cat lady

Ginger life…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I gave you a brief introduction to my beautiful ginger boy a few months back. Now that we’ve had time to get to know each other I wanted share all the details. Plus tell you about the awesome organisation who brought us together.

I feel extremely lucky to have found this boy. He is a dream cat who has settled right in. When he arrived he had been an indoor cat for quite a while. He was curious about outside, but a little scared. Within weeks he had gone from not venturing past the doorstep, to using the catflap to come and go as he pleased. He loves to patrol his garden and make sure no other cats even think about entering. I also instigated a name change. I wasn’t sure if he would take to a new name, but after a few weeks he was happily responding to his new moniker. Since he is orange like Irn Bru, I have named him Bru. It suits him to a tee.

Bru is a snuggler. He climbs right up on my chest for cuddles complete with possessive little head buts. It is incredible to have won his trust so quickly. He has of course stolen my heart. Bru has also claimed his spots; window sill for optimal observation, top of the wardrobe for being king of his castle and right beside or on me when he’s ready for head rubs. He does occasionally exhibit the trademark ginger cat traits. For instance he frequently fall off his perch whilst sleeping. Mostly though, he is as sharp as his claws. He learns fast and adapts smoothly. I’m so proud of him.

As much as he is a love bug, he is crazy strong. He moves with speed, leaps great heights with ease and when he wants a cuddle, he is getting a cuddle. He needs a big fuss when I get out of bed in the morning and whenever I leave the house. He has taken to following me outside and demanding some love at the end of the drive. He hates it when I have a shower or bath. He sits right by bath and screams out his concern until I get out. Then he follows me around as I get dried, dressed etc just to make sure the drenching has damaged me. Bru is a sweetheart and I adore him.

Now, how did I get to be his Mum? That’s thanks to Glasgow Pet Collective. An amazing charity who not only find home for animals who need them they also help people keep their beloved pets. Their inclusive policies are a breath of fresh air. I cannot recommend them enough. I fostered to adopt with Bru, it was very straightforward. The first few weeks that I had him in my care I was officially fostering. Glasgow Pet Collective took care of cost of neuturing and vaccinations and I kept them updated on Bru’s progress. Communication was fantastic and as they knew I wanted to adopt we moved towards that. I signed the papers and became his Mama after about a month. I really appreciate that the collective support foster parents and ensure all adoptees are properly placed.

If you would like to support Glasgow Pet Collective’s work you can donate, foster or volunteer.

What’s new pusscat…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I seem to have almost entirely neglected my wee corner of the internet. So, here comes a potted history of my June.

In truth is most of the month was not a surprise. However, it was lovely. I had a lot of time with my littles, much of it in the sun – always a bonus. We’ve had first haircut in an actual salon, teddy bear tea parties, cat cafes plus a whole lot of our usual nonsense.

Glasgow summer is as unpredictable as always. Amongst those sunny days we have had plenty of rain. The weird bit is most of those rainy days have remained warmed. I do not do well in the heat, so I have been wearing as few clothes as is decent (& practical). I’ve had a hankering for some cute shorts for a while anyway. It took a little time to hunt down right pair, but I finally snagged them.

Shorts – Simply Be

Now we get to an exciting part of the month. Not only did I get dolled up and drink delicious wine with the grown ups, I followed it with seeing the most thrilling band ever. Pulp! I have been a Jarvis devotee since the mid 90’s. His powers have not decreased. They are amazing. Their show was the perfect mix of new material, banging classics and lesser known gems. I even harked back to my youthful gig going days and drank a few pints of cider. Perfect night and if you’ll allow me to bang my own drum; perfect outfit too.

Which brings me to peak June excitment. I’m bringing the drums back for a big roll…………… Let me present the newest member of my clan, Bru. He is a very sweet ginger boy who has been an absolute angel so far. We’re just getting to know each other, but I am very excited to be his Mama.

If you like what I do you can support me on Patreon.

Through the echoes…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

Last month I added to my tattoo collection in the best way possible. I got a beautiful profile portrait of my beloved Bronan.

I lost my gorgeous boy in July and it has been impossible to get used to life without him. My home still feels empty without his demanding presence. A memorial tattoo felt like the perfect way to always have him with me. The fantastic Lauren at Luna Tattoo captured my boy perfectly.

I wanted a really simple black profile that highlighted the shape of his nose and white stripe. I adore him. I also had a great experience at Luna. I love being tattooed by women. Lauren made me so comfortable and I loved the vibe they’ve created at Luna. If you’re local, I highly recommend this shop.

If you like what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

The world it just keeps spinning…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

Things have been rough since I lost Bronan. I keep expecting him to wander into the room. I’m home most of the time, so we were together all the time. My daily habits and routines were centred around my boy. Eveything feels off without him.

I had Bronan cremated & he’s back home now. I also have a little bit of his fur. I haven’t completely decided, but I think I will scatter a little of him in his garden with some forget me not seeds. I will keep the rest of his ashes home with me. The people I worked with were wonderful. Very compassionate & professional. I am grateful that they made our last moments together so peaceful.

I have been seeking solace in my little ones. They are so loving and wonderful. They offer temporary distraction from my sadness. It’s summer holidays, so we’ve had time to have lots of adventures. We’ve been to the park, swimming, the cinema and more.

My adult people have also been wonderful. It’s very comforting to be around people who don’t need me to explain how I’m feeling. I want to say thank you to everyone who has been so kind here & on Instagram etc. I appreciate all of your lovely words.

I won’t forget a single day…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I had to say goodbye to Bronan on Monday. We found out he had hyperthyroidism a few weeks ago. Shortly after I noticed changes in Bronan that led us back to vet. We discovered fluid in his stomach and that his kidneys were in trouble. Bronan had lymphoma. At 19 with diabetes & hyperthyroidism surgery or radiation were not option. The vet gave him injections to relieve symptoms, but told me he didn’t have long. I got another 11 days with him. He stopped eating or drinking at the weekend and it was clear that prolonging his life would be for my benefit rather than his. I’m heartbroken. My home feels so empty without him.

I adopted him from a friend. A change in her circumstances hadn’t agreed with him. She had him & his sister, but he didn’t always love sharing with her. He was home the moment he stepped out of his carrier. He thrived having his domain and me to himself. Always his own man, he came for cuddles when he wanted, wandered his territory as he pleased and demanded my attention as he saw fit. Be that insisting on having breakfast at 6am every day or waking me in the middle of the night because he required a chin rub. He’s had me at his beck & call from the first and I have loved every second of it.

We had a perfect bond. He fit into my life seamlessly. Our personalities matched. A little bit fierce, with a soft belly beneath. He guarded his space fearlessly, no cat, dog or fox was permitted in his garden. He saved his greatest vexation for the Magpies. A foe he hated so much they had their own annoyed meow. Yet, he didn’t kill. Nor did he turn his frustration on people. He never bit or scratched, always gentle for such a big boy. Always easy. He’d appear from a hedge or behind a sofa when I called. He cared not a jot about the twice daily insulin injections he needed in the last few years. My boy charmed everyone who met him. With his handsome face and gentle giant ways. He even learned to love kids. Once wary, he made friends with my little ones. Becoming best of friends with one of nieces, who wanted to visit purely to see him.

Bronan embodies so many of the things I love about cats. He lived on his own terms. Doing exactly as he pleased; bending me to his will. He was independent, lacked patience, had no respect for personal space or any rules I tried to enforce. He could say fuck you with the tiniest narrowing of his eyes. All of which made his choice to love me more satisfying. He didn’t blindly obey or love me unconditionally. He cared for me because he wanted to. I earned his trust & respect. It was a privilege to have it.

More than anything he was part of my healing. He came to me near the beginning of a journey. Joined me in this house that has become a real home. He’s been my companion when I couldn’t bear to see another living being. Somehow he understood me. When my pain is too much he’d let me off easy. He’d lie quietly with me, requiring nothing, soothing me with his purrs. When my mind was troubled, he knew and responded with affection. My boy has aided in the making of huge decisions just by his presence in my life. He has eased my heart when it was shattered by loss. Listened to my tears, singing and the thoughts I only voiced to him.

Bronan is a dream and I will miss him more than I can say. I’ll miss him sleeping on my feet, keeping them warm. I’ll miss the taps on my face when his meows don’t wake me. The sound of his steps on the wooden floor, the way he announces himself with a shout when he comes in his cat flap. I’ll miss being the only person allowed to rub his fluffy belly. I will miss giving him a running commentary of the day and the way he looks over his shoulder to check I am following when he leads me to what he wants. I’ll miss stroking his paws. The tiny white spot above his lip. His snores. The way he crunches & snorts when he eats. I’ll miss him. His attitude, his spirit, his love. All of him.