My Cat, Riley, Gave Me A Purpose To Live

Me and my beautiful green-eyed cat, Riley

I adopted my cat, Riley, from A Mini Rescue in late June 2020. It was the best decision I made in life. There were a lot of people who told me I couldn’t take care of a cat because I can’t take care of myself. They think I am not responsible enough, and not financially ready.

But…

Adopting my cat gave me a reason to live.

On those days I’m contemplating suicide, I think about my cat - Riley, and think who would take care of him if I died?

Riley and I have a special bond.

When I come home from work - he would be at his window hammock (a favourite spot of his) and jump down from the window hammock and then greets me at the door.

Every single day I come back home from work.

There has been several occasions where I was crying and couldn’t stop, and so Riley would come up to me and start comforting me around my legs.

And I immediately felt better mentally and emotionally.

He is my therapy animal and I love him so much, like he is my own [fur] baby.

To the people who thought and said I can’t take care of my cat - well, I have some exciting news - I adopted a second cat yesterday.

And I have had Riley for over two years now. I prove to be a loving, responsible and caring owner.

Riley has went from being a quiet and withdrawn cat, to a cat that is so affectionate, loving and super friendly.

Even Riley’s ex-foster carer couldn’t believe how much he has changed since she last saw him (more than two years ago) and she was like, “Is that really Riley?”.

So there you go - not only I’m a good and responsible cat owner, but Riley also gives me a reason to continue to live.

Riley on his window hammock