There is a cat - a cat on the other side of the window. Snow like fluffy fur and icy blue eyes. On my cycle route to work I pass a new residential area - the shiny type, often signalling the beginnings of gentrification. As I approach the exit of this area, I pass by the same house.
Its white and sits on the corner, opposite a big supermarket and overlooking the main street. There are two windows overlooking my cycle path. The first window is where the cat will be every morning - either waiting or sleeping. I have been accustomed to expecting its presence so much, that it has become part of my daily routine to turn my head left and check that my little furry friend is there. And today, like all the other days in the past two weeks, there it was.
I have never been an animal lover. Everytime I would visit a farm, I would be scared with every flinch of a creature and would be equally disgusted by the smells that these animals can give off. Growing up, we didnt have any animals at home - and whenever there was a pet around, I would jump up on a chair, praying that that thing wont unleash their frustrations on me using their sharp claws. But I confess, as I've become older and braver in the presence of four legged creatures, I have intermittently longed for a feline companion.
In Malaysia, we have adopted two cats. They were brothers dropped into a box and left my the side of the road. Our driver found them and brought them home and they have been with us ever since. From being so tiny that they could fit into my hand to being full grown hormonal adults, they have carved a cat shaped hole into my heart.
I have toyed with the idea of adopting one here in London. Ever since A’s trip home has increased in frequency, I do sometimes feel that a kitten will remedy my woes. But our household cant even keep plants alive! Thus, I do not trust us with the life of an animal just yet. In Malaysia, our kakak assists in taking care of the two cats - especially when they make a mess by marking their territories in the house. But if a cat were under my sole responsibility, I cant guruantee that it would be healthy or alive for that matter. So I am postponing that decision. For now, I am content in spying at other peoples' cats for comfort.
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