A thank you letter to my cat

I wish she could read this.

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In a Nutshell When my ex and I walked into the local cat café 2 years ago, I fell in love with a black cat named Onyx, while he fell for a fluffy calico cat named Rosie. Rosie wanted nothing to do with me (which I definitely took offense to), but she ended up coming home with us anyway. Much to my surprise, she gravitated toward me as soon as she stepped out of the carrier, and we've been inseparable ever since. I never could've guessed just how much she'd change my life for the better. I list some of those ways (written with teary eyes) below. • Feel better: Ways to relieve discomfort from a toothache • Nourish yourself: 12 best collagen supplements for healthier skin • Keep in mind: Early signs of Parkinson's disease Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota May 3, 2024 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing This one goes out to Bean (formerly named Rosie) Bean is my first-ever pet — aside from a betta fish named Jason. I grew up with cats for most of my life and loved them all, but adopting your own animal is very different. Maybe it's the higher level of responsibility, a deeper bond, or something else I can't articulate that I think pet parents will just understand. Whatever the reason, it's been 2 years since she came home with me, and she has already enriched my life in countless ways. ️ She keeps me on track. I need routines and stability to thrive — and so does she, which works out very well for us. She eats breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a good brushing on the couch, cuddles, and playtime before I start my work day. She also holds me accountable to our 10 p.m. bedtime. I know she'll be grilling me from 5 feet away until it's time for sleep.️ I have access to endless cuddles at any time of the day. Physical touch is my love language. Thankfully, she always wants to be snuggled and petted.️ She keeps me active. Cats don't require walks like dogs, but Bean still gets me off the couch. I throw her mice up and down the stairs multiple times a day, I frequently dance with her in my arms, and I hunt around the house to collect her toys before bed. It's more tiring than you think!️ I experience joy more often. The comfort of her hopping into bed with me every night. Waking up to her sleeping soundly by my feet or on the windowsill. The bliss of laying on the couch together with her head resting on my chest. Bean makes me so happy. She's funny, too! Her resting grumpy face gets me every time. ️ She helps to regulate my emotions. The emotional support aspect of owning a pet is so real. She hops up on my lap during therapy sessions when I'm distraught and licks my tears away when I'm crying. Petting her soft fur and hearing her purr almost always takes some of the pain away, even if only for a little while. ️ She reminds me that I can do hard things. I honestly feel like a big baby in an adult suit 99% of the time. Keeping a cat alive and happy is a big accomplishment. If I can do that, maybe I can do all of the other things that seem impossible. ️ So, thank you, to my sweet girl, for making my life a zillion times better. Bean obviously can't read this, but I think she understands when I tell her I love her. Contrary to what my partner believes (despite showing him evidence from countless Google searches), her slow blinking says "I love you" back. ️ 🐱 Email wellnesswire@healthine.com to tell us about your pet! Or, better yet, send us photos. (Please note that we may feature your quote or picture in an upcoming newsletter.) ️

Great finds Shedding, be gone       Uproot Cleaner Pro Pet Hair Remover As a long-hair cat, Bean sheds fur like it's her job. I originally found Uproot through viral posts about a year ago, and the hype is real — this is the best reusable pet hair remover I've ever used. It works on carpets, couches, clothes, and whatever else her fur digs its claws into. I'll never use another sticky, plastic lint brush as long as I have a pet. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

health stories you need What we're reading next 🔥 How many calories can you burn from walking? It depends on a few factors, but here are some estimates according to your weight and speed. 🍎 28 surprising uses for apple cider vinegar. Note to self: Make an ACV spray the next time Bean gets fleas. 🫁 What to do if your inhaler stops working. Try not to panic. There are many other options that can help manage asthma symptoms. 💭 What your dreams might be trying to tell you. These interpretations of the most common dreams are fascinating.

Thanks for reading! Ginger and Kenny will take over for me next week. I can't wait to see all of the pet pictures you sent in when I get back.

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