This is how we became a cat family: we didn’t plan it, but now two kitty purr for us

Man plans, God decides, as the saying goes. It was the same for us, who never intended to have a cat. Then one came, and then another, in a way we never expected! Zsömi and Cirmos Vilmos have since become full-fledged family members.

Moving from the city to the countryside was a defining step in our lives. Having a house with a garden almost requires choosing a four-legged companion, but we knew that, with our preschool daughter and the commuting lifestyle, a dog wasn’t suitable for us at that moment. We were certain that if we ever had a pet, it would be a dog, not a cat. But then he appeared: the mysterious black fluffball that always showed up in different places, watching with a mouse in its mouth. Here is how we became a family with two cats.

The Noble Hunter

The cute black cat that occasionally appeared in our garden would usually bring us a rodent. Was it out of pride or an attempt to lure us? It’s unclear, but even my husband, who was staunchly against having a cat, nodded approvingly, saying, “This is indeed a noble hunter!”

Of course, our four-year-old rushed to get a bowl and some food for our adorable visitor. Initially, we discouraged it, saying it belonged to someone else and would go home. But it started showing up more frequently and staying longer. Naturally, we broke our own rule and fed our occasional hunter — strictly only once, we emphasized.

Zsömi came, saw, conquered — and gave birth

Needless to say, the bowl and the cat both stayed. What can you say when your daughter points excitedly out the window, saying, “Look, Zsömi is here!” That’s what she named the cat, and anything with a name is already a family member.

Soon we discovered that our wild and slightly peculiar friend — with one eye smaller than the other, constantly drooling, and missing two front teeth, probably due to an accident — was a female. This soon bore fruit in the form of four tiny kittens on our couch. We were fortunate to find loving homes for all of them.

A family with cats: illegitimate offsprings

To prevent further reproduction, we decided on spaying, but unfortunately, it was too late: Zsömi’s belly rounded again. A few weeks later, just like in fairy tales, her sought-after offspring emerged from the attic. Small, fluffy, and black. We could honor the neighboring tomcat as their proud father (the child stood in amazement, saying, “But they didn’t even have a date!” Well, fair enough).

At that point, one of the dads from the neighborhood peeked into our yard with shining eyes, showing his daughter Zsömi, who he thought bore a striking resemblance to their old cat, Bundás. We jokingly said, “Then she’s probably the one,” but when asked if they wanted her back, a quick headshake was the answer. We learned that in the village, there are no privately owned cats — only everyone’s cat is. Apparently, the tiny ones frolicking around their mother didn’t appeal much to the old owner. Again, we were fortunate; each little one found a loving home.

Spaying and peace

After that, we acted promptly, and our favorite underwent spaying. Over time, she became much more gentle, completely accustomed to us, and the initial wanderings ceased. Peace reigned in our home, and we accepted that we had indeed become a family with cats and real cat lovers.

Vili out of the blue

The happy and peaceful times came to an end one summer afternoon with a mournful meow. It was naptime, and by then, it wasn’t just one child we had to put to bed after lunch; our little boy had been born. The cries of the a cat pierced the silence of the naptime.

Both my husband and I rushed to the garden to find the source of the sound. To our surprise, a beautiful but very sad-looking striped cat was winding around our legs, pleading to be let in. We couldn’t understand (and still don’t) how it got there. It was clearly well-cared-for, in good shape, and, with a quick glance, I found out it was a boy, and he was neutered.

We placed a bowl of water in front of the gate for him and took a few pictures, hoping his owner would recognize him in the local Facebook group. However, the cat didn’t want to wait in front of the gate; he followed us. He would have followed us into the house, but seeing the door closing in front of him, he jumped onto the windowsill of the children’s room and cried inconsolably. He only stopped when we went out to him.

Of course not!

My husband wasn’t home when the tabby cat appeared, so he was quite surprised to see a loud stranger when he returned. By then, I suspected that this cat couldn’t be put out by force, but the thought never crossed our minds— he would stay. The only thing left was to inform the fourth member of our family about it. I did it carefully: he can stay here in until the owner shows up.

Third day

The cat’s complaining lasted for two days and two nights, and by then, we had named the little one Cirmos Vilmos. (To his friends, just Vili, sometimes Vilkó.) As expected, no one claimed him, and comments on the photo wisely suggested that he chose us. And so it could be said…

When it was clear that we needed to set out another bowl. During the next shopping trip, my husband picked up two identical metal bowls from the shelf. That was the verdict. With a significant look exchanged between us, we didn’t need to say anything: we became a two-cat family.

One girl, one boy

The arrival of our cats is funny because they matched the genders of our children. So both kids get to raise their own cat. Of course, beyond them, every family member adores the two fluffballs who are incredibly sweet, affectionate, and devoted. And to their credit, they are excellent hunters, a valuable trait in the countryside.

Luxury and fanatic love

As for my initially reluctant husband: he now acts as their guardian, chasing away the neighbor’s fighting tomcat (Zsömi’s ex). On rainy days, he dries both of their fur by the stove with a towel, offering them an impromptu dinner on a dessert plate within his reach.

If I hadn’t seen the above scene, I wouldn’t believe it myself, but it truly happened. In short, we became a family of six and huge cat enthusiasts.