I have two cats and in February, we will celebrate our ten-year cativersary.

We have lived in five apartments in New York City, and three in Los Angeles. We traveled cross-country twice; once in the car through 13 states and once on a plane. We have known three, two-year relationships and many more that were short. Long-study nights through undergrad and now grad-school. They warmly welcome our long-term friends, and openly demonstrate disdain if they feel uncomfortable. They are the only part of the past ten years that is unwaveringly familiar right now and right now that is everything to me because we are living through a pandemic.

I have generalized anxiety and clinical depression which for me mean that I am reliant on professionals and consistency to maintain a healthy human life; in March every constant I knew stopped… except the cats.

One cat who sleeps to the right of my pillow and is desperately needy head-butts me every morning without fail. I suspect he learned this through a misunderstanding of when I kiss his head as he is lipless but nonetheless I feel his affection for me deeply. After my morning “kiss” I get up even when I would rather not.

This is because the other, now and at all times would like to play. Since the pandemic began, she (and he) get 30 dedicated minutes of activity everyday - which I’m ashamed to say I was not doing all along but am so glad to do now. We spend more time chasing shoelaces and batting catnip mice around than we ever did pre-pandemic.

My cats do not judge me when the isolation has driven me to watch three seasons of a reality tv show straight through. They’ll watch with me and express sincere shock during major plot twists and then sleep through whole episodes.

During particularly difficult pandemic days, both cats will sit next to or on me while I cry it out because the weight of everything happening in America feels too heavy. They recognize and respond to what they see which is such a simple and powerful comfort in moments that feel like none-stop falling.

They always join me on the floor for yoga where I can count on them to disrupt my child's pose. They have listened to every Taylor Swift album on repeat. EVERYTHING that a person does at home, they’ve seen me do it.

I love them so dearly.

As they pass a decade and officially become senior cats we are ready to face anything, together.

Some of the most important parts of pet parenthood are our memories, moments, or celebrations together. It could be adopting a pet and starting a life together, or the heartbreak when you must say goodbye. You can share your story by drafting it yourself, or hit me up to interview you. Email monpetitchewchew@gmail.com and we can get started.

Meet Little & Fatty: Audra's Story