- Ft, for how long have you had a cat and can we know more about him/her?
- I have had Tuxie for four years. I picked him from the Uganda Society for Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) in July 2017. I had lost my previous cat to a bladder infection, and USPCA – where the surgery on previous cat had been conducted – gave me Tuxie as a ‘replacement’ cat.
As with most cat parents, Tuxie is neutered (castrated) so he does not father kittens with stray cats. It is a way of controlling the cat population.
- With the economic downturn caused by the COVID19 pandemic, have you thought of cutting down on the pet’s expenditure? Or giving away Tuxie altogether?
- My initial reaction is LOL. Tuxie is an important member of the household. I have not considered reducing his food portions. Or asking USPCA to take Tuxie back. At times, I feel his needs (food, litter) take precedence over mine. For instance, while my groceries are considered on day-to-day basis, Tuxie’s food has to be stocked. While I can improvise for litter (old newspaper cuttings), there is not much flexibility for cat food. I do not feed him on human food.
- Is being a Cat Parent something enjoyable or is it a chore?
- Cats spend 16 to 20 hours sleeping. Compared to, say a guard dog, Tuxie is an accessory. He’s potty-trained and always uses the litter box. I guess during lockdown; he sees me around the house more often, and wonders why I am in his space. He is a useful companion. The lockdown would have been tougher without another living being in the home.
- In some circles, it would be considered unmanly to have a cat. Why did you opt for a cat?
- Cats are the pet of choice for people that treasure autonomy. My work entails travelling now and then; it would be difficult to leave a dog unattended to for a couple of days. Cats are just fine on their own – as long as there is water and food for a few days (typically not more than three). Dogs require 24/7 care.
- Is pet food a costly venture?
- There are two food options: “dry” and “wet.” For a human, it would be a choice between roasted maize and filet mignon. Left to his own devices, Tuxie would consume 400g-tin per day (UGX 6k). Dry food costs UGX 15k per kg, and lasts weeks.
- What are the highs and lows with your furry housemate?
- I think the lockdown would have been less bearable without Tuxie. Watching him play (when he is not sleeping), and the telling him not to do things I disapprove of are enjoyable activities. Plus… taking care of a pet is like looking after any other vulnerable being. It is full-fulling, and makes me a better human.