THE CAT STORY

A year back, a female cat came to our farm. After a month a male cat joined the queen cat. Later she stayed back at our place but never saw the male. He may have fulfilled his natural responsibilities and moved away. If it is a human the male could have suffered a lifelong blemish and consequent social isolation. A few months later, the queen cat gave birth to four kittens. The entire family went missing for a few days. We realized she was hiding them to protect them as they grew, shielding them from potential risks. As the kittens grew up and learned to make for themselves, she introduced them to the new circumstances. They started hunting for snakes and rats. Admitting my selfishness, I started feeding them as they helped reduce the number of rats, much to the satisfaction of the cats, and eventually, myself.

After some time, one of the kittens fell into the water and one passed away for unknown reasons, while another was killed by our dog, again he is not from our human colony otherwise a lot of investigation and arrest could have happened later. Only one kitten survived. The mother cat continued to care for and play with its kid as before. Their lives continued as if nothing happened. Perhaps, in our lives, there is space for emotional value. They may be emotionally fragile and lack the means to express it as there is no space for the same in their life. If they sat back with sadness no one was there to feed them. They must search for their food each evening and be aware of their natural risks.

After a few days, the mother and the daughter were living normally and happily when the same male cat returned and spent quality time with the mother and daughter without feeling any awkwardness. Once again, he disappeared after fulfilling his duties. The mother gave birth to another three kittens, one particularly wild and aggressive, fearlessly battling a poisonous snake. The other two were calmer, at least by our standards. Now, the lone older kitten has also grown and found her mate, giving birth to two more kittens. The cat family has continued to grow and thrive, finding our place comforting.

I often ponder how humans complicate their lives by chasing inorganic ways. Why do we fail to learn from other creatures to live in the present, understand nature, and move forward in life? Instead of forcing ourselves into predetermined paths, we seldom embrace the natural flow of life, resulting in nothing but frustration. I am captivated by the simplicity of the cats' lives - living for today, in the moment, accepting life as it is.

SAJIKUMAR

https://sajikumar.co.in/