I have always loved animals and I have always wanted a pet since I was a little girl. My mother would tell me stories of the cats she used to have when she was my age. I would always dream of having my own cats at home.
Now, I am living with two adorable little cats, Toby (left) and Coco (right). They are my heart and soul, and I would never trade them for anything else.
How We Found Toby
Toby is the name of our first cat, which is now four years of age. He was found by my mother at the dumpster near Pasir Ris East Community Club. He was a little kitten, looking at the cars on the road.
When he was brought home, my mother noticed that he has a skin condition and that he was dirty and extremely hungry. At that time, he was about 5 months old. We then went to the nearest minimart to purchase food for him.
He had his first bath the next day and then I started noticing spots on my skin. I thought it was just normal mosquito bites and just ignored it. Days went by and we would always play him with the toys we bought him.
Ringworms Infection
The spots I had on my skin grew bigger and they were so itchy. I had to miss a whole week of school. I was clueless of what had caused it. It was not long after I visited the clinic that my sister told me that I had ringworms all over my body. Ringworms refers to a type of fungal infection on the skin. She explained that it might have been caused by Toby.
Despite the itching and being uncomfortable, I still played with Toby. I mean, I can never blame him. It was not his fault. My mother then told me that we were gifted with a little adorable cat after years of wanting one. She told us that it was a blessing and that we are to take care of it despite the ringworms.
We continued to cure the ringworms on Toby’s skin. Not long after, his skin started looking better and his fur was starting to grow. We were so happy for him, especially after trying so hard to try and get them off.
Toby Now
Today, my little boy is four years old and living his best life. He has a playground of his own, with so many toys. He sleeps almost anywhere he wants and is always served food whenever he asks for it. My mother would always say that we do not own him, he owns us.
Toby has my heart since day one. It is pretty amazing how he understands how we are feeling. Whenever I am feeling down, he would come to me and ‘talk’ to me. He would place his palms on my face, almost like saying ‘it is going to be okay’.
My days would instantly get better whenever I come home and see him. He welcomes me home when I return home from school, and he would spend his night sleeping with me. He is truly a gift.
We Got Another Kitty
After two years of having Toby, we came across another kitten at the same place we found Toby. We brought him home and Toby was not at all happy with it. He constantly hissed at the kitten and was always making noises.
We named the new kitten, Coco due to his coat colour. We slowly introduced the two together and the same thing happened. Coco would get scared, and Toby would hiss at him again.
This actually went on for quite a while. My mother would always tell Toby to be nice to his little brother. It has been years and till today, they are still not the best of friends. I mean, they might have kissed several times, but I have never seen them grooming each other and sleeping together.
Coco, The Fiesty One
Coco is such a small little kitty. Not a day goes by without him seeking for attention. Compared to Toby, this little one is clingy and would stick by your side once you start patting him. He would always try to get Toby’s attention but fails spectacularly.
Sometimes I really do pity Coco. He is always trying to show how much he loves his brother but is always being ignored. My sister is obsessed with Coco and would annoy him all the time. I guess it is safe to say that the cat dislikes my sister.
Despite all their antics, my cats will always have a special place in my heart. They just make everything better. It may be a little tough taking care of pets. You have to stock up their food almost every month (they are not cheap). Sometimes they break things in the house and run around like nothing matters.
But if you truly understand them, cats can definitely bring a smile to your face and warm your heart every day.
