When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Pudding

by Ann Katagiri

You walked straight into my life.

More accurately, right into my hands.

That night way past ten, you were meowing to high heavens, telling me you were a very hungry kitten.

You were so small; I thought I was hearing things until you bolted through the front door I opened.

At first, you scared me — looking like a tiny, dirty ball of tattered fur, you looked like a rat.

So skinny, I felt so bad for you.

Covered in fleas, you had two bald spots. One on your forehead and another on your shoulder.

Yet you had this determination in your eyes that reflected something inside of me.

I saw myself in you — courageously pursuing what you believed in.

You huffed down the food I gave you as if it were your last.

Your tiny tummy expanded to accommodate the food.

Perhaps a part of me saw my previous self in the way you acted — you knew what survival meant and were determined to survive.

Despite all the cards you were dealt in life, you took your fate into your own hands and bet on me.

Once your tummy was full, all you wanted to do was play.

You were so sweet and endured the bathing, nail trimming, and flea comb.

At some point, you definitely turned into a tiny gremlin, but that’s another story.

I remember that first night you fell asleep in my arms as if you hadn’t slept comfortably since you were born.

You slept like a rock, but I could see the smile on your face.

The moment I laid eyes on you, deep down, I had already decided.

I was going to name you Pudding.

Partly because you were so dirty when I met you, but also because you have such a beautiful coat of golden fur that came out of all the brown.

I’m so glad you took a chance, climbing so high with such a tiny body.

You sure did bet on the right human.

How could I say no to adopting you when you chose me?

I don’t think I truly believed in the Cat Distribution System until you walked through the door.

My first cat Den Chan was our family cat.

I adopted Mikan almost two years ago, after my friend found her on the side of the road.

But something changes inside of you when a cat walks through your front door.

Day by day, you’re growing from a tiny kitten only as big as my hand to a big kitten bursting with energy.

Now you measure at least three of my hand’s length.

You have such excitement for life.

Without a care in the world, you pounce paws first into everything.

Maybe there’s something to learn from a kitten like you.

The determination, survival instincts, and courage to take a step forward.

You cuddle in my hands and now purr as loud as the heavens can hear.

I still can’t believe I’ve ended up with two orange tabby kitties.

Thank you, Den Chan, for looking down from cat heaven and sending me orange tabby kitties who needed a home, just like you.

Thank you, Pudding, for being brave enough to prance into my life, giving me a friend as well as a kitty companion to Mikan.

Most of all, I’m so happy to forever call you my very own Puddin’.

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