Time to show some cat love

Jasmine Singh

Felines, like other most-sought pet breed canines, too have had interesting roles to play here and there. Author David Mitche uses a cat in his book Dalai Lama’s Cat to explain the practical aspects of Buddhist teachings. And a fiercely reclusive antique dealer from Britain left his entire estate to Blackie, his feline. Even though, here in India, the cats are given a mysterious disposition, there are others in and around the city who share a soft spot for furry, feline creatures.

Yours dearly 

Cat lovers and owners will tell you that the felines that they pet do not require much attention and care; they are pretty much to themselves. No one can agree more than Tarun Ahuja, a class twelfth student from Chandigarh. Tarun has three pet cats, Persian and white coloured. “My family and I have always loved cats over any other pet animal. These furry creatures are a bundle of joy. Unlike what people say that cats are self-centred, I agree to some extent they are but they understand ‘love’, the way dogs do.” Feeding cats is not difficult, and neither is maintaining them. While kittens are fed up to three times a day, once a cat becomes an adult feeding once or twice a day is just fine. And of course, they are easy to maintain, they need just food and water in a bowl and they will most of times lie peacefully on window perches. 

Love all 

Carral Gill, a class eleventh student from Chandigarh wanted a cat similar to one that she had rescued, but couldn’t survive. And then came along Peppa, a feline of regular breed. “To be honest, I didn’t warm up to Peppa immediately because I missed my old cat, but gradually I started falling in love with Peppa. Although cats are considered mean, which Carell admits too, but her feline loves to be around people. “She cannot be lonely, she follows me throughout the day, she jumps and sits on our mechanic’s head, and she is an absolute bundle of joy.” 

More the merrier 

Manika Ahuja, city-based advocate, gets bothered when she sees people discriminating against cats as mean pets as compared to dogs.  Manika’s Persian cat, Casper is the love of her life. “Casper has her own way of showing love and she is pretty affectionate. Those who have petted cats would know what I mean when I say that cats have their own way of showing love.” Manika feels that a lot of people in North India too are warming up to cats as pets. 

As far as maintenance is concerned, “Casper gets her Persian cat diet and she is good to go.”

Easy breezy 

Homemaker Kamana Sharma’s Ginger is a little muse. Dressing up for Christmas or  birthday party, sporting a tie and fancy cap, Ginger does all. “I get a lot of these comments that cats are mean and all but I think they are the best pets that one can have. They are intelligent, easy to maintain and of course loving.” Ginger has its own bed, a litter box and it is an important member of the family too.

A pet lover 

Malvika K Singh, brand consultant at Intelliquo is a pet lover, which means cats, dogs and cows - she loves them all. “While in Canada, I found a cat lying on the road and I got her home. So, when I was coming back to India, I couldn’t have left Maanu there so I got it back to India.” Malvika now stays with her pet Bela in Delhi. “If you are a pet lover, you make time for pets. Having said this, of course cats are relatively easier to keep, you end up missing out on walks, but it is lovely to have a pet around.” 

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Celeb talk

Here are some celebrities whose cats have a marked presence on social media just as their owners. 

Richa Chadha: One of the most talented actresses of B-town, Richa has named her little kitty Kamli. The Fukrey star always keeps fans updated with endearing and funny videos of her pet.

Alia Bhatt: The Raazi star got her cat as a birthday gift, and named it Edward Bhatt. The white feline is Alia’s way of de-stressing and regularly features on her Instagram feed. The versatile actor also considers her cat as her sickness remedy.

Jacqueline Fernandez: She is often seen playing and uploading videos of her furry pet Miu Miu. 

Taylor Swift: Swift owns two Scottish Fold cats, Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, and the two surely live an envious life.