Cat Mom

In my many years on this earth, I have had the blessing of being the human servant to some strong willed felines.

Growing up, my family had a pure bred Siamese cat named SueSue (Sukiyaki). She was fierce and independent. My sister was scared of her but I was her human. She had three sets of babies that we gave back to the breeder. When she got lost in the woods of northern Michigan, I was the one who found her. She was the only family member who had my back.

During my marriage of seven years and after, I became the cat Mom or servant to Adrian who was half Siamese and Burmese. He took care of our dog, Cody, who was a Chesapeake Bay retriever who was as strong willed and stubborn like his feline brother. These two took care of me and protected me when we were together. Cody passed shortly after me and Adrian moved out.

Post divorce, I bought a house in a city neighborhood that was where I finally felt safe after living in two apartments complexes. Adrian passed away and I felt lost. A couple of months later, the local humane society was having a welcoming adoption party for many kittens whose feline parents (one male and multiple females) were barn cats. The farmer who had a huge heart didn’t have the means to keep all the 60 plus kittens alive and safe. From that, I adopted Seville and Madrid both were Burmese but Madrid had some Maine Coone in him. They were my judge of men who had relationships with and my rock. Learned to become content with my fur babies without a man. We moved across the country after losing my job.

During my time in Texas, I lost Madrid and five years later, I lost Seville. Plus, I was planning my first trip back to Michigan since my move. A coworker of mine who thought that I wasn’t coming back to Texas for many reasons which many included her behavior. Prior to my trip, I visited the cats who I was told that they were kittens. After coming home and visits to veterinary clinic, I learned otherwise. They are Bella and Luna who were abused physically and mentally. Plus, full of fleas and fear too. They ate and slept for about one month straight then both went into heat upon reaching their size and weight so we went back to the clinic again to get them fixed. Decided not to take any trips for about 18 months to help them heal emotionally and to learn to trust again.

August 2025, I have traveled by airplane once since I got them which they thought that I was getting rid of them from their behavior. They did well at the pet hotel with the people which was great. When I picked them up, they acted indifferent unlike Adrian, Seville and Madrid who were happy to see me. I believe that they were hurt and angry that I left them with strangers. A few days later, Bella and Luna realized that they were home for good.

Blessed and thankful to be a cat Mom to my beautiful fur babies for so many years. As I consider a move with them to the Long Island Sound area, I believe that we will have our challenges and also our victories in the process and afterwards. Until then, I am happy glistening in fur.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.