Chapter 1: A Cat’s Unconditional Affection

Cats hold a special place in our hearts, and we naturally want to keep them safe and sound. Thus, it becomes a source of deep sorrow and guilt when we realize it’s our actions that lead them to require veterinary care.

A Difficult Year in 2022

In 2022, my Siberian cat faced several challenges. An unfortunate incident occurred when I inadvertently cut him while attempting to remove a tangled fur burr. This led to the need for staples and a two-week confinement indoors. I documented this experience in a story titled "How to Brandish a Pair of Scissors and Nearly Kill Your Cat With Kindness." It turns out, managing the matting of semi-longhaired cats can be quite tricky, and my attempt at a DIY solution went awry.

Shortly after this, he developed a blocked bladder, which may have been linked to the stress from the earlier incident, necessitating a three-day hospital stay. I also chronicled this in a couple of stories available under my robert porter handle on Medium.

The Challenge of Matted Fur

Most recently, in February, my cat had another visit to the vet. Being a semi-longhaired Siberian, he tends to develop tangles quickly. Unfortunately, he refuses to let us groom him at home, no matter how hard we try. This forces us to take him to the vet every three months for professional grooming. We delayed his visit this time for five months, hoping to reduce his stress following the bladder issue. However, this only exacerbated the matting, resulting in a dematting process that lasted over an hour, with the vet needing to shave several mats down to his skin.

While my cat doesn't particularly mind the vet visits, he absolutely dislikes having his fur shaved. Thankfully, he avoided a “lion cut” this time. The vet strongly advised that we adhere to a strict three-month grooming schedule to minimize stress for our feline friend. Everyone at the clinic adores him for his gentle nature, which only reinforced their insistence on the grooming routine.

Moments of Undeserved Love

Upon returning home, I sheepishly relayed the situation to my wife, who was very understanding. To my astonishment, after all the stress caused by my mishaps, my cat jumped into my lap and sought a cuddle. I held him for about fifteen minutes as he kneaded my elbow with his paws. In that moment, I realized that despite the troubles we had faced, his love for me remained unwavering.

Every morning, without fail, he enters the bathroom to show affection just as my day begins. What strikes me most is that during these moments, he doesn't ask for food or to go outside; he simply wants to love and be loved. It’s a truly heartwarming experience.

For more on this bond, I wrote about it in a previous post titled "Why I Dare to Adore my Cats," discussing the bittersweet nature of loving our feline friends, especially as they age.

A Simple Reflection on Love

Today’s post is intentionally brief. I typically write longer pieces, but here, it feels unnecessary to add fluff. The essence of this reflection is that despite the challenges I've put my cat through, our bond is strong—he loves me, and I love him. The experience of having a cat purring and kneading in your lap is incredibly special.

As James Herriot, the renowned Yorkshire vet, once articulated, “I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me, are expressions of love.” Being loved by a cat is a wonderful gift.

So, go ahead and shower your cat with love—that’s certainly what I plan to do with mine. XOXOX

Video Resources

To further explore ways to connect with your cat, check out these videos:

Taught My Cat to Cuddle - Easy Trick!

Discover simple methods to encourage your cat to show affection in this insightful video.

5 Ways to Make Your Cat More Affectionate

Learn practical tips to enhance your cat's affection and strengthen your bond.

Read all of my stories and those of countless other writers on Medium. Why not join Medium today?