In honor of Valentine's Day, I share with you some warm and fuzzy news. Kittens are in the house! Need I say more? OK, yes I must.
I have two new men in my life this Valentine's Day. Here is Sochi and Mr.White: A Kitty Adoption Love Story!..
Meet Sochi.. (drying off in his first sunbean after his first bath at his forever home)
He likes to sleep in my cosmetics trolly in my bathroom..
And I just sit. And watch him sleep. Because he wiggles and sprawls. Slumps and rolls. Adorable.
And this is Mr.White. He is two days behind Sochi on getting acclimated to his new home, so he spends a lot of time sprawling his long lean body in his fluffy salmon-colored tent. (He is a bit camera shy right now and who can blame him! He grew up on the mean streets of South LA, young and scared.)
StoryTime.
Walk through my apartment and you will see images of my sweet Nelly cat everywhere. On just about every wall is a tiny framed photo, a painting, a snapshot. Signs that my husband and I still think about her everyday. Miss her desperately every morning when we wake up to a quiet room, and every night when we go to bed without her fuzzy paws kissing our toes, her little body draped between us like a warm blanket.
Losing Nelly, my best friend for thirteen years, so suddenly to kitty cancer last November was one of... No, actually I think, the hardest thing I have ever gone through. That feels odd saying considering the other struggles I have gone through in life. But this was the first sadness that I could never mend, never resolve and had absolutely no control over. It stung so painfully and seared a gash so deeply in my heart. As I've explained before, Nelly was a special cat who came to me at a special time. I grew up with her. I went from being a silly, confused, somewhat broken 20 year-old to being a married, justified, whole woman. Every step, Nelly was there.
The hole she left has been hard to manage, but I am surprised to say that I have found strength in myself. I almost think that Nelly watches over my now more powerfully in spirit than she did here on Earth. She is my guardian kitty. OK, ok, enough of the heavy. Did I lose you? I hope not. Because here comes the HAPPY part..
So the past few weeks I have started looking in the mirror during my workdays, and the face staring back at me seemed oddly lonely and sad. (I had never done this work-from-home thing without Nelly. She was my best co-worker ever!) There was less glow and twinkle in my eyes. And I knew why. I missed Nelly. But even more simply, I missed having a sweet animal to communicate with and smile at all day long. After she left us, I realized how much laughter and light Nelly truly brought to our cozy little world. And all the pet owners out there I'm sure can agree that animals provide an indescribable salvation to your day. A warmth and level of comfort that no human can ever match. Animals operate on such a unique plane in this world. Their energy is so sweet, genuine and honest. They want nothing more than to love and be loved. Kisses, meals, cozy spots and afternoon naps. Such simple things. In return, they provide you with something more valuable than anything: unconditional love.
So.
Last Friday night as the Olympics in Sochi began, I had a deep feeling that it was time. Time to, well, at least go look at kitties up for adoption. So last Saturday, after an amazing brunch at Real Food Daily my husband and I casually strolled to a kitty adoption session that happens every weekend at a local pet store. We studied the stacks of metal crates filled with fuzzy, wide-eyed cats and kittens. So many precious cats in need of homes. I saw two lush orange cats cuddled on top of each other, with wise eyes and sweet silent meows. A long-haired, beautiful grey and white cat with a sturdy, playful stance. A rambunctious white kitten whacking the heck out of a stringy toy as giggling store customers looked on. And then in two side by side cubes there were two quiet small kittens draped in their kitty hammocks, looking as chill as can be.
I hunched over and started talking to the bright-eyed tabby cat and his sparkling yellow-green eyes gazed back at me, as he movied his little nose up to the grated cage to sniff my scent. The adoption volunteers asked if I wanted to hold him. I looked at my husband and smiled widely. Uh-oh. So wrapped in a thick sack blankie, out came Tomas (whose name I changed to Sochi. I pronounce it so-chee, even though my husband confirmed that the correct pronunciation of the city Sochi is Saw-chee.) I cradled him for a good twenty minutes before giving my husband a look of, "I want him!"
I was suddenly filling out adoption forms and feeling like I was jumping into this a bit, but I couldn't help myself. Was this nuts? A cat will be a 10, 15, 20, or more year commitment! Was I ready to do this again? I was diving heart-first. Even though, to be honest, my overly analytical brain was telling me I wasn't quite ready for a "new" cat.
Then Sochi's foster mom, a very sweet older woman who has a house full of cats in need (amazing lady!), explained to me how "sweet" these two kitties were. Utterly SWEET. And that the little black kitty in the other cage was Sochi's brother and they were snuggle buddies. I saw the little black face peeking over his hammock wondering why his brother was in my arms. My heart MELTED. I had a feeling this wasn't over. But out the door I went with Sochi. It felt scary standing in the brisk parking lot, the twilight sky overhead, a wide-eyed, confused kitten in a carrier in my arms. But off we went!
So why didn't I adopt the black kitty too? Well I just didn't think of two. That seemed like too much at first thought. But as I have learned, two cats can actually be easier!
Anyways, Sochi's first night alone in my bathroom was good. Even though he cried a bit the first two nights. I called the foster mom on day two and she said that Sochi's brother was even worse off! He had to be moved into a new cage and was being whacked at constantly by two older cats. And he is SUCH a passive and sweet cat that when he gets whacked at he literally just melts down and goes limp. No defenses.
Well this BROKE MY HEART. So I took a long hot bath and thought things through. Then called back Sochi's foster mom and said I would love to do a trial of the two kitties. I met her at their first vet appointment and the rest is history. After about two hours with Mr.White (the black kitty with a tiny white tip on his tail) I knew we had to keep him.
I never planned on adopting TWO kittens, let alone ONE so soon. But I honestly cannot believe how much happier I feel with these two crazy kittens rolling around in my bathroom. They have taken over what was my cosmetics trolly and turned it into a bunk bed of sorts. They are too small and a bit too scared and mischievous to adventure around the rest of our place yet, so bathroom buddies they are for now.
brothers..
Oh and the reasons for the names?
Sochi: I thought this would be such a cute name, and it commemorates the time when I decided that I was ready to save another kitty. During the 2014 Sochi Olympics!
MrWhite: Ha. OK, so I promised my husband that if he was OK with two cats he could name the second one. We loved the show Breaking Bad so he was calling the black kitty Heisenberg for the first day, then we switched it to Mr.White simply because the kitty is so prim and proper and polite that he looks like a "Mr" something. Mr.White stuck.
Nelly is still a very visible part of my life and I still talk to her in spirit every day, and kiss her photo by my bed goodnight. I have always loved cats, we had them everywhere when I was a kid. But I have to thank Nelly for teaching me that I can open my heart to animals for the rest of my life. And never feel guilty or sad for moving on, but truly grateful that I was gifted such a special creature to motivate and fill my heart in so many ways. Forever. Thank you Nelly.
And to all the pet owners out there, thank you for loving your animals. It is not always easy to have a pet. But the rewards in the end last forever.
So Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Much love from our busy kitten home to yours.
Mama Bug says
Thank you for keeping them together! We've always adopted siblings and have had great success. They have such a great relationship from the start and are very supportive of each other. Good luck with your little love bugs!
Gabrielle says
Awwww, what a great story. I'm so glad you adopted them both. You had room in your heart for these guys, and I'm sure the time was right. 🙂
Susie Kaboozie Ⓥ says
Kathy, I just wanted to let you know that I've read your story three times now because it gives me hope. I learned on Monday that my kitty, Luna, has cancer. It truly is the most difficult thing I've ever had to cope with. She's been with me all 15 years of her life. I got her when I graduated high school and she's helped me grow up. I'm grateful for the remaining time I'll have with her and trying my best to live in the present. Even so, knowing that you adopted these 2 adorable kittens who have helped fill the void in your heart... it gives me solace. Thank you.
Sarah says
This made me cry so much! I really feel for you losing Nelly. My little rescue cat is similarly precious to me and I dread the day when I will be without her. I'm so happy that you have adopted the gorgeous kittens - what a wonderful thing both for you and them. In other news, I have just discovered your website and think it's wonderful! You have inspired me to go completely vegan (something I have been trying to do for a while...). xx
Carol Schmoker says
Congratulations on the new furry purry babies. Once you live with them, it's hard to be without them.
readforpleasure says
Congratulations on your adoption and enjoy the new love you share with Sochi and Mr. White. Through losing pets in the past, then adopting again, I've found you never replace your previous pets in your heart, your heart simply expands to accept new love. I have two sister cats that I rescued as kittens, and they are exactly like your two, one tiger and one all black, except my all black is literally all black, no top of white for her. LOL. But my Emily could be your Sochi.
Julie F says
What a lovely story! I'm glad to hear you decided to decided to adopt again. My husband and I adopted 2 female cats when we were first married. Unfortunately they weren't adopted together and never did really get along well. We still managed and loved them dearly until we lost one in 2010 at the age of 14 and then 2nd in 2012 at age 18. Like you, we found our house too quiet and sad. After about 6 months, at Christmas, my husband gave me a card that said inside "I think it's time we adopted again". In January of 2013 we adopted 2 boy kitties, age 8 months, both tabbies. They are brothers as well and had been in the same cage at the shelter. One looks almost exactly like Sochi and the other is a silvery grey coloured tabby. We named them Oscar and Felix. We had forgotten how active young cats are and we had never experienced boy cats before. It took a while for us to adjust to the level of activity, but they adjusted very well to our home. They are very loving to each other and very affectionate with us as well. We could not be happier. I know you will be too.
Julia Ralston says
Kathy, I'm so happy you have purr-babies back in your life. They are beautiful. Mr. White reminds me of my Cairo, I had him 17 years and still miss him everyday. I understand that special closeness, he loved me and accepted me just the way I am and no one will ever replace him but I do miss having a cat in my life.
Rosanna says
Kathy, they are beautiful kitties!.. I'm also a cat lover and thinking of adopting a kitten. The hardest part will be when I will introduce my cat (Scooter) to him/her but I'll make sure that they will love each other. When we love animals, it's easier to love everybody else... they teach us to be unconditional!
ninacp says
i was hoping to read this post for quite a while! :). this is a wonderful story and all of you were meant to be together. i was so heartsick for you and your husband when you lost nelly, but i think she is working her magic and picked the right kittens to help ease you back into a home filled with fur :). best wishes for the integration from the bathroom and so looking forward to seeing more of them in the future (as the owner of two black cats, i am so smitten with mr. white!)
7iThor says
So cute! Not only is it great that they get to stay together and be brothers but it will make the experience (of raising two cats) different than your last so maybe you can experience it easier instead of feeling a comparison. I bet Nelly is looking on in spirit and purring away with happiness seeing you so happy!
Megan Jones says
Congrats! They are super cute!
Best Lasik Surgeon says
Haha! Epic cats! I can't wait to have my own!
Molly Bryers says
Congratulations!! Those kitties are too cute for words. I am also thinking of getting a new kitty. I'm in a new apartment and missing the dog who lived at my old place. There is definitely something to be said for the light and warmth pets bring to our lives! Nelly would be happy two new friends have found such a loving home. 🙂
Lisa C. says
Such a great story and I am so happy you decided to adopt the two kitties! I was thinking that Mr. White was after Shaun White since he was at the Sochi Olympics 🙂
maleyneil says
🙂 Congratulations! We adopted two feral brothers, and I am so happy they have each other. Nelly will never leave you, and now you've opened your home & heart to two new friends —I am so happy for all of you.
lisatberry says
Congratulations...so happy for those kitties to have such a wonderful new home...you have to get a photo of Mr. White's tail...Happy Valentines Day
Tuca Santos says
This is great! I'm so happy you've decided to adopted new frîends! I remember when I lost my Tabatha and it was the worse time of my life. The pain was so great but when I'd decided I was ready for a new friend and went to the animal shelter, when Blossom looked at me and I saw Tabatha's eyes staring straight bk into mine, I knew I was doing the right thing. I was feeling a bit guilty for trying to adopt a new cat so soon, about 4 months after her death, but when I saw those eyes, I knew Tabatha gave me the ok to love and be loved again.
Michelle Freeman says
They are adorable, I'm very happy for you.
Cadry says
This post brought bittersweet, happy, and sad tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for all of you and am glad that you feel Nelly's presence around you. Those are two lucky brothers! 🙂
The Vegan Cookie Fairy says
They're both so adorable!!! A home without pets could never be a home to me. I'd pick animals over people any day.
RockMyVeganSocks says
awww Kathy! I'm so happy for you and your little family =) This is such a cute story. I know you are still having a hard time and missing Nelly cat, but this is very exciting news that you are opening up your home to two kitties how really need it. Beautiful =)
Crystal Elston says
SOOO very happy for you Kathy. Congratulations to you and your husband. They are both absolutely beautiful.My first cat (age 4) was black and grew to be large (tall and imposing), long hair, and gorgeous. His name was Beast (because he was a trouble maker as a kitten). Our other cat was very manly and proper, smooth short black hair and his name was Magic.I still carry a picture of them in my wallet and I will be 40 this year. Our Angels are family - always. Glad to see your has grown again. Best wishes always.
Deb says
What a beautiful story...thanks for sharing Kathy.
Kelli says
Congratulations on your new friends! We lost 2 kitties about a year and half ago ~ kitty cancer and congestive heart failure ~ and they have already returned to us in new kitten bodies. These are beautiful ones to add to your family!
Chrissy says
Your little Mr. White looks exactly like a baby version of our cat Cosmo who died in November. I look forward to seeing lots of pictures of Mr. White as he grows up!
Nezumi says
That's my kind of love story. It made my heart all fuzzy.
Thank you for sharing!
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you A.L.! Aw Jim Morrison... love that name hehe 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you! 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw GREAT comment! 🙂
Isn't it the BEST when it all works out in adoption? Sometimes it just feels right and perfect and happy. I love the name Moondance - how creative and fun. I am so happy that May found you and that Binky and May are friends! That is so happy. RIP sweet Moondance and love to you and your sweet kitties! <3
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw, thank you Angela. xo 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Amy and thank you for the fostering work you did! Foster moms are amazing. It takes more than just a home, but love, hours, money and more. And then you have to be strong enough to let those little cuties go when they find a forever home. So impressive.
And yes, I adore that thought. Honoring Nelly by giving happy homes to even more kitties like her. <3
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks AB! Happy to share my happiness! Glad you like the names, it was a loooooong process! At one I was calling Sochi "Willow" because he seemed SO sweet and quiet at first. Well now that I see how rambunctious he is I am glad I chose Sochi!
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw Lisa that is A LOT of love going on in one house!! Awesomeness. And yes, I wish everyone who has the means to adopt takes a leap of faith and does it. My husband never had pets before Nelly and he was and still is amazed by how much better life can be with a sweet pet (or more) in your home. These animals are such sweet and innocent souls, it is so beautiful when humans open their hearts and take care of them and show them LOVE. 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
haha!!! love that! it is such a fun name to say. I love calling pets "Mr" and "Mrs" 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Ah yes, and isn't unconditional love the BEST!? 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
hehe thanks John!
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Kelly 🙂 Love is all we have.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Beth! Hehe I love the image of a wiggly doggie being hugged tightly. 🙂 I am so happy to have brought them into my world! Let the kitty adventures begin.. x2!
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw thank you so much, that is so sweet of you to say. I know Nelly is smiling in every sunbeam. I'm sure she loves these little cuties just as much as I do. xoxo <3
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks Aimee! 🙂 xo
Kathy Patalsky says
Aw Ann that is so wonderful. 17 is a lovely long life too! Bella and Sofia sound like little angels. It is amazing how animals can heal us complicated humans with their innocent and glowy little souls. love to you guys.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Laurie 🙂 Yes I am trying to soak in all the kitten moments I can get since I know they grow up so fast! Having these kittens brings back so many memories of when Nelly was a crazy little kitten! It is lovely 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Joann, yes it is easy to be happy with kittens in the house!
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks Kelly 🙂 <3
Kathy Patalsky says
I agree with this now! Two kittens is quite a joy for them and for me.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks Katie!
Katie @ Produce on Parade says
Aw, congratulations on the adoptions! That is a lovely Valentine's Day story indeed 🙂 Fills my heart with happiness! For you, and both those little buddies!
Megan @fittingintovegan.com says
Good for you - and two kitties is definitely better than one. They are the only way to mend a broken heart!
Kelly Noonan says
So very happy for you....and the kitties of course! Everyone got rescued and Nellie would be proud!
Joann M Lakes Elliott says
So happy to hear of your family additions!!! You seem to be beaming! 🙂
Laurie A. says
Oh Kathy, I'm so happy for you. Those two kitties are going to have such a special and loving home. I work from home too and even though my kitties are getting older and mostly just sleep all day, I couldn't imagine not having them around, watching them sleep and talking to them when they get up for a nip of water. Enjoy those two little beauties, especially this fun, quickly passing kitten-time! 🙂
Ann Appleyard says
I am so very happy that you are brimming with excitement for these two sweet kitties. They don't even yet have a clue how lucky they have just become! I too, am a cat lover, with two 11 year old Himalayans litter mates, Bella and Sofia. I got them they day after my 17 year old kitty had passed away because my daughter didn't ever want to be alone in our home. They helped us heal. I completely understand each word that you've written about your kitties along your journey. Your heart is now about to grow in a new and beautiful way. I can't wait to hear all about it!
Aimee Brimmer says
Brought happy tears to my eyes! I'm incredibly happy for you!! (((hugs)))
PonderWhy says
Thank the heavens and all the gods there be!!! I have wished and prayed for you to find your way again. I am crying happy tears and Nelly is smiling in every sunbeam. Enjoy your kitten blessing.
Beth says
Kathy, This is beautiful. I am hugging my dog a little more tightly tonight (if he doesn't try to wiggle away out of embarrassment due to his mom being such as sap). So happy to see you bringing two new lives into your world while continuing to honor Nelly. The kitties are precious!
Kelly's Continuation says
I love your stories. I followed your stories of Nelly and yes teared up. Love is strong and we can move on with it.
John Hartil says
Super...!!!
Jeanne Misner says
Beautiful. So much unconditional love happening here.
Jennifer Solomon says
Love it, congrats! We also just adopted an orange and white kitty, who we also named Mr. White!!!
LisaVegan says
aww...sooo sweet! Now I have to go re-apply my makeup! But having a houseful of rescue animals...2 dogs, 4 cats, 2 finches and a pigeon - this story is what I wish for everyone! If every person adopted one animal, (or two) the world would be a happier place!
A B says
So happy for you! And they do look so sweet!! Love the names too. Thank you for sharing the happiness!!
Amy_in_Austin says
Oh- I just love this post!!! As someone who has fostered AND rescued both kitties and pups, I completely understand where you're coming from. This is such a special gift you have given the brothers, and I hope they bring you so much joy. They say the best way to honor a pet is to give life to another. I bet Nelly is really happy right now.
Angela says
This adoption story has turned me into a puddle on the floor. Sochi and Mr. White are adorable! Congratulations to you, your husband, and those beautiful kittens who are destined to live a wonderful life in your care 🙂
ally says
What a GREAT story!! I just recently adopted a tabby cat "May" after loosing my beloved black cat Moondance during Christmas. He was 14 years old and had complications from renal failure. I also have a 12 year old tuxedo cat Binky that felt the loss as much as I did and moped around the house looking for him. When I saw a pic of May on a local adoption site, there was something in her eyes that I knew I had to meet her. I knew as soon as I saw her she was coming home with me. She and Binky act like they have known each other forever! I feel Moondance had a 'paw' in this and we have his blessing. Two cats are twice the love!! May your two new bundles of sweetness bring you much joy and happiness!!
Johanna says
I love tiger kitties.
Guest says
Congratulations!!
A.L. says
Congratulations on your new companions, Kathy! Opening your arms, heart and home to these TWO beautiful little bundles of joy is a fine way to celebrate the lessons Nelly has taught you. 🙂 I know she is looking down on you with fondness and adoration for your welcoming of these two innocent little kitties into your life. I hope all of the years to come with them are full of love, light, happiness and strength xo
P.S., Sochi looks exactly like my little boy Jim Morrison. 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks Abby! I am so happy it worked out this way. I think two cats really is amazing. So far anyways! They play together, watch out for each other and snuggle together. Sochi is quite the dominant kitty and tries to eat MrWhite's food. It is hilarious watching their different personalities unfold. So YES I love the 2-for-1 kitty adopts! 🙂 xo
Kathy Patalsky says
aw Richa that is so sweet!! I don't know how those amazing foster moms and dads do it. They are incredible. YOU are incredible! Thanks for the love.
Kathy Patalsky says
So sorry about your sweet Cassie Megan! This is a very rough time for you I know. But keep hope. There will be furry love in your life again one day if you keep an open heart and mind..and it will just feel right and you will feel that happiness again. Cassie will always have a forever place in your heart. And only you will know when you are ready. Don't feel rushed by anyone. Healing and mourning is a very worthy pause in life. Sending you many hugs and much love. The kittens send you purrs. xo
Megan says
Thank you 🙂 your whole story with Nelly and now these kitties has given me so much hope to know I will be okay. I'm still very sad but happy for the experiences and memories I had with my little girl. 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
thank you Suzanne!
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks Caitlin! 🙂
Suzanne says
Awe yay! congrats on your new love bundles 🙂
Megan says
Aw, this warms my heart Kathy 🙂 I'm so happy you've given not only one but two kitties a loving home. It's been two weeks since my cat Cassie died, who we've had in the family for 10 years, ever since she was born. It was so sudden and it hit us all very hard. It's so lonely here now since she was the only animal and I hope I can one day open my heart up to another kitty or other animal. So happy for you guys!! I know the kitties will love their new home with you.
Vegan Richa says
Aww this is the sweetest story ever. I cried for 4 days after my first foster got adopted from an event and i wasnt even there to say goodbye or get contact information from the adoptive parents. I can only hope he is super happy in his forever home. I would have been a foster failure if he stayed with us for another week. 🙂 our spoilt adopted fluffster is enjoying his me time this year with no foster kids. its just so hard to let them go.
Abby Heugel says
This makes my heart so happy! At our Humane Society they actually have a "Adopt one cat, get one free" policy in that many come in together and two do better at acclimating than one, so I wasn't surprised to see you had two brought into your life and your heart 😉 What a wonderful Valentine's gift--to you all!