There has been much debate as to whether it’s appropriate to use terms like “fur babies” and “fur mom.” Some feel that referring to animals as babies is inappropriate in comparison to the care it takes to actually raise human children. I understand that these are the pressing issues that can keep people up at night, so I felt that it was also important to address that I don’t care. Here are some signs that you too are, unapologetically, a Cat Mom.
1. YOUR DAY BEGINS AT FEEDING TIME
Depending on your cat’s circadian rhythm, it could be 1 AM, 4 AM, or the rarer 6 AM. Mostly it’s because they’ve broken your will and you realized that feeding them at an ungodly hour means that you can just go back to sleep. When the stars align, the cat blesses you with a day to sleep in, as a sign of gratitude. But don’t get used to it.
2. YOU KNOW ALL THEIR FAVORITE THINGS
You know their favorite food (Friskies fillets or bits, not shreds or paté, with cheese is acceptable). You know their favorite hiding places. You know where they like to be scratched. You know their routine. Ultimately, they’re like people. No two are exactly the same, and they each have unique personalities.
3. YOU BUY THEM TOYS…
…Even though you know a bottle cap or shoelace is just as entertaining. Toy shopping is more for you than it is for them. It feels nice to browse the pet store with your babies in mind. It’s even more rewarding to find something they really like.
4. YOU WISH TO UNDERSTAND THEIR NATURE...
...And you accept Jackson Galaxy as the official cat guru. His YouTube channel has amazing tips for every cat owner. Naughty behavior can sometimes mean the cat is missing out on something essential. Sometimes they are just doing what is in their nature, and not realizing that it’s messing up your stuff! Jackson’s videos show simple ways to help create a happy home for both cats and owners.
5. YOU FIND YOURSELF READILY INCONVENIENCED, AND DON’T SEEM TO MIND
Sometimes they want to sit on your laptop an hour before an assignment is due. Sometimes you can scarcely remember the last time you went to the restroom in peace. If they weren't so darned cute it would be majorly annoying by now.
6. YOU CAN COMMUNICATE TELEPATHICALLY
Just one look and you know what your cat is feeling. You can communicate perfectly well without even a meow.
7. YOUR FAMILY WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT THEM
There's nothing that can describe the loving bond you have with your babies. They just get you, and are always around when you need to smile after a hard day. Bottom line, they are family.
I know that parenting and having a pet are not the same thing. If someone else having a pet makes you feel like less of a parent, there’s nothing I can do about that.
Signed, unapologetically,
A Cat Mom
