- I resisted to get a pet for my daughter for a while.
- I couldn’t resist a 6-week-old kitten named Luna.
- I didn’t anticipate how having a cat would help me when my kids are at their dad’s house.
At first, I was extremely reluctant to get a pet as a newly divorced mom of two.
Whenever my 7-year-old daughter Vivian asked if we could get a kitten for her birthday, I imagined it would only be more work for me, more money spent, and it would claw at the newly purchased couch. However, just for fun, we scrolled kittens at an animal shelter, and we were both awed by a black kitten who was only 6 weeks old.
At the sight of Luna, I finally caved.
The cat wasn’t a burden as I thought
I’ll never forget my daughter dashing into my apartment to see her kitten and cuddle it. Luna and Vivian were quite a pair during their first week together. The next week, it was just me and Luna, and it hit me: as a divorced parent, splitting time with my kids week to week, I would see Luna much more than my daughter would.
To my surprise, I realized a cat wasn’t a burden; caring for Luna was exactly what I needed to lower my stress and distract my heartache when I missed my kids.
Luna has become my constant companion I didn’t know I needed. During the last two and half years, she has become, the therapy cat I didn’t know I needed, making me smile when I’m lonely and bringing out my nurturing energy and playfulness.
When she was little, she kneaded my chest and fell asleep on me. I stayed still as we lay together, which reminded me of holding an infant. Luna has her own toy box, she chases feathers and mouse-shaped toys, but mostly, she likes chewing on my daughter’s hair ties that have fallen on the bathroom floor.
Now Luna is bigger and rests next to my leg while I sleep, as though guarding me and always nearby. I will admit waking up with Luna by my side and her tail brushing against my leg as a sweet hello that brings new joy to my day.
She keeps me company when the house is empty
When I return from dropping my kids off at their dad’s home, a heavy sadness slumps my shoulders, but when I open the door to my apartment and say, “Luna,” she is usually already waiting by the door. Knowing she is waiting there for me melts my heart.
Filling her food dish, tidying up her litter box, and giving her a treat helps to simmer the ache I carry and my longing for my kids a little bit. Playing a toss game with those hair ties for her to catch with her paws reminds me of playing with my kids in the park when they were little.
I’ll admit, when my kids aren’t here, I talk to Luna throughout the day. Saying things like “Good morning, Luna.” “Come on, Luna, let’s go get some coffee.” and “Luna, I’ll be back. I’m going to run errands.” It might sound corny, but I can feel my body relax and feel calmer in her presence.
I know during my terrible divorce I would have loved to have Luna’s eyes and whiskers to look at and soft fur to pet, her cuteness would have made me feel less lonely when my family was breaking apart.
Until Luna, I didn’t know caring for a pet could uplift my mood each day. Becoming a cat person has become something I now love, and I only wish we had adopted one sooner.
