Things we do for the Gram

Nayana M

A perspective on pet adoptions based on a conversation.

“Shadow!” Vini shouted when Amir entered the class.

“Not so loud,” Amir retorted. “I was up till 3 working on my assignments, I barely got any sleep,” he said dragging his feet as he made his way to his desk, chai in hand.

“I’m sorry. I’m just exited to tell you I thought of a name for the cat,” said Vini.

“Shadow,” he said, mulling it over.

“What do you think, Sunny? The cat in my neighbourhood, Momo, gave birth again. This time an all-black kitten was a part of the litter. I’m planning to keep it,” said Vini, with a big smile on her face.

“You should get one of those Sphynx or Persian cats instead. Black cats are evil,” said Sunny.

“I wanted a Persian cat, but I figured it was better to adopt. You know, that way I can at least help one kitten. Besides, Momo might give birth to another black kitten and then I can have twins!”, she replied ignoring the evil cat comment.

Kiki who sits behind Vini every day, had a frown on her face.

“Vini, it is amazing that you’re adopting. Why are you so keen on black cats though?” said Kiki.

“Black cats are so cool. I have always wanted one. They go with my personality. Besides, think of all the pictures I can take for Instagram. I have so many ideas!” she said.

“Vini, do you know about Fading kitten syndrome?” asked Kiki. You could tell she was

annoyed.

“What is that?” said Vini sounding just as annoyed.

“Sometimes, kittens die. These can be kittens that are stillborn. It cannot be helped. Other times there may be one or two weak kittens in a litter that die any time after birth while they are still young. These kittens do not usually have diseases of any kind. They are just born weak and can be nursed back to health. You can tell them apart because they are underweight and look sickly,” she explained.

By now everyone in class was listening to the conversation.

“So, I should adopt a sick kitten. Is that what you’re saying?” Vini said.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. A lot of people think black cats are edgy. Everybody wants to have one. They are more likely to get adopted than the rest. If you really want to help a kitten it should not matter what they look like. The stronger ones can fend for themselves. It’s the weaker ones that don’t survive,” Kiki said.

“But that’s not what…,” Vini interrupted.

“I know it’s not what you want but think about it. Everybody wants a foreign breed for a pet like its some sort of status symbol. When there are so many animals starving on the street it does not seem right. How different is this then? Also, it is probably best if you get Momo sterilised. The more kittens it gives birth to, the more kittens end up on the street,” she

said.

Sunny laughed. “Amir are you listening to this? She thinks it’s Vini’s job to sterilise street cats now?”

Amir was just about to say something when he was interrupted by Kiki.

“Listen, I know it seems like a lot to ask. It is not her job. But if people like us do not do it, who will? Vini did say it was her neighbourhood cat. If that cat is not sterilised it will give birth to many more kittens that will probably die on the street. There are government veterinary hospitals that charge a nominal fee, so money isn’t a concern.” said Kiki.

Sunny fell silent.

But I wanted a cat to match the dark theme of my Insta feed Vini thought as the teacher walked into class. Everybody stood up to greet him.

Amir was oblivious to his surroundings, still seated and still mulling it over.