Nicholas and Kiddy make the purrfect pair
Local cat owner shares on love for his rescue cat and why she is so special to him.
Meet cat owner, Nicholas Zaal.
The local answers questions about his relationship with his pet cat, Kiddy and all the weird and wonderful things she does.
How did you and Kiddy meet?
Some neighbours moved into my complex with Kiddy (who was a rescue from the SPCA) in 2016 and it did not take long for us to become friends. Kiddy would regularly visit me and sleep on my couch and bed, even though I never fed her. It was like having a pet without having to provide for it. In 2020 the couple moved away and Kiddy did not adjust to her new home, so they asked me to take ownership of Kiddy. I did not hesitate to say yes.
Have you always loved cats?
Absolutely. My brother and I grew up with dogs, cats, fish, birds, hamsters and rabbits as pets so I have always had a love of animals. When I was a toddler we got a cat that would go on to live to the age of 20. So I grew up with that cat and all my years with her taught me how to understand cats. They are wonderful animals that deserve much love.
What about Kiddy makes her special?
Kiddy is a rescue from the SPCA so she has a bit of separation anxiety and often refuses to eat unless I pet her while she eats. I have to do this several times a day. Kiddy is a mostly outdoor cat and regularly visits people in the complex. I often check with my neighbours that she is not being difficult but they all tell me they adore her and love her company. Neighbours from four homes all offered to look after her when I house-sat for two weeks this past December. Kiddy is very gentle and does not fight the other cats in the complex, even when they come looking for a fight. She is very sweet and wants to sleep on or near me, whenever I sit or lie down. Like me, she loves cuddles.
What are some of the weird things Kiddy does?
She regularly catches birds, lizards and bats. Sometimes Kiddy lets them live – bringing them to me alive as presents – and sometimes she kills and eats them. She also loves to sit in bags, boxes and packets, and whenever paper is loose somewhere in the apartment you can be sure she will shred it.
If you could have a conversation with Kiddy, what are some of the questions you’d ask her?
I would ask her if she knows she is loved because I truly love her and hope she knows that. I would also ask why she has to bring so many birds, lizards and bats into the apartment. It is a bit annoying, to be honest. I would love to know her history, being a rescue from the SCPA. Her past trauma would explain why she behaves the way she does. I would also ask Kiddy when her birthday is.
What was your first pet as a child?
I honestly do not remember. Growing up there was always a small zoo at home and my first pet could easily have been any of the dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish and hamsters we had. Of course, I do remember some pets more clearly than others. But I really could not say which was the first pet.
In what ways has Kiddy impacted your life?
Whenever I park my car outside my apartment, Kiddy jumps out of the window and runs up to me, rubs against my leg and meows in greeting. She is such a sweet and friendly cat, and as I live alone with her, she is my companion. It has been great to have her these past few years and she has certainly brightened up my life.
