'You need them as much as they need you': First-Time Cat Owner Adopts An Orange Kitty And Discovers The Joy Of Having Cats

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Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
May 10, 2024 12:00 PM EDT

There are some things that we have learned over our time as cat owners that we had no idea about before having cats. We've loved cats always, don't get us wrong. And we have always known that cats are awwdorable, and that cats are hilarious, and that cats cause chaos wherever they go and that all of these things are equally as impawtant and purrfect. We knew… but we didn't. We only knew in theory how much cats bring into people's lives, and then we adopted…

Let us tell you, having a cat changes everything. You think you know just how pawmazing it will be to have one, but you have no idea. Yes, they're cute and funny and chaotic, but you do not really understand how much joy and calmness they bring into your life until you have one. And then, once you do, suddenly, the sentence "you need them as much as they need you" truly starts making sense. 

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  • 01
    Posted by u/Apprehensive-Fun5366 5 days ago As a prior pet-free person, I never understood the "you need them as much as they need you" sentiment. Then, I adopted a cat. Adoption
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366

    Yes, you absolutely do need them as much as they need you, and that is something that is entirely impawssible to convey to someone who doesn't and has never had cats before. You can live without them, yes, but after getting them… after seeing everything that they bring into your life, no, you cannot live without them anymore. 

  • 02
    My parents were vehemently pet-free so I never had any type of animal in the home growing up. I spent my entire 20s without a pet since I was finishing up my post-secondary education (took about 8 years, total and I was constantly moving around and working weird hours). Once my husband and I settled, we talked more and more about getting a pet.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366

    And cats bring a lot with them. Cats will make it their mission to cause as much chaos in your life as pawssible, and you know what? You will be thankful for it. Because those chaotic moments will be the ones that you will remember the most, the one that you will laugh at until your elderly years.

  • 03
    We initially thought a dog; he grew up with dogs and until my cat, dogs were my absolute favorite animal. We were also open to cats though, and realized they fit our lifestyle a bit better but still weren't sure.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 04
    We made an appointment to visit a shelter to look at dogs. We didn't seem to have a connection with any of them, unfortunately, and most were far too large for our condo.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 05
    We impulsively decided to look at cats. Don't know why, we just felt compelled to. We go to the cat section and this big, orange longboi is staring at us. He is really sweet. Long story short, we fell IN LOVE.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 06
    4 years later and we swear to god this cat is the best thing thing that has ever happened to us.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 07
    The absolute joy he brings us is unmeasurable. You could have your worst day yet, and it will never be as bad as it could be because when you get home, you have a sweet angel waiting for you.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 08
    I have some serious mental health issues as well- ones that have left me hospitalized before- and my cat has helped me in ways I didn't think was possible. Like, getting out of bed to feed him and see his face made my days a little brighter.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 09
    "You need them as much as they need you" I concur. (Edit: was previously "conquer") Edit: wow! I did not expect this much attention. Y'all get it □ I also love the cat photos in the comments.
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 10
    Apprehensive-Fun5366 OP 5 days ago This is Waffles doing what he does best:
    via u/Apprehensive-Fun5366
  • 11
    Render_Music · 5 days ago I come from a history of abuse and when I started living with cats, it felt like the first time I felt unconditional love. They taught me to care about something outside of myself, and that led to me taking better care of myself. Funny how that works. They are the best thing to ever happen to me.
    via u/Render_Music
  • 12
    Something Else_2112 · 5 days ago We couldn't agree more.
    via u/Something_Else_2112
  • 13
    Christ Befallen. 5 days ago I am so happy for you ☑ My 3 orange boys keep me extremely happy and well loved. I could exist without them.
    via u/ChristBefallen
  • 14
    Sweaty_Mushroom5830 5 days ago
    via u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830
  • 15
    Spent time in prison, and I don't trust anyone much but I would die for my cat but then she would be all alone and I don't think anyone else would take her in, When I'm having a hard time she's right there showing me love, and taking better care of me than anyone else ever has
    via u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830
  • 16
    EastCoastBen · 5 days ago If there was a universe where there was a cat version of Pinky and the Brain they would be living in my house. I love them to absolute bits and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without their incessant harassment and demand for attention.
    via u/EastCoastBen
  • 17
    Cat tax: Tilly (pinky, fluffy one in the back) & Dax (the brain, with the coffee stained mouth in the front)
    via u/EastCoastBen
  • 18
    . Broken Necklace23 5 days ago They are full of love. So glad you found your friend.
    via u/BrokenNecklace23
  • 19
    FreckledLasseh · 5 days ago Gary is only my work cat (I have two more at home) but how do people exist without this love? He's the reason I come to work, really.
    via u/FreckledLasseh
  • 20
    SunnyMaine Berry · 5 days ago Orange boys are such good boys! Even when they're derpy
    via u/SunnyMaineBerry

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