When I think about it, it’s crazy to think it’s been 7 months already since I got a kitten. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, one moment all cuddly and sweet and the next panic, frustration, and a little screaming. As Katy Perry would say, hot and then cold, but such is the nature of all relationships. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies but a commitment to navigate conflict together and grow together. The little bumps in the road make your connection stronger and encourage you to appreciate the sweet little things too! Charlie is my very handsome and silly little cat and I am his loving, protective butler/parent and these love languages may apply to your little furry master, too :)
1. Spending time together
He loves spending time with me. We go on occasional little sprints, take daily midday naps, and go on movie marathons. As we are both more introverted, the stay-indoors type, just having some soft music in the background and coexisting within the space feels comforting and enough.
2. Cuddles and midday naps
Naps have always been a personal routine of mine and I’m happy he likes them too! It’s so nice to just have a moment to relax and reset before hopping back into the school grind or launching myself into a cycle of productivity. Though he occasionally snores slightly and somehow always ends up sleeping smack in the middle of my small twin size bed, the cuddles and rest are always so nice.
3. Long conversations and listening
He doesn’t really say much besides expressing his interest in choice of meal or letting me know it’s time to finally get out of bed and start my day. I fill in most of the conversation by telling him about how school is going and pouring out my thoughts and feelings. He does a good job of patiently listening though he sometimes accidentally dozes off, oops.
4. A healthy boy
Most days I find him sitting by the window, spending hours admiring all the plants and life outside. He especially loves to bask in the sunlight and do cat-cow yoga. If he’s not by the window, he’s been learning and practicing a lot of indoor parkour. He’s currently working on how to do a backflip off the wall!
5. He makes me happy and laugh
Just his presence is enough, but sometimes he’ll catch me by surprise: cutely snuggled up by my side or not-so-subtly waiting for my return from a quick grocery shopping trip or visit to the bathroom. He especially enjoys pulling pranks and doing a little hide-and-seek.
6. Encouraging self-care study breaks
With remote learning it’s easy to get caught up spending endless hours glued to a screen. When I spend too much time on my laptop he likes to gently tap me on the shoulder as if saying “Hello I’m here, I would like some attention please.” This may sound weird but sometimes he even sits on my laptop!
7. Long stares and slow blinks
Did you know your pupils dilate when you look at something you enjoy or are interested in? He looks at me with puppy-dog eyes and seems to enjoy watching me go about my daily activities. I’ll sing or do a silly dance but he always just stares at me with a sense of deep wonder and confusion. I try to express my feelings through slow blinks hoping he’ll somehow telepathically understand me.
8. New habits
Since he’s moved into my family’s home, he’s been encouraging me to be an early riser. Getting up in the morning can be so difficult, especially when life seems to revolve around a small screen in my room. However, every morning without fail at 5:20am, I can hear him quietly stretch and let out a big yawn before hopping onto my bed. As a light sleeper, I’m immediately awoken and I begrudgingly drag my feet downstairs to prepare breakfast. Though it can be tiring to wake up so early, our midday nap helps replenish both our energies for the rest of the day.
9. He’s comfortable being vulnerable
It’s not easy opening up to others; I feel honored that he feels comfortable to shed a few tears and be himself. He loves to roll around on the floor and permits the occasional belly rub. He’s not afraid to show affection or demand attention at times by sitting himself comfortably in my lap. When something isn’t to his liking, he clearly communicates that with a mild bite, ouch. I still love him though.
10. He likes his loving nicknames
Having a cute nickname can be embarrassing but he enjoys the endearing names my family and I have given him. Bean, Charlito, Charlie – he loves them all. Whenever any one of us calls him, his big eyes light up and he giddily walks over. Sometimes he’ll even start purring in anticipation.