Over the last few days, as I’ve read and heard “Happy Mother’s Day” sentiments, I think about how I missed that boat. I didn’t even think about wanting kids until I was in my late thirties. At that time, I had a boyfriend who didn’t want kids. Preferring a relationship to procreation, I accepted his no kids policy and never felt like I was missing out. Since the age of twenty-six, I’d been the caretaker or “mother” of cats, which must have satisfied the desire to mother children of the human kind.
Punkie at about nine months
Baby Frankie
But, when I was about forty-five, I felt a stronger yearning to have children—talk about being a late bloomer. I even entertained adopting…for about five minutes. That yearning dissipated quickly when I came to the conclusion that I had just enough energy to take care of three cats and myself.
Punkie
Topper and Lex always into mischief together.
I’ve been the mother of two or three cats for the past thirty years. Mothering cats (or dogs, goats, horses…whatever your furbaby) is much like mothering human kids. Not that I know from first-hand experience, but I do know that the same qualities in mothering human children apply to our animal children. We are here to protect, love and nurture these precious sentient beings. I’m a fierce protector of my kitties; I love them deeply, and apply discipline when needed (Boys—MY chair…for just five minutes…pawleeez).
I’ve mothered cats from kittenhood; nurtured their growth into old age and into their moment of passing—a responsibility and duty I take seriously.
Three cat night… From the top: Topper, Lexington and Bobcat.
Lexington and Cat Lady
Over the years, many people have expressed amazement when meeting my cats at their friendly and peaceful dispositions. All six cats have (or had) very different personalities and backgrounds. It’s how they’ve been raised, I say.
Miss Bella
Topper
Bobcat
Happy Mother’s Day to All!
Happy Cat Mothering Day! I love the photos 🙂
Thank you, Karen! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. The kitties are so very photogenic.
Happy Mother’s Day! Your cats look so comfortable and content – well done!
You are adorable and so are your babies. Hope you enjoyed the day.
Thank you, Robin! How sweet and I hope that you had an enjoyable Mother’s Day. 🙂
They are so very happy and I’m glad it shows! Thank you.:)
Pamela, this really touched my heart. You are THE quintessential loving Mother of Felines turning the concept of “crazy cat lady” on it’s furry head! Thank you for writing this; I am sending this out into the “Catmosphere.” Xoxo
I like that you bring your cats up with your rules, I do with my cats too. Well, I have one that’s about 17 blind and deaf that I inherited from my mom, who is 90 and still alive but in a battle with health of her own, but this cat still wants love and purrs like a detroit diesel engine. My own cat since he was the size of a mouse though, he understands what I’m telling him and most of the time I know what he’s telling me and I would agree 100% in your statement that it is how they were raised, so Happy Mother’s Day to you and I’m not a mother but cat father and I will give all the credit to my mother.
All my babies are 4-legged too and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing cat mom!
Awww, thank you!It’s nice to be in the same company. Cheers to furbaby moms!
That is just about the best article I gave read in ages . You sure get it !
Why, thank you! 🙂
Pam,
Loved this and the photos! Well done!
Pamela,
Love all the photos & the blog!
You truly are the mother of cats. You are a nurturing, loving mother and the kitties are
lucky to have you & you them. You have been blessed & they are blessed to have such
a wonderful mother!
Hi Pam. I always enjoy your posts! You always remind me of you Mother…and how we would sneak the kitties into our dorm room. One of these days I’m going to make it down there so I can meet you in person. Love being your Face Book Friend! Carole Foster
Carole, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy my stories. I love that my mother snuck kitties into her dorm room. I’d love to meet you!
xoxo
Pamela, what a nice and timely post. Thank you.
Thank you, Marilyn! Hug Shuggie for me. xo
So beautiful! I’m happy being a cat mom. Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
You look very happy being a cat mom! Thank you for your kind words. I had a wonderful cat mother’s day!