Durga and Me: A Story of Heartbeats and Quiet Moments

I decided to bring Durga home on the day of Durga Ashtami (October 22nd, 2023, and I will never forget this day). Yes, of course, I expected challenges. But, I wasn’t prepared for the deep transformation our shared journey would bring to both our lives. The smallest and quietest kitten slowly became my heartbeat. I found her in the garbage; she hid herself in the shadows, only her bright eyes peeking out. Those eyes spoke volumes — of curiosity masked by caution. I brought her into my life; I found myself stepping into an unexpected role. It was not just as a pet owner but as a companion, a mother, and a confidante to this tiny being whose trust I had to earn.

The Early Whispers of Trust

Our first days were a dance of distance and slow approaches. Yes, it was quite natural, and I was unknown to her. My smell was unknown to her, and my voice was unknown to her. Durga found her sanctuary beneath the washing machine, emerging only in the quietest hours of dawn and dusk. My heart ached to see her so wary, her tiny body tensed for flight. I knew if things were to change, it would start with me.

So, our nightly ritual began with me lying flat on the floor, a book in one hand and a treat in the other. I’d read to her in whispers, each word softer than a footfall. Slowly, the space between us shrank. A paw ventured out, then a whiskered nose and the rest of her eventually followed. Each treat from my hand wove a thread of trust between us, a bond that grew with every evening spent in shared silence.

Adapting Together: Our Big Move

Just a month later, the winds of change blew through our quiet life with my new job. Boxes piled up, furniture shifted — our physical world was rearranged. I watched Durga closely, ready to comfort her, but found myself surprised yet again by her resilience. Perhaps it was the foundation we had built on our quiet nights, but she approached each box, each new corner, with a brave nose. She found her spots in our new home swiftly, especially a sunny nook by the window, which soon bore the tell-tale signs of her frequent naps.

From Pet to Heart

As Durga’s world expanded, so did her trust in me. She no longer watched from hidden corners; instead, she followed me, her steps sure and quiet. She greeted friends with a gentle nudge, claiming her place on the couch beside me, and her purrs gave a soothing rhythm to our conversations.

Our relationship deepened in ways I had never anticipated. Durga wasn’t just a cat I fed and cared for; she became my steadfast companion, sensing moods, offering comfort without words, and sharing in my joys and solaces.

A Health Transformed by Happiness

Durga’s transformation from a skittish kitten to a confident cat was mirrored in her health. Her coat grew lush and glossy, her eyes bright, her energy boundless yet balanced. Vet visits became calm affairs, and her trust in my presence was enough to soothe her.

Lessons Learned and Shared Together in Every Purr

What worked for us might not be a magic formula, but it was woven from simple, sincere efforts:

• Patience and Presence: Being there, really being present, made all the difference. It was never just about physical proximity but about emotional availability.
• Celebration of Small Things: I acknowledged each small step Durga took and rewarded her bravery. This not only encouraged her but reaffirmed my commitment to her growth.
• Consistency in Care: Regular routines did more than structure our days; they built security, a predictable pattern that Durga could rely on amidst any chaos.
• The Magic of Gentle Encouragement: A soft word, a gentle touch, a tasty treat — each was a stone laid on the path of our shared trust.

Durga taught me that the journey of a HUMAN CAT MOTHER, more than any other relationship, thrives on the foundations of patience, trust, love, and mutual respect. She’s not just my pet; she is my daughter. She’s a reminder of the quiet strength that lies in gentle connections and a testament to the transformative power of kindness.