Additional Coverage:
- I tried so hard not to get a pet for my kids after I divorced. Turns out I needed it more than them. (businessinsider.com)
A Purrfect Companion: How a Kitten Helped a Divorced Mom
As a newly divorced mom of two, the last thing I wanted was another responsibility. My daughter, Vivian, constantly begged for a kitten, but I envisioned scratched furniture, vet bills, and more work on my already overflowing plate.
Yet, one day at the animal shelter, a tiny, six-week-old black kitten named Luna stole our hearts. I caved.
I’ll never forget Vivian’s joy when she met Luna. They were inseparable that first week.
But the following week, Vivian was with her dad, leaving me and Luna alone. It was then I realized Luna wasn’t a burden; she was a comfort.
Caring for her eased the heartache of missing my kids and provided a much-needed distraction.
Over the past two and a half years, Luna has become my unexpected therapy cat. She greets me at the door, purring and rubbing against my legs, melting away the sadness of dropping my kids off at their dad’s.
The simple acts of filling her food dish and scooping her litter box somehow soothe my longing for my children. We even play fetch with hair ties – a silly game that echoes the joy of playing with my kids when they were younger.
Admittedly, I talk to Luna throughout the day when the kids are away. “Good morning, Luna,” or “Come on, Luna, let’s get some coffee.”
It might sound corny, but her presence is calming. I now realize how much Luna’s companionship would have helped during the tumultuous time of my divorce.
Her soft fur and playful antics would have been a welcome solace during those lonely days.
Becoming a cat person has been an unexpected joy. Luna is more than a pet; she’s a furry friend, a confidante, and a constant source of comfort. I only wish we’d adopted her sooner.