In the long river of life, some encounters seem to be precious gifts carefully arranged by fate, just like my encounter with Ximi. Ximi, this “little male star” who is now half a year old, has made me truly experience a different role since it came into my life – as if I have become its manager.
I used to have a strong desire to keep a cat in my heart, but I was hesitant because I was worried that I couldn’t take good care of it. It wasn’t until last winter when I took care of a American Shorthair cat for a friend who was on a business trip for a week. During that week of getting along, I was completely enchanted by the lovely world of cats. Since then, the urge to have a cat of my own grew stronger day by day.
My childhood friend recommended a cattery that breeds show – quality American Shorthairs to me. However, the waiting time was as long as half a year. I didn’t have high requirements for the appearance of the cat. I didn’t care whether it was a show – quality cat or whether it had a certificate. I just hoped to have a cat with an adorable personality by my side. So, as someone with strong initiative (or perhaps a lack of self – control), I started searching on Dianping, initially telling myself that I was just looking.
After browsing through many catteries, a pet store caught my attention.Moreover, there were only a few specific cat breeds in the store, and no other small animals, which made me feel at ease. As a novice with no experience, I first added the store owner’s WeChat and started chatting with her. Although the store was located on a busy street with a large flow of customers and was full of popularity, the owner insisted on implementing an appointment system. She explained that she was afraid that too many strange smells would scare the kittens in the store. This made me have a good impression of the owner’s thoughtfulness and her love for the cats, so I decided to visit the store.
I originally went to the store for an American Shorthair with white markings. Unfortunately, all the good – looking American Shorthairs with white markings in that litter had already been reserved, leaving only a cute little kitten with uneven eyes. Just as I turned around to leave, I noticed a litter of little silver shaded British Shorthairs. The owner told me that these little silver shaded kittens had just been delivered to the store that day. The six little kittens were playing and fighting together, looking as cute as a pot of soft glutinous rice balls. I hadn’t considered a silver shaded cat before, but at that moment, I couldn’t help but be attracted. When all the kittens were staring at the cat teaser, my Ximi remained indifferent. At first, I thought it was a cold and aloof cat. However, when I teased it with my finger, it became extremely happy. It responded to me with its little paw through the glass and even “high – fived” me. I couldn’t resist asking the owner to take it out for me to hold.
When Ximi was taken out for the first time, it lay on my arm, trembling with fear, and its little fur stood on end. I gently rubbed its little head, and it quieted down, lying obediently in my arms. At that moment, I felt as if it had chosen me, and a wonderful bond was formed between us.
Although I liked Ximi very much at that moment, I was still hesitant at first because I was worried that I couldn’t take good care of it. After I got back, I chatted with the owner on WeChat for a long time. The owner patiently told me a lot of details about cat care and also promised that if Ximi got sick or had any discomfort in the future, I could contact her immediately. The owner’s words finally put my mind at ease as a novice, so I paid the deposit and eagerly awaited the day when I could take Ximi home after it received its second vaccination a month later.
When Ximi first came home, it was very timid and hid motionless in the gap next to the litter box. Its pitiful appearance was both cowardly and cute. I took a photo and sent it to the owner, and the owner burst out laughing (it felt like it wasn’t her own cat). After Ximi relaxed on its own, it knew how to find the litter box by itself. A day later, it started to act coquettishly, rolling over to expose its belly and asking for affection.
Since then, Ximi has become the source of joy in my life. Every move of it tugs at my heart. I began to pay attention to its daily life, take care of its health, and record its growth moments, just like a manager. Although taking care of it can be tiring sometimes, seeing it grow up healthily and happily every day makes me feel that everything is worth it. I am grateful to fate for letting me meet Ximi, and I cherish every wonderful moment spent with it.
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