The Greatest Gift He Could've Given Me

Say what you want about cats but today I experienced one of the most lovable things my fur baby has ever done. For most of you who don't know Cheeky, we adopted him from the RSPCA last year around March to keep me company while Will is away at work and I was still studying then. He was about 8 1/2 then, he's 10 this coming Oct.

Given we adopted him as an adult and he didn't grow up with us, the physical bond isn't really there. Besides the usual nose licking to wake me or Will up for breakfast and leg rubs for dinner, he's never been one to cuddle or receive more than 3 seconds of scratchies. He'd rather avoid you than have to put up with constant cooing from me or being held like a baby by Will. Don't even mention belly rubs, bum scratches, chin scratches etc. You could, but after 5 seconds you'd think your hand just got bitten by a vamp or fell into a blender. Needless to say we've had a mutual understanding since day one. But his age is definitely catching up to him and we've been able to sneak some cuddles in here and there. Dodging his paw smacks left and right.

But today however, made me look at him in a very different light.

I woke up this morning grumpy as usual and it didn't help that it was a Monday. TBH, I haven't had the greatest month and I was hoping to receive some good news from the Australian Immigration in KL about applying for a certain visa. But as usual, when it rains it pours. I sat on the floor and bawled my eyes out.

After a good minute or so, I felt something soft bump my arm. I looked up and there he was, looking at me with the roundest and concerning eyes I've ever seen. He got closer and licked my nose, giving me a soft but reassuring purr.

Side note: he only does his when he wants food but he had his breakfast just over 3 hours ago and usually is really good till about 4pm.

He then sat by me, leaning his fat bottom on my thigh, licked my foot and gave me another soft purr. I could've reached over and gave him the biggest cuddle of life but I didn't want to push it. He sat with me for a good 10 minutes or so before getting up and going back into his 'condo' to sleep. As if nothing had happened. It might not have been a long 'therapy' session but, to me, it was the greatest gift he could've ever given to me.

This cat, whom we thought wasn't capable of cuddles or smoochies, in his own way showed me how much he loves me and how grateful he is to have us.

Many people walk into rescue homes only looking for kittens when there are so many of these old folks who deserve a home too. Cheeky was with the RSPCA for almost 2 years before we picked him up. Some of these babies would love spend their golden years in a loving home, surrounded by people who love them until their time is up.

If you don't take a chance on them, how will you know what surprises they'd bring into your home. Cats, dogs, guinea pigs etc. They're all alike and they all need your love. So take a chance, adopt don't shop ❤️ #adoptdontshop