Life with Kathia: How My Cat Changed Everything
Eight years ago, I was heartbroken, lonely, and emotionally exhausted after a tough breakup. I needed something warm, something soft, something that would purr instead of talk back—but still listen in its own magical way. I needed a companion. I wasn’t ready for another human relationship, and after some bad experiences with dogs, I wanted something low-maintenance but loving. That’s when I stumbled upon her.
A tiny tabby kitten with big eyes and a playful sparkle in her stare. Her name was Kathia. She had a little brother too, but realistically, I couldn’t afford two cats—not with my finances and emotional bandwidth at the time. So I chose her. She was just a month and a half old—so small, so delicate. And just like that, we became a family.
From day one, Kathia learned fast. She used the litter box like a pro. She was always hungry (still is!). I became totally addicted to buying her toys—I just needed to see her happy. Every purr felt like a tiny reward from the universe.
We did her vaccines, took care of her paperwork, and made sure everything was in order. We even tried traveling together—big nope. It stressed her out so much she meowed like she was narrating a horror movie. So now? We stay put. She's a homebody, like me.
Being a cat mom isn’t easy. It’s not the same as raising a baby, but it’s surprisingly close. Food. Clean-ups. Vet visits. Medical scares. Responsibility. Once, when she was a kitten, I came back from a date and couldn't find her anywhere. I panicked, cried, checked every room like a madwoman. Turns out she had nestled herself in my closet between the clothes and passed out peacefully. I bought her a bell collar the very next day.
She’s been sick a few times. Vomiting, tests, injections, recovery—it was heartbreaking. At age two, I had her fixed. A little late, I know, but better late than never. The heat cycles were wild—like mini marathons of yowling and bouncing off walls. The surgery went well, though I sometimes wonder if she still feels hormonal monthly—she acts a little funky.
Kathia is the best emotional support companion I could ever ask for. She knows when I’m in pain—like really knows. She’ll sit on my belly when I have cramps, or lay on my chest when my heart is racing from anxiety. When I cry, she comes close. When I’m tired, she curls up beside me. It’s like she’s emotionally synced to me.
She used to sleep above my head when she was tiny. I was always worried I’d crush her! As she grew, she moved to my arm, then between my legs like a baby burrito, and now—like a proper lady—she sleeps at the side of the bed. Still, she gives me the occasional boop on the nose to make sure I’m alive (or to remind me the litter box is stanky, or it’s snack time).
We talk. I swear we do. I ask her questions: “Did you sleep well?”, “Are you hungry?”, “Do you wanna play?” And based on the tone of her meow—or the silence—I get my answer. And yes, sometimes she’s stubborn, and yes, she has peed in wrong spots, and yes, I’ve been upset. But the next day? I love her all over again. Because that’s what unconditional love looks like.
Some people say : Cats are too independent. They don’t care. They shed. They scratch. To those people, I say: I love that she’s independent. She grooms herself. She uses the litter box. She entertains herself. She doesn’t bark, she doesn’t destroy the house, and she doesn’t need to be walked daily. For someone with limited energy or time, that’s a blessing.
Cats do have feelings. They do miss you. They do love you in their own unique way. When I get home, Kathia rolls on her back to welcome me. She’s my little queen, and I’ve loved watching her grow from a fragile baby to a sassy, beautiful adult.
Choosing the Right Cat Breed for a Busy Lifestyle
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat and you work long hours—maybe up to 8–12 hours a day—you’ll want a breed that is more independent and adaptable to solo time. Not every cat thrives in a quiet house with no one around, but some breeds are absolute champs at self-entertainment and relaxation. Here are my top 5 recommendations:
1. British Shorthair
Calm, independent, and affectionate without being clingy. They’re known to lounge around and chill while you’re away and will welcome you home with quiet love.
2. Russian Blue
This breed is elegant and reserved but incredibly loyal. They don’t demand constant attention, making them ideal for people with long work schedules. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic!
3. American Shorthair
These cats are low-maintenance, adaptable, and generally healthy. They’re playful and sociable, but they’re also totally cool with entertaining themselves when you’re not home.
4. Ragdoll
Known as the dog-like cat. Super affectionate, but also quite calm when left alone. If you give them enough love in the mornings and evenings, they’ll be happy napping the day away.
5. Scottish Fold
Their unique ears aren’t their only charm! They’re sweet, quiet, and tolerant of being alone for a while, though they still crave attention when you return.
Bonus: What About Tabby Cats?
Since Kathia is a classic tabby, let’s talk about them for a sec. “Tabby” isn’t a breed—it's a coat pattern—but many tabby cats share common personality traits. They’re often playful, affectionate, curious, and yes, emotionally intuitive. While not a specific breed, tabby cats tend to form deep bonds with their humans. Many are loyal, a little clingy (in the sweetest way), and love routine. If you're someone who needs a furry emotional anchor—like I did—tabbies can be surprisingly co-dependent and tuned in to your moods.
Are tabbies compatible with everyone? Not always. They love interaction and can get bored without stimulation, so they’ll thrive best with people who enjoy playtime and cuddles, even after a long workday. But they’re also great at napping, amusing themselves, and making your home feel alive while you're away.
No matter the breed, every cat has its own personality, so always meet the cat first if you can. Shelter cats, especially mixed breeds, can also surprise you with how loving and well-adjusted they are. Kathia is a classic tabby—loving, sassy, and endlessly entertaining.
So if you're thinking about adopting a cat—think carefully. Ask yourself:
Can I afford medical care, sterilisation, and food long-term?
Will I still care for her if I lose my job?
Am I emotionally ready to bond with and care for a pet?
Can I keep her safe, happy, healthy?
In Romania, some sterilisation surgeries are free for stray cats, but this varies by country. Do your research. And remember—this is a lifetime responsibility.
If your answers are yes—go for it. Adopt, don’t shop. Never abandon a cat because it got inconvenient. They aren’t toys. They are companions with hearts and souls.
And now, because I’m also an Amazon Influencer and a proud cat mama, I’ve curated a little list of Amazon recommendations for new (and seasoned) cat owners. From toys to litter boxes to food bowls, here’s what Kathia and I love the most:
🐾 Carmen & Kathia’s Amazon Cat Picks 🐾
(Note: Some items may not be available in all regions. Prices and availability may change.)
Smart Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera & App Control
WiFi-enabled feeder with HD camera, night vision, motion alerts, and 2-way audio. Schedule meals, monitor feeding, and stay connected with your pet from anywhere.
Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box (App-Controlled, Large Capacity)
Automatic self-cleaning litter box with odor control, quiet operation, and app-based remote monitoring. Ideal for busy cat parents and multiple-cat households.
Breathable Bubble Backpack Carrier for Cats & Small Pets
Spacious, ventilated backpack with mesh sides for airflow and visibility. Designed for cats up to 18 lbs, with chest buckles for comfort and a cozy removable mat for travel ease.
Reusable Pet Hair Remover for Furniture & Fabric
Effortlessly removes cat and dog hair from furniture, bedding, carpets, and clothes. No sticky tape needed—just roll, collect, and empty. Reusable, eco-friendly, and easy to clean.
Natural Catnip Blend for Playtime & Training Boost
High-potency catnip that sparks playful zoomies and excitement. 100% natural, non-addictive, and perfect for toys, training, or introducing new accessories.
UV Flashlight Stain Detector for Pet Accidents & More
Powerful UV blacklight reveals hidden pet urine stains, dry spills, and other messes on carpets, rugs, or bedding. Compact and durable—great for home, resin crafts, or outdoor use.
Escape-Proof Cat Harness with Leash & Reflective Safety Strips
Soft, breathable vest-style harness with adjustable straps and reflective strips for safe, comfy outdoor walks. Includes a durable leash for secure exploring and vet visits.
Large Multi-Level Cat Tree with Scratching Posts & Hammock
63-inch tall cat tree with cozy condo, hammock, sisal-covered scratching posts, dangling toys, and multiple platforms—perfect for climbing, playing, and napping.
Waterproof Silicone Pet Feeding Mat with Raised Edges
Durable, non-toxic silicone mat with high lips to prevent spills. Easy to clean, dishwasher safe, anti-slip, and perfect for cats, dogs, and travel.
Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser for Stress & Anxiety Relief
Plug-in diffuser releasing natural calming pheromones to reduce cat stress behaviors like spraying, scratching, and fear. Covers up to 700 sq ft with a vet-recommended, non-invasive formula.
Smart GPS Tracker for Cats with Real-Time Location & Wellness Monitoring
Real-time GPS tracker with live updates, activity & sleep monitoring, virtual fences, and location history. Lightweight, waterproof, and designed for cats 6.5 lbs+ with up to 7-day battery life.
Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain with Triple Filtration & Ultra-Quiet Pump
Durable stainless steel water fountain with 3-stage filtration and whisper-quiet pump. Keeps cats hydrated with fresh, flowing water and easy-to-check water level indicator.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links above and around my site. Your support helps me continue creating content, writing heartfelt blogs, and sharing real stories. Thank you!
Thank you for reading!
Bonus:
If you want to explore even more great cat products, check out my carefully curated Cat Essentials Amazon Idealist — over 70 handpicked items that Kathia and I love and recommend for every fur parent!
This blog post means a lot to me, and I hope it gave you some insight into what it’s like to raise a fur baby and share your life with a cat. Kathia and I appreciate you!
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With love,
Carmen & Kathia ❤️🐱