What’s your little one’s name?
My Cat’s Name is “Kali-Ma” she is named after a Goddess of endings and beginnings. You can read “about us” on our website www.tailsofkalima.com I got her just shortly after my cat had died and she as in foster care from being abandoned. She rescued me on New Year’s Eve 2011.
What is the most challenging thing for you as a pet parent?
I have no challenge as it has been a blessing every day since we been together – perhaps not having enough time with her. It is why I started the blog in hopes that I could make it a full-time job and one day not work my “day job”.
What is your favourite thing about being a pet parent?
Kali-Ma and I recently began doing “cat therapy” with the elderly. You can also read about that on our website. We are doing be-weekly visits to a local nursing home. That has been very rewarding for both of us. She gets lots of love and attention and I am overwhelmed with the joy we provide the patients.
There are a number of folks who don’t like pets, how would you convince them that having pets is actually a huge positive in households?There are numerous studies and research that show the medical benefits that pets provide. I see the difference that Kali-Ma’s visits provide to the Nursing Home patients. However, I would also say that if a person is not a pet person the pet will know it and it is best they not have one. Pets are so worthy of our love and deserve the very best we can give them.
What are your little one’s favourite toys?
She has a toy that is no longer made. It looks like a tiny burllap sack and has the words written across it “Big ole sack of catnip” She has about 10 of them around the house and now that I can’t find them anymore I spray the old ones with organic catnip spray! LOL!
When not with you, where can we find your little one?
I expect she is curled up in the bed or my big old chair. When I come home though she is waiting at the top of the stairs every day.
Would you adopt another pet, and if so what kind?
Kali-Ma does not like other cats. She prefers dogs and adults. I work long hours so for now it is just me and her. We are a team and we like it that way.
What’s a quirk about Kali-Ma that you absolutely love?
She bites me any time I get too sad, or have a bad day. Not a bite, more so a nibble. Just enough to get me out of my funk. It’s as if she says “hey – look at me! play with me!” and I snap out of whatever is bothering me immediately.
How did you meet Kali-Ma?
I was in a Petsmart donating the toys of my deceased cat and she was on display for adoption on New Years Eve 2011
I noticed a post about cat therapy, what got you interested in this aspect of pet care?
I was in the hospital and they brought a dog in with a “pet therapy” badge. I thought “why not a cat” ?? Kali-Ma is very social. She walks on a leash and harness in the snow and sun – she would LOVE it! Well, I began to call and no one wanted to do it. I couldn’t find a company to certify her in my area. The hospitals I called I thought I was crazy. Then I called some Nursing Homes. I found one that wanted us and the rest is history as they say.
What can our readers expect to see on your blog?
I am doing a series now on “cat therapy” as I feel it is really important as there are many Nursing Homes in need. I also am going to continue to do my regular blog on the life lessons that Kali-Ma continues to teach me. I see those as more of inspirational / motivational. I believe that Kali-Ma rescued me and she teaches me something every day of my life.
What is some advice you wish you got before adopting little ones?
Pets are a serious financial commitment. Someone asked me a few years back if I could take a kitten they had found. I responded “no as I don’t have an extra $1500”. The man looked at me and he didn’t understand. He was very young, and I explained to him that it cost about $1500 a year in shots, food, litter, toys, etc to be a responsible pet parent. Then, as the pet ages it costs more in pet care and THEY ARE WORTH EVERY CENT. When I was younger I didn’t plan financially for those things and I didn’t always go to the best vets. They deserve the best and they are a responsibility not to be taken lightly. I have always been an a great pet parent, but not as financially prepared as I could of been.
Oh, Kali-Ma is adorable! Nice to meet you!
Thank you so much Eastside Cats. We took a look at your Blog and you have a lot of nice kitties too!
Nice to meet this cutie. I love that she goes with her mom to visit the elderly.
I do too! It’s very sweet <3
Thank you, Johnny. We love what we do at the Nursing home. Kali-Ma can’t get enough “what a pretty kitty”‘s and I am overwhelmed with the love we get for so little that we give.
I only wish we could do more. There just isn’t enough hours in a week. Kali-Ma would visit everyone if she could! 🙂