Ashie's shenanigans: Tale of the little menace who changed my life

If a year ago from today, someone told me I’d have a cat roaming around my house and causing constant chaos, I would’ve laughed and told them that Ammu would never allow it. But now, the scenario has changed; this little guy named ‘Ash’ has completely taken over our lives and is currently in charge of ruling the house. How did he win my parents’ heart? Well, that’s a mystery!

How I got permission to adopt a cat

It was 2nd february, 2024. I had gone out with my mom to her friend’s house and was overjoyed after discovering that they had a cat named ‘Uno’. Later that day, I learned that Uno had a little brother who was up for adoption. Shreshtho bhaiya (Aunty’s son) asked me if I wanted to take the kitten. I was about to say that Ammu would disapprove of it when she said something I thought I’d never hear her say, “Jao niye asho.” To say I was flabbergasted and shocked out of my mind would be an understatement. I had always wanted a cat ever since I was a kid but was never allowed to bring one home. Ammu absolutely did not like cats (and anything furry in general). So, I looked to her for confirmation and once again, she smiled and said, “Jao, tomar khushir jonno allow korlam.” It almost felt like that scene from “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge” where Simran’s father says, “Ja Simran ja, jee le apni zindagi.” I immediately hugged Ammu and ventured out with Bhaiya to get the kitten. A few hours later, I was sitting in the car with a cat peacefully sleeping on my lap. The tiny three-and-a-half-month-old kitten fit perfectly into the palm of my hands and had instantly made his way into my heart.

4-month-old Ash 

Naming the kitten

Initially, I was a little confused about what to name him. I searched up "cool cat names" on the internet but none of them really stuck out to me. I wanted the name to be short and easily pronounceable. I also thought of naming him after an anime character. That’s when it struck me: ‘Ash’ was the perfect name for him since half of his fur is grey and it's also the name of the main character from “Pokemon” (I loved watching that anime as a kid). And that’s how Ash got his name, although I affectionately call him ‘Ashie’ most of the time.

Ash after receiving his first bath

Ash’s transition from a timid kitten to a hyperactive monkey

I still vividly remember the first time I brought him home. I recall being very careful with him, always keeping him warm and covered in blankets since he had a cold and it was winter at that time. He was a bit small for his age and his meows were almost soundless. Therefore, I assumed that the kitten was mute. It’s hilarious how wrong I had been. Because as soon as the little guy recovered from his sickness, he was screaming everyone’s ears off. His whole personality changed from this sweet, cuddly baby to an absolute troublemaker.

Little man loves hanging out inside bags

He loves polythene bags too

The King has assumed his throne!

I had quite a hard time dealing with the constant chaos that came with Ash at first. But soon, I got used to it and started enjoying his little antics. Ash is a very hyperactive cat who loves wreaking havoc. His favorite pastime is to get on my nerves by knocking my things over, stealing my stuff and playing rugby with them. So, I got him some cat toys to keep him occupied. And did that stop him from making footballs out of my pens and makeup kits? No. But he loves his toys and still plays with them, so I consider that a success.

Ash with his favorite stolen item: a beauty blender

Perks of having a fur baby

The best part about having a cat is definitely the cuddles. Although Ash is usually not a very snuggly cat and his daytime job is to be a ruckus wrangler, he’s a perfect cuddle buddy at night. In addition to the cuddles, there are a lot of other perks of being a cat mom as well. In the past, I often felt lonely since I am an only child, and both of my parents were usually out working. But now, it’s never a monotonous day at my house due to his presence, as he is always playing his tricks and being goofy. Another upside is that I get to see his adorable face every day, which is very beneficial for my mental health. And I must add that he is quite an emotionally intelligent boy; he always knows when I’m sad and comes to accompany me when I’m having a mental breakdown.

Overall, I have been a lot happier ever since Ash stepped into my life. I never thought I would get to experience such a deep bond with a feline, but I cannot even imagine my life without him at this point.

Conclusion

It has been almost eight months since Ash’s arrival. He is now an inseparable part of our family, and everyone absolutely adores him. Even my mother, who was so against the idea of having cats, is totally smitten by him. I can’t believe that the tiny pocket-sized kitten I brought home is about to turn a year old in October. He is still as playful and dramatic as he had been when he first came home, and his little escapades still continue to entertain me and my family. Time sure does fly fast!

Bonus paw pic!