Blog #15: Tia and Tamara
It’s about time that I properly introduce my two fur babies into this space: Tia and Tamara.
Tia and Tamara fell into me and Matthew’s laps earlier this year. Matthew’s roommate at the time was fostering them as only day old kittens with the intention of passing them off to their next loving owners in the coming months. Tia and Tamara were inseparable from the start. They were found in a pair, left by their mother on the street.
When they first came into Matthew’s home, they were screeching little alien-looking babies. They lived in the crate they were brought home in, surrounded by the warmth of an electric blanket and each other. They were fed formula milk and had to be coerced into peeing or pooping, both actions that the mother cat would be responsible for had she been around. Matthew’s roommate and his girlfriend were diligent caretakers throughout this stage, while Matthew and I were like the fun auntie and uncle.
As Tia and Tamara grew older, they started to develop distinct personalities and a playful sense of curiosity. Tia was the pretty devil who got away with most things by flashing her big, round eyes that said everything and nothing at the same time. Tamara was the tamed, motherly sister who often groomed Tia before she groomed herself. Their roles reversed multiple times throughout the months, but some things remain constant. The two of them often mirrored each other’s actions in order to learn “how to be cats.” They explored each area of the apartment, little by little, until they were big enough to utilize the entire home as their playground. They slept often, on any surface you could think of.
Since I was staying over at Matthew’s apartment frequently at the time, I was able to enjoy the cats without the responsibility of taking care of them. When Matthew’s roommate was gone for work, I was at home playing with the kittens all throughout the day. They gave me a sense of my own inner child; the version of me whose sole intentions were seeking joy and fulfilling needs. Eat, Sleep, Play. Eat, Sleep, Play. I frequently considered these reminders from the kitties when it came to my own self care.
One of the manifestations that Matthew and I discussed earlier this year when we were considering the dream life we wanted to build was a loving home with pets. When the kitties entered our lives, it was a blessed transition point because Matthew’s roommate decided to move out, while I decided to move in. Matthew and I knew that this house wouldn’t feel like a home if we didn’t continue to be in the presence of Tia and Tamara, so we decided to adopt them. Our lives have been full of so much more joy, playfulness, rest and relief since we’ve embraced our pretty kitties in this home.
When I reflect on the significance of Tia and Tamara in my life, I’m reminded of the fact that I was never a cat person growing up. My family was more of a “dog family” so there weren’t many opportunities for me to interact with cats. The few cats I knew were independent, feisty and seemingly jaded. I never felt comfortable approaching their personal space.
When it comes to Tia and Tamara, though? I’m reminded of my own baby sister, Rosalinda. Innocent children without their mothers to teach them how to be. These spirited, youthful beings are instead called upon to follow their intuition intently. It appears that cats can survive just fine without their mothers because their intuition is so strong. I know the same is true for Rosalinda, but there are times when you can’t always be strong and find your way.
I’m still saddened when I see Tamara knead and suckle at a soft blanket. She does this often, as a sign that she’s searching for her mother’s tit to deliver the milk and comfort she desperately needs. It makes me think of the times that my dear baby sister will be searching for her mother to fill the cracks and crevices she needs to feel whole. I want to be the glue in every way I can, but I know from my own experience that there are times when only a mother’s touch will do.
The other night as I laid on the couch, Tamara approached me with soft and earnest eyes. She immediately leaned into the comfort of my sweater and started to suckle and knead on my chest. She made me feel like her mother, and I didn’t want to take that away from her, so I held her closely and imparted my healing energy onto her. At that moment, we were both comforting each other.
In a similar way, when the grief of losing my mother often brings me to tears, Tia and Tamara always show up by my side, asking for a mother’s love and comfort. We hold each other lovingly and ask for nothing more in return.
Long story short: I love my cats. <3
