We got a new cat
We got a new cat, his name is Miso.
Ming died last year and even now, over a year later it hurts. I think as life went on, she became more of a 'in the background' cat rather than front and centre. Ming was 17 after all, which I thought was a bit young but turns out it's quite a bit older as far as cat life spans go (which strangely makes me feel a lot less guilt about the decision) and had become slower, quieter and more relaxed. You could say she was enjoying her retirement. That's not to say she wasn't active, still didn't have zoomies or went outside to explore and lay in the garden but I think I've come to terms with the fact it was her time.
I wasn't sure if we'd ever have another cat. I've had cats in my life since I was young, but it's different when it's your cat. My daughter though was keen on having another pet and we spent a few months talking about what type of pet (there was an idea of a snake at one point) and with a limited garden, we went with a cat. I think it's good for kids to have pets, a compaionion, something that grows with them and also teaches responsibility. Naomi spent 3 months researching, reading and making lists about what she needed to buy, what she needed to do and really, proving she could handle having a pet.
We looked for a few days after our holiday and found with 'with socks' and I took Naomi from summer camp early to go pick him up. And honestly, it's been lovely. We've had him for almost 5 weeks now, been to the vets to get vaccinations and chipeed (these past few days we've been outside in the garden with him - supervised of course) and he's incredibly playful, carries toys in his mouth (taking them upstairs and downstairs!) and likes to snuggle a lot.
It's so interesting to see such a different personality compared to Ming, I remember he being really needy as a kitten and always wanting snuggles, I think that's why we bonded so well - she was always on me, or near me when she was young. Miso likes being around people in general, rather than a specific person (although Carly definitely has the chosen lap) and is curious and brave.
As I write this he lays on my desk, in the same spot that Ming used to all those years ago. Laying on a towel and curled up, sleeping directly in front of me like he's the centre of attention. It's funny how some things are the same, some are different. It still hurts, that Ming died. But seeing Miso grow, my daughter developing a special bond with him(and it's great that someone else cleans the litter boxes!) and having a furry little ball of energy run around sure is great.
I miss Ming, I love Ming. But I also love Miso. And it's different now, it's better - it's Naomi's pet. And that feeling, that I'm planting a tree that someone else will sit under sure does feel good.