'Crazy Cat Lady'

Most people are familiar with the term "crazy cat lady," but what is it, exactly, that makes a person one?

Usually this term is associated with someone who owns many cats, but I believe that it can hold multiple definitions.

Growing up, I never really had pets except for two cats—Claude and Patty. Their personalities were wildly different. Claude hated young children and loud noises, which, at the time, was all I embodied. Patty was a much kinder soul. She was often afraid of many people, but took a particular liking toward me. I'd often find her sleeping in my bed, and on my darkest nights, she would never leave my side. The large tuxedo cat with a pink petite nose became my best friend.

I spent years talking to her about my problems, and the summer before I moved into college, she took a turn for the worst. She began coughing and stopped eating, which are behaviors that would concern most pet owners. I took her to the animal hospital only to find out that she had a massive tumor in her throat that was inoperable. We were given steroids and pain medication to keep her comfortable and alive for as long as we could. She responded to the medication well, and within a day or two was back eating consistently, and had stopped coughing. I was beyond happy to have my best friend back, and I spent countless hours every day watching TV and being sure to snuggle with her as much as I could.

I began to volunteer at my local cat shelter on the weekends, learning how to properly give medication and working with all different types of cats. I loved being able to create new bonds, and learned that I had a special connection with all of these cats. All the other volunteers would listen to countless stories about my own beloved cats, and I don't think I would have made it through the summer with so many smiles without them.

One day, on my way home from the shelter, I purchased a small cat blanket for my cat, Patty. She would always lay on it when I couldn't be with her, and she soon grew quite attached to it. By the time August came to a close, her health decreased once again. She stopped showing any interest in food and fought me every time I tried to medicate her. We brought her back to the animal hospital, who suggested that our best course of action was to put her down. I was devastated.

I donated all of her things to my local cat and animal shelters, except for that one blanket that I will forever hold close to my heart. The volunteers at the shelter took me in with open arms, offering a lot of hugs and letting me cry openly over the loss of my best friend. They supported me, and the cats that I had grown close with provided me with lots of snuggles for the remainder of the summer.

Now that I am in college I can't spend every week at the shelter like I had over the summer, but every time I return home, I am sure to pay a visit to all of my friends there.

I have always loved cats, and after taking care of Patty, I have been making it a goal to help as many cats as I can. Some may call me a crazy cat lady because of my intense love for the animal, but I see myself as someone who wants to help make sure that every cat has a warm and loving family. I have always had a strong connection to cats, and working with them always puts a smile on my face. I may not grow old alone in a house with 50 cats, but I know for sure that I'll at least have one, and who knows, maybe there will be a few fosters running around, as well.

So call me a crazy cat lady, if you must. I believe there is absolutely no shame in the title.