We thought we'd share those first special moments when Mom Paula met us and we chose her to be our human mom. Mom Paula was able to visit Truffle at the cattery three different times before Truffle was old enough to come live with her. Each time Mom Paula visited, she stayed for at least 3 hours so Truffle and Beignet could get used to her. Truffle immediately picked out Mom Paula and would go off by herself when other visitors came to look at the kittens. Truffle knew her mom was already chosen and there was no need to be friendly with anyone else.
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First kiss from Truffle (2011) |
Mom Paula was only able to visit Brulee two times before she came to live with us. Since Truffle moved in the 4th of September and was about 12 weeks older than Brulee, we wanted to make sure Brulee could move in as soon as possible so Truffle would accept her. Brulee was about 10 weeks old when she came to live with us. Brulee wasn't as "loveable" as Truffle was, but she knew who her human mom was because she literally reached out and touched her on the first visit. Mom Paula had visited with the newest kittens for her traditional 2.5-3 hours and had played with a kitten who looked like Truffle and the little male kitty. Brulee was sleeping off by herself and as the time neared for Mom Paula to leave, Brulee walked over and laid beside Mom Terri and let her rub her belly. Mom Paula reached over to her and said, "so, you wanted to come over and say hello before I left." Brulee looked at Mom Paula and took her floofy little paw and reached over and tapped Mom Paula on the hand as if to say, "don't forget about me." Brulee stayed on Mom Paula's mind the entire 2-hour drive home and for four days before Mom Paula decided that Brulee had chosen her. The rest is history.
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Brulee chose Mom Paula at the last minute (2011) |
Mom Paula: Just a little background. I've grown up with pets. The first twenty years of my life, I was owned by a Collie, a Cocker Spaniel, and two Pekingeses (I know I have photos somewhere, but can't find the photo albums). When I got married, I wanted another pet, but my husband (now ex) was afraid of dogs (don't know why), so I convinced him to let us get a cat. I told him that she would be indoors and not exposed to the dangers outside. Muff lived to be almost 19 years old and died one month before my divorce. I always wanted human children, but my ex-husband changed his mind about having children once we were married and he stated he would leave me if I ever got pregnant. It hurt terribly, but I didn't want to lose my husband, so I agreed with his decision. Upon the acceptance of this, I became more close to our cat, Muff, and could truly understand the special bond between a human and fur child.
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Mom Paula and Muff (circa 1978) |
When my ex-husband chose to leave me, he took Muff with him. As much as it pained me, I let him take her because she'd been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and only had 6 months to a year to live. I thought it would be easier to lose them both at the same time. It was very hard to come home to a lonely house for 1 1/2 years to no one. I would pull up in the driveway at night and open the door expecting Muff to meet me. Muff was part of my life for 17 years before she left. I realized for the first time in my life that I was alone in the world with no children: human or pet. I was by myself for 1 1/2 years before deciding it was time to bring another furchild into my life and that's when Sweet Praline stole my heart.
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Praline was a "love bug" from the beginning (December 1995) |
Praline was a love bug from the beginning. From the first moment I met her, she immediately kissed me, snuggled into my arms, began purring, and fell asleep. It was love at first sight and she was exactly what I needed since I was going through a divorce after 21 years of marriage and had also lost Muff. You can read more of Praline's story from her
remembrance day post. Sweet Praline stayed with me for 15 1/2 years and she'll always be remembered. I'd become the mom of a special fur child and my heart was fulfilled with unconditional love for all those years. During that time period, my divorce became final, my ex married his mistress, and she became pregnant. If it weren't for the love of Sweet Praline, I think that announcement would have devastated me because I finally realized that my ex-husband would have that special human child that I always wanted and would never have. Praline became my life and I knew then that I was a Human Cat Mom! Praline gave me the best kitty kisses and would purr so loudly when she was stroked or groomed. She brought some love back into my life that I had lost and helped to heal a broken heart. That's why I always say that she was my heart kitty. When I lost her, I knew I wanted to be a mom again, so Truffle and Brulee came into my life about 6 months later and the love and laughter continues.
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One, big, and happy family with Brulee and Truffle (November 2011) |
My life has been fulfilled with some wonderful cats the past 40 years and I'm proud to say I'm a Human Cat Mom! I'm also an aunt to three wonderful nephews and two nieces. They're all grown now, but they received a lot of attention and love from me and I treasured my time with them. I'm extremely lucky that my mom is still alive and able to do things with me. She'll turn 80 years old next month and she just had major back surgery. I guess I'll be a little more in the mom role while helping her to recuperate. But that's okay, because my mom has always been there for me.
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Paula and Faye (May 2015) |
We hope you enjoyed our little Sunday Selfie history of Mom Paula's Mother's Day experiences and emotions. Happy Mother's Day to everyone, whether you're the mother of a human or a fur child.
You can see more Mother's Day Sunday Selfies by visiting
The Cat on My Head.