I got a cat.

Summary

In this personal story, Jaden shares her unexpected journey of overcoming her childhood allergy to cats and how she ended up adopting one. Initially allergic to cats and raised in a dog-loving family, Jaden’s perspective shifted after meeting her friend Jacob's cats. Over time, she discovered that her allergy had diminished, and she grew fond of these creatures. After some exploration, she adopted a quirky kitten named Tostada, who quickly became a beloved companion. The video humorously details their experiences together, from Tostada’s peculiar behavior to her deep bond with Jaden, highlighting the joys of pet ownership and the surprises life brings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jaden was originally allergic to cats, experiencing sneezing and watery eyes when around them during childhood.
• 😀 Despite being allergic, Jaden eventually warmed up to cats after meeting Jacob's cats, Frasier and Taylor, and was surprised to have a positive experience.
• 😀 Jaden discovered that her allergy may have changed over time, as she stopped having reactions to cats after repeated exposure.
• 😀 The experience of interacting with Jacob's cats made Jaden realize how much she liked them, especially Taylor, who would crawl onto her lap.
• 😀 Jaden impulsively decided she wanted to adopt a cat after seeing one she liked, named Tostada, at a rescue organization.
• 😀 Unfortunately, Tostada had already been adopted, so Jaden kept looking for the perfect cat, eventually discovering one named Scrabble.
• 😀 Jaden fell in love with Scrabble, who was later renamed Tostada, and eagerly adopted her despite initial plans to wait.
• 😀 Once Tostada joined the family, Jaden was overwhelmed by how much she enjoyed having a pet and how Tostada's personality brightened her life.
• 😀 Tostada is described as quirky, with a giant forehead and eyes, and a low level of intelligence, though she has a big personality.
• 😀 Jaden shares how Tostada is very skittish and can be easily startled, but is also very loving and follows Jaden around constantly.
• 😀 Jaden emphasizes the importance of managing pets carefully, especially with her birds, Ari and Tofu, who are kept safely separated from the cats.
• 😀 Over time, Jaden has adjusted to being around Tostada with no allergy issues, and even sees her as a special little creature rather than just a cat.

Q & A

What was Jaden's initial experience with cats like?

Jaden was allergic to cats growing up and had to stay away from them, which led to a lack of familiarity with them. Despite this, Jaden never had anything against cats, but dogs were always preferred due to their more playful nature and easier approachability.

How did Jaden's perception of cats begin to change?

Jaden's perception changed when meeting Jacob's cats, particularly Taylor, who surprisingly chose to sit on Jaden's lap. Despite being allergic, Jaden experienced no reaction, which sparked curiosity about cats and led to a personal 'cat experiment' to test if the allergy had changed.

How did Jaden realize that the cat allergy might have disappeared?

Jaden noticed that after spending time with the cats at Jacob's house, they no longer experienced the typical allergic symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes, which led Jaden to believe that they had somehow outgrown the cat allergy.

What led Jaden to want to adopt a cat?

After spending more time with Jacob's cats, particularly Taylor, Jaden began to really enjoy their company. Jaden also experienced a strong emotional connection with a cat named 'Tostada' after seeing her on a local rescue's website, which ultimately led to the decision to adopt a cat.

Why was Jaden so determined to adopt Tostada despite other options?

Jaden felt an immediate connection to Tostada, who had a unique and quirky appearance, including large eyes and a playful personality. This connection was further reinforced through regular updates and a video call with Tostada's foster parents, making Jaden eager to adopt her.

What is the significance of the name 'Tostada'?

Jaden decided to name the cat Tostada after seeing her on the rescue website, even though the cat's original name was 'Scrabble'. Jaden felt that 'Tostada' suited her more, and the name became symbolic of Jaden's playful and impulsive nature.

How did Jaden feel about having a pet that wasn’t as fragile as a bird?

Having Tostada as a cat felt strange to Jaden, who had been used to owning birds for years. Unlike birds, Tostada was sturdier and less fragile, which was a surprising but welcome change in pet ownership.

What are some of Tostada's quirks and behaviors?

Tostada is known for her giant eyes, lack of coordination, and general clumsiness. She also has a very specific routine of demanding 'pats' at a particular spot on the floor, and she follows Jaden everywhere, making her a very affectionate and attached cat.

What is Tostada’s relationship with the other animals in the house?

Tostada has a complicated but affectionate relationship with the other cats. She loves Taylor, though Taylor often dislikes her, and they have a sibling-like dynamic. Tostada and Frasier, however, get along well and play together often.

How does Jaden manage the potential risk of cats around birds?

Jaden ensures the safety of their birds by keeping them completely separated from the cats, with a double door system in place to prevent any interaction between the two. This careful separation ensures that both the cats and the birds can coexist without risk.