Overcoming Fear: How I got my Cat
I think it’s time to introduce everyone to the love of my life. He’s sweet and loves me a lot, and is warm and cuddly.
He’s my cat Baadal! 
He’s been with us since he was a kitten and is a source of joy for everyone. Yes, even my parents love him which is unusual for desi parents because they generally hate pets.
Before Baadal, we had another cat called Jugnu. Bringing him home was the real challenge. I had always wanted a cat, but my parents said no. (surprise surprise). One day, I just swallowed all of my fear and went and adopted Jugnu from the Animal Rescue Mission. What was funny is that my grandmother and one of my brothers was with me and my grandma just smiled at what was going on.
So I brought Jugnu home and hid him in the basement. Well, that didn’t last long because my mom knew something was going on - mothers always do. So my parents came down to the basement and were introduced to Jugnu, our new family member. My dad was okay with it, but my mom was scared. We brought him upstairs to the main floor and right away he started exploring everything. He was a cute little kitten that looked like a tiger, with green eyes. That’s why I named him Jugnu, which means ‘firefly’ , because his eyes were sparkling. My mom would smile at him from a distance, and try to pretend that she didn’t like him. But the real reason was that she was scared of animals.
Jugnu, being a kitten, was just like a little baby. When my mom was watching tv in the family room, he jumped into her lap and settled in for a nap. My mom was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t move. I had to try my best not to laugh. I explained to my mom that he’s a kitten and they do that. Another time, Jugnu went to sleep next to my mom’s head and she looked at me and said, “Did you train him to do that?”. It was too funny. After about 2 weeks, my mom started to pick him up and there was no turning back. She overcame her fear of animals and all was good.
After 3 years, a tragedy struck and Jugnu got sick. He had Liver Disease. He passed away and that was a really difficult time for all of us. After about a month, I brought Baadal home. It seemed early to have a new kitten in the home, but I think it was something that we all needed. Baadal, which means “clouds”, had a very out going personality and that was what we needed to cheer everyone up. He was not a replacement for Jugnu, by any means, but a new and loved family member.
Baadal has been spoiled rotten by my parents. Especially by my mom! They let him do whatever he wants. I get mad at them sometimes for giving our cat bad habits, but what to do. He’s a good cat though and I really love him. Baadal is a long haired cat, and he loves to purr. He’s very into what’s going on it the house. If anyone buys something new, Baadal has to inspect it. He’ll get into the shopping bags to take a look.
A lot of desi kids want pets, but I’ve noticed that very few desi families have them. There is a general fear in our culture of animals. It was difficult for me to bring my first cat home, but what I learned is that it’s not a dislike of animals, but rather a fear that prevents desi families from adopting pets.
If you really want a pet, I would say just bring one home. Your parents will mellow up eventually. But remember, it’s a responsibility so don’t be lazy about it. Pets need care and love on a daily basis, so if you’re up for the responsibility and really want to have a pet, then go for it!
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July 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Always a lovely companionship and good fun to play with!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
you make me want to get a cat too!! Maybe when the kids are a little older, I might get a little kitten too!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hassaan: Yes he is
Jessmyn: Oh you should definitely get one! The kids will love it & so will you!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
[...] cat Baadal always cheers me up so I am posting a picture of him for Monday Evening [...]