I didn't get my first pet until 25. It seems a bit late for a first pet. Most people I know were fairly young when they got their firsts or were born into a household already containing pets. Growing up, my parents always said that we didn't have enough time to take care of a pet. I do understand their thoughts and justifications, it feels as if I missed out on the childhood pet stories that everyone seems to have.

Walking into the local animal shelter, all I knew was that I wanted a cat. Our landlord doesn't allow any pets other than cats and you're only allowed one. I wanted to get an older one instead of a kitten. I walked around to all the cages and looked at the cats. This one in particular was calling to me. I wanted to let him out and take a look. It turned out he was just 9 months old at the time. He was in the older kitten phase. When I reached to get him out of the cage, he crawled into my arms and purred. I couldn't resist the purrs and we brought home a kitten when we intended to get an older cat.

It's been months now. I'm not quite used to having one yet. A small little cat, weighting in at just over the weight of a gallon of milk. Occasionally, I'll forget he's there. I accidently step on his tail or feel his warm fur brush against my skin as I'm walking. It feels as soft as a blanket. I hear a noise in the night and for just a second worry before remembering it's just him.

It's not all sweetness. I can't leave glass glasses around with water in them. I've broken 4 glasses since getting him. He tries to bat them off the table or drink out of them. He also wants to sniff all the food and occasionally go for a nibble. I didn't know a cat would have any desire to try to eat butter, but he did! I have to make sure to vacuum and clean more than I did before, but that's okay.

Overall, I enjoy having a cat while still being skeptical of the future. I'm afraid of vet bills and accidently harming him. I'm hopeful that I can give him a good and happy life.

Here's cat pictures to pay the cat tax:

He tries to drink my water.

He watches over a game of magic the gathering.