We have a cat named Tiger. We never set out to adopt a cat. After all, I’ve never had a cat (only dogs), and I don’t even particularly like cats. When I was in elementary school one of my best friends had a cat named Julie. Every single time I’d go to my friend’s house, I was terrified of her cat. She was such a mean cat. She would just look at me and hiss. She would swat my hand that was hanging off the bed at night when I was sleeping. I was so scared of her. A cat. I know how lame it sounds, believe me.

Back to Tiger…

Two years ago I noticed a cat that was always hanging around in our backyard. Of course I never touched him, but my husband said that he was a really nice cat. (No such thing in my mind.) Being the animal lover that I am, I felt really bad for the cat and I started buying cat food and feeding him. I never really thought about adopting him; I just didn’t want him to live outside and not have food.

Little by little, I started feeling more brave around him. I would even pet him on the back, never too close though. He did seem sweet, just like my husband said. After a few months passed, I really started to feel bad for this cat. I asked around if anyone wanted to adopt him, but I guess there are so many cats up for adoption and no one was interested.

Gavin and I would play in the backyard a lot and the cat would just hang out with us. He was so sweet to Gavin and never tried to claw or bite him. Finally I told Rob that I thought we should adopt him. Rob told me that there was no part of him that wanted a pet (we had just put our dog down a couple months prior), but he saw how much it meant to me so it was fine with him. I made an appointment to get him vaccinated and neutered and just checked out for the next day.

That night I went out with some of my girl friends and tried to find out all I needed to know about being a cat owner. When I got back home, I thought I would try to pick the cat up. After all, I was going to have to do that in the morning to take him to the vet. I’ve never picked up a cat in my entire life, so this was new to me. I was so nervous, but thanks to the wine I had earlier I was brave, ha, ha!

Everything went smoothly that night and the next morning. I dropped him off at the vet and everything checked out just fine. He’s a Maine Coon and these breeds are said to be more doglike than cat, which makes sense why him and I get along.

Two years later and I’m so glad he’s apart of our family. He’s the sweetest cat and so gentle with a rough four-year old. I’m glad I made the decision to adopt him because he’s added so much joy to our family. I never would have thought I’d have a cat and love him so much.