Before you jump to conclusions, neither are happening in my life anytime soon, so you can heave a sigh of relief (I know I would have!).
But what did happen is this sudden crazy obsession that I developed
with adopting a cat. I really can’t explain it. I am intrinsically a dog
person. But given our lifestyles, have pretty much accepted that keeping a dog
as a pet is completely out of the question. A cat, however, seemed to be much easier
to handle and take care of, specially by two people who still haven't completely figured out how to take care of themselves.
That said, me being the over-obsessed ME, I HAD to conduct all the
background checks humanly possible, starting from following a gazillion animal
groups, to googling everything to do with cats and first time cat owners (let
it be known that crazy cat lady memes made me pause for a second, but didn’t manage
to completely deter me), to talking to everyone I could think of who would know
anything about cats.
And of course, talking to friends and families about their
opinions.
Now, anyone with even the slightest bit of wisdom would be
able to tell you, that that’s the BIGGEST MISTAKE ever. NEVER ask people about
something you’re obsessed about, because they will invariably give you enough
emotional and scary stories mixed with a little bit of logic to scare you off
your goals FOREVER.
Now, anyone who knows me will also know that I came super
prepared with every answer possible, and definitely managed to combat
everything and send them flying in the opposite direction full Kill Bill ishtyle (add a little Hanzo swoosh for style). But
what did come out of all these interactions were a list of very pertinent questions
and statements, which I am quite thankful for, and which did eventually help me
decide on the way ahead. Here are a few of my favourites, along with my
answers, which can probably be used by you if you ever got the sudden crazy
idea of adopting an egomaniacal creature.
- What will you do when you go for a vacation? Stuff it in my suitcase and sneak it onto the flight?
- Do you know of vets? You mean people who used to be in the army?!?! Oh, THAT vet. Next on my list, once I figure out a doc for myself.
- What if it tears up your favourite dress? More shopping, Yayyy! On a serious note, I shall learn to actually clean my house.
- Who will clean the poo? Self cleaning litter yo!
- Who will walk it? Cats don’t walk, they sleep!
- Can you afford it? It can play with my credit cards?
- Cats are judgemental creatures dude. Billi kameeni hoti hai. *Dumb struck. Absolutely no response*
- What does A think about this? Wait, I need to ask him?!
- Are the two of you in that stage in your relationship that you can handle such a responsibility without it impacting you negatively? Err…
OK, so I gave much more intelligent answers than that,
except the last one. And the billi kameeni hoti hai one, because really, how
does one respond to either of those?!
All in all, the decision has been made to not go ahead with
such weird whims as assuming one can take care of another living thing and not
torture the crap out of it. And I have to thank all the beautiful people in my
life for it.
But here’s the one thing I have to say to everyone. The next
time you meet a newly or not-so-newly married couple, ask them these questions,
instead of asking them “When is the good news?”. Because, really, I have to
believe, that as responsible human beings we all realize, that these questions
are so much more important when it comes to popping out babies than anything
else, no? Ask them if they’re ready for the responsibility, the expense, the
reduction in holidays, the doctor visits, their relationship changing. Because I really
really have to believe, that if adopting a cat would raise such serious (and
valid) concerns, surely, these will be raised before pressurizing couples to
extend their families, no?
No?
P.S. I’m very lucky in that respect, with zilch pressure
from anyone about starting a family. At least at the moment.
P.P.S. I am in no way saying that babies are judgemental or kameene. These things cannot be said
aloud. You know.
