need for animals, especially cats, to get fixed. I know it’s been a long time coming, and yes I did fail Bob Barker and his coined catchphrase to have your pets spayed or neutered many times, but the deed is finally done.
I will always have an unconditional love for cats but I am now more than content with the ones I own. From now on I will rely on trips to the pet store to get my kitten fix.
radkins@dailyindependent.com |
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