When Margaret called to tell me about her new choice, I got ready. My mother-in-law, who was 77 years old, often made snap decisions. For example, she got a treadmill that she never used, and she quit painting after only three classes. But this time, her news really shocked me.
“I got a kitten!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy.
I almost dropped my phone. “What are you?”
“A kitten!” Daisy is her name. “Look at that cute little thing! She’s gray, fluffy, and full of energy!”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, and I could feel a headache coming on. “Kate, do you really believe that’s a good thought?” Having a kitten is a lot of work. They need constant care, teaching, and trips to the vet; they’re not just cute little furballs.
The worry in my voice was totally ignored when she said, “Oh, I know.” “But I want to be with someone.” This past week, the house felt very empty, but she’s already making it feel more full!”
I had no problem with that. Margaret had been living alone since my husband’s father died two years ago. She did have friends, but I knew that she felt lonely in the evenings when she had no one to talk to or eat dinner with. Still, a cat? A hyperactive, naughty little animal that needed a young, busy person to keep up with it?
I told her, “I just worry about you taking care of her.” “Kittens like to play, climb, and scratch. They need attention all the time.”
Margaret laughed. “Grandchildren do too, but no one asks them about it.”
I sighed and rubbed my temple. “You know it’s not the same.”
She told him to “relax.” “I am old, but I am not weak.” I’m having fun with this cat! Also, I didn’t really adopt a tiger. She’s not even as big as my shoe!”
That didn’t make me feel better. What I thought would happen did happen: Margaret would get close to Daisy, but as the weeks went by, she’d see how much work Daisy was. After that, I would have to take care of her when Margaret could no longer.
After a week, sure enough, I got a call.
“She’s everywhere!” Margaret sounded very angry. “This morning, she climbed up that curtain.” Then she tipped my tea over. And the night before? At 2:00 in the morning, she was running all over the house! Cats have so much energy! I didn’t know that!”
I sighed. “I told you.”
“But,” her voice softened, “she curled up in my lap and purred herself to sleep afterward.” This was the cutest thing.
Her voice told me. Margaret fell in love. She already loved Daisy, it didn’t matter how tired she was. That was the real problem—she wouldn’t be able to give up the kitten if she knew she couldn’t take care of her in the future.
I carefully said, “Maybe you should think about getting some help.” “Someone to help with things like changing the litter box and going to the vet.”
Margaret got angry. “Darling, I’m not that old.” I know how to take care of a kitten.
It didn’t convince me. I didn’t want to argue, so I chose to wait.
After One Month
Finally went there to see the disaster for myself. I thought there would be a lot of chaos, with broken furniture, a stressed-out Margaret, and maybe a mouse climbing the walls. Instead, I smelled the warm, fresh tea and saw a scene that seemed strangely calm.
Marge was knitting in peace in her wheelchair, and Daisy was curled up next to her, pawing at a strand of yarn. The house was whole. No blinds that are torn up. There are no signs of damage.
Margaret gave me a big smile. “Daisy, look who’s here! “Your worried aunt!”
I put my arms down. “I was ready for a war zone.”
Margaret laughed. “I’ll be honest—the first week was… an adjustment.” But she is now calm. “We’ve found a beat.”
After a lazy stretch, I saw Daisy get up and trot over to her food bowl. Slowly, Margaret got up and followed her. It was easy for her to refill the dish.
Even though I was still not sure, something had changed. Maggie seemed to be having more fun. She moved faster, her voice sounded better, and she even seemed happy.
Margaret scratched Daisy’s chin and said, “She makes me want to get up in the morning.” “I talk to her.” She stays close to me. I enjoy her company. “I’ve laughed so hard in years.”
I took a deep breath in. It’s possible that I was wrong. Just maybe, this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Of course, I knew there was still a chance that I would have to take care of it one day. But for now, Margaret was happy again. And wasn’t that the most important thing?
