I grew up in a household where dogs and cats were always running around. My family and I are passionate about rescuing animals from local animal shelters and rescue leagues. There was never a point in my childhood where there were no furry, four-legged friends greeting me at the door after a long day at school. I slept every night in my queen-sized bed with one of my cats taking up the entire empty side of the bed. It is an understatement to say that it was hard for me to adjust to college life where animals aren't allowed.
My freshman year I noticed myself not becoming homesick for my parents, friends, or house, but for my pets. I learned that VCU was a place where it was popular for students to move off campus and adopt pets. I always knew that could be an option for me but I wasn't sure if I was ready for that responsibility. I became friends with people who had cats and tried to fill the empty space in my heart by visiting their cats. Even though I loved spending time with my friends' cats, it wasn't the same as having my own.
My junior year in college I moved to an apartment building that allowed pets. This was my chance. I convinced my parents to let me adopt a kitten from Richmond Animal League the summer before I moved into the building. The RAL had two kittens that were up for adoption and when I went to visit them, I instantly fell in love with a two-month-old tabby. I signed the paperwork and he was mine. My new kitten Oliver and I bonded like a mother and a child over the summer. I was nervous to take him to my new apartment in Richmond, but the move ended up being the best thing for us.
The moment I walked into my new apartment with my kitten by my side, he jumped out of his carrying case and ran around his new home. He immediately ran up to our big windows that look out over The Fan and rolled around in the sun shining in.
I admit I was nervous when classes started. I was going to have to leave Oliver alone for long periods of time and I felt horrible about it. Like a mother, I had separation anxiety from my baby. The good thing about having to leave him for some time in the day was the welcome he would give me when I got home. He always ran up to me, laid on the floor, and stretched for me when I came through the door.
Having a cat in college has been the most rewarding experience for me. Its not only the warm welcomes home that make owning a cat so great; another reason that makes it so amazing is that cats can sense sadness and stress. Whenever I feel stressed and need to lie down, Oliver is always there to cuddle with me and make me feel better. His ongoing purr will always make me feel more at ease.
Having a cat has also taught me so much about responsibility. I now have to manage my money so I have enough for cat food and litter. It doesn't seem like those things would be expensive, but they add up. I also have to make sure Oliver always has food and water, and his kitty litter box always needs to be clean. Even though these tasks can be annoying to do, they are worth it to keep my little fur ball around.
If you ever have the chance to adopt a cat while you are in college, you should definitely take the opportunity. They will help you through stressful times and can teach you something about responsibility. Having a cat in college has been the best experience for me and I couldn't imagine college without Oliver by my side.
