I Didn't Know What I Was Doing: My Raw Story of Cat Adoption

Written by someone who definitely wasn’t a "cat person" — until life had other plans

You ever have one of those days where everything feels... off? That was me. I came home after a long, weird Tuesday. It was raining, I was drained, and I just wanted to lie down and ignore life for a bit.

And then — I saw her. This tiny, shivering thing hiding under my neighbor's porch. Orange, scruffy, eyes like she'd been through things I couldn't even imagine. I froze. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do. I’m not gonna lie — I just stood there awkwardly for like five minutes.

She didn’t move. I slowly crouched. She blinked at me. Something clicked. I didn’t plan to take a cat home that day. But I did.

No One Prepares You For This

Let me be real with you: I had zero clue what I was doing. I didn’t grow up with pets. I Googled everything — from how to clean a litter box to "do cats get sad?"

The first 48 hours were a blur. She hid under my dresser. Wouldn’t eat. Wouldn’t look at me. I kept whispering, “It’s okay,” even though I wasn’t sure if it really was.

I named her Lulu. She didn’t respond, of course — but it felt right. Naming her made it real. Made her mine.

Have You Ever Felt Like You’re Failing at Something That Should Be Easy?

I felt that every hour. I'd check if she was still breathing. I panicked when she sneezed. I thought I broke her when she wouldn’t play. The amount of times I typed, "how long until a rescue cat trusts you" is embarrassing.

But then... something shifted. On the fourth night, I woke up and found her asleep by my feet. Not curled up in a fairytale kind of way. Just... lying there. Existing next to me. That tiny gesture meant the world.

Here’s My Unfiltered Advice

Don’t force it. Cats move on their own terms. Your job is to just... be there.
Don’t obsess over doing it "right." You’ll make mistakes. So what?
Read their cues, not guides. Yes, guides help (like the ones from PetMD), but your cat will write her own manual.
Invest in a cozy corner. Lulu loved hiding in a cardboard box with an old hoodie I wore. Who knew?

Zoomies, Toe Bites & Quiet Moments

One week in, Lulu started showing her personality. She’d randomly race around the apartment like a possessed sock — classic cat zoomies. She’d bite my toes if I didn’t wake up by 7 AM. She’d sit on my laptop exactly when I needed it most.

And sometimes, when I cried after a hard day, she’d just sit nearby. Not cuddling. Just... being there. That kind of quiet companionship? You can’t explain it.

Thinking About Adopting?

Honestly, if you’re reading this because you’re unsure — I get it. You’re scared you’ll mess up. You’re worried the cat won’t like you. You don’t know if you’re “ready.”

Here’s what I think: readiness is overrated. Just go meet a cat. Not a perfect one. A scruffy, awkward, shy one. Look into their eyes. If something stirs — you’ll figure the rest out.

You can search for local rescues on Petfinder. I wasn’t even planning to adopt, and now I can’t imagine life without Lulu.

This Isn’t Just About Cats

It’s about connection. About healing, slowly. About showing up for someone who doesn't speak your language, but still understands you. It's messy and imperfect and deeply worth it.

So no, I didn’t know what I was doing. But now? I know that Lulu and I saved each other. And if you’re on the edge of that decision — maybe it’s your turn.