Meows and Memories: Stories of Tommy the Birman Cat

Hello there, my human friends! Since you're taking the time to read about me, I feel like we're getting pretty close. So, let's keep things relaxed, okay? I go by Tommy, and that's the only name I pay attention to. "Pussy" just doesn't suit me at all! I'm a mature ten-year-old Birman cat, living peacefully in Bucharest, Romania.

When it comes to food, dry cat food is my go-to, but I'm all about serenity, spending my days lounging and quietly observing life from my perch on the stone fence. Toys? Nah, not really my thing. I much prefer the company of humans and dogs. Stick around, and I'll share some of my laid-back cat tales with you.

AN ADORABLE, LAZY, EASY-GOING MATCH

I became part of the family at the tender age of six weeks, gifted to Vera for her 10th birthday. Right from the start, it was evident that we were a perfect match: both charming, laid-back and a tad stubborn. We share a preference for unhurried movements and, above all, a deep love for snoozing!

My life is generally pleasant and cozy, though there have been a few upsetting moments. However, out of love for my family, I've chosen to remain tolerant. Let me elaborate on this. Initially, I was the sole feline in the household, and my closest companion was Masha, a delightful German Shepherd. She was truly wonderful—note my use of the past tense, sadly, she's no longer with us. I'm not sure what happened to her; I've overheard my humans mentioning terms like "disease," "old age," and "passed away." Wherever she may be now, I sincerely hope she's safe and happy.

Before Masha's departure, another puppy named Blacky joined the family—a fitting name for her black, fluffy appearance. While Blacky hasn't replaced Masha in my heart, she's become a part of the family. However, as she's grown older, she's become less playful, retaining some peculiar habits. Occasionally, she mistakes me for a different kind of companion, which can be rather bothersome. After all, I do consider myself a well-mannered cat!

ONE TRAGEDY AFTER ANOTHER

The first sorrowful moment in my life arrived when the family introduced a tiny kitten, only for her to vanish shortly after. Once again, I caught wind of that unsettling word: disease.

Then, about three years back, tragedy struck anew. Another kitten, spirited and small, supposedly plucked from the streets, found her way into the family's care. Adorable as she was, her arrival marked the end of my serene existence! They named her Laska, and suddenly, she was everywhere and anywhere! All the humans doted on her, even my Vera! She dubbed her "my cat." So, where did that leave me? I felt as though I'd lost my sense of self, my purpose in life. She was stripping everything away from me, slowly encroaching on my territory.

And let's not even get started on her manners or lack thereof! Laska made a habit of leaping over fences to frolic with the street's stray cats. Restless didn't even begin to describe her—barely 11 months old and already stirring up trouble! Then, one day, I noticed something peculiar: she'd packed on some serious pounds, her belly ballooning by the day. It was as though she was on the verge of bursting!

THE MYSTERY OF THE BIG BELLY

The mystery unraveled one fateful Friday morning as I returned from my usual garden stroll. Strange noises echoed from the kitchen, drawing me in to investigate. To my astonishment, there they were—kittens! A whole bunch of them! Initially, I counted three, then four, and before I knew it, there were five! It left me wondering, what on earth were we going to do? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against children, but due to surgery, having my own wasn't an option. However, as time went on, I found myself warming up to the idea of taking on a fatherly role for these little ones.

But let me tell you, reality hit hard. Those kittens were a handful—constantly clamoring for attention and food! Despite my ongoing distaste for Laska, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. For over two months, she had no respite. Finally, come September, four of the kittens found new homes with family friends, and we bid them farewell. It was heartbreaking, but the house simply couldn't accommodate all of us. One kitten remained, though.

Vera's brother, Matei, expressed a desire to have a cat of his own, so we kept her. And you know what? I'm glad we did. She's turned out to be far more well-behaved than her mother. I like to think my influence played a part in her upbringing—she's courteous, respectful, and a joy to have around.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF ANIMALS

The animal influx in this household seems never-ending! In October 2016, they decided to introduce a new addition—a puppy named Coffee. And she's an absolute wild child!

She'll gobble up anything in sight and leap onto everyone and everything—humans and animals alike! They even shelled out for a trainer to whip her into shape. I can see some improvement, but she's still got a ways to go. I chalk it up to her personality, which, let's be honest, can be quite unbearable! Yet, despite her antics, they're absolutely smitten with her. It's all rather bizarre if you ask me!

THE DRAMA OF BEING HELD HOSTAGE

Despite being a dashing and modest feline, I've found myself in two terrifying situations, neither involving my bothersome siblings! You see, being the charming cat that I am, humans just can't resist my allure. This has landed me in quite the predicament—not once, but twice!

The first ordeal occurred back in 2009, when I was held captive for three long weeks. It was a harrowing experience, confined to darkness with minimal food and forced companionship with a cat I had no interest in. Then, in 2017, history repeated itself, with a month and a half of captivity.

Now, you'd think humans, especially my educated family, would be more perceptive. Yet, somehow, my captors failed to realize that I've undergone surgery and can't reproduce. It's a bit of a shame, but I've come to terms with it, trusting in my family's decisions. If only they'd leave me in peace! And don't even get me started on Laska—she's a whole other headache!