Living with cats

Living with cats can be challenging, especially if you have many. These challenges include caring for their health, feeding them, making sure they don't eat anything they shouldn't, and other things. It's a lot to keep you stressed, and in my case, having so many cats has led to moments of despair. But ultimately, they're my family, and I try to do everything I can to ensure they're all well and have a good life.

The cost of food in my country can be high. Cat food alone can cost up to $8 per kilo in my city. But you can also vary their diet with other foods they can eat, like chicken liver, chicken, and suitable vegetables. In fact, feeding all my cats can cost as much as my husband and I spend on food in a month—well, obviously, there are many more of them.

While another very important aspect that we sometimes overlook is their health, unexpected events can happen, just like they can to anyone. For example, a few years ago I had to spend a considerable amount of money to neuter two cats; it was absolutely necessary and quite expensive. Then, a few months ago, one of my cats started feeling unwell, so I had to take him to the vet, where he was hospitalized for a full day. The diagnosis was gastritis and dehydration. That was another big expense, but it was necessary; it was about my cat's life.

That's how it is, and among other things, what awaits us when we live with cats. It's a job with a lot of responsibility, just like caring for a child. It's the same, but it's all worth it. I love seeing them all healthy every day and happy to be living with us. Although I sometimes think about giving some of them up for adoption, it's something I find very difficult. Beyond the familiarity I have with them, it's the uncertainty of whether the person adopting them will be able to care for them properly and be fully present.

So these are just passing thoughts. I prefer to keep them all, despite any challenges that might arise in their care. Of course, we are fully aware of this great responsibility and we accept it for good.

All photographs are my own.