As a child, Patrick Zhao dreamed about having a dog, so what’s the post-secondary student doing with six cats?
It’s a question he’s asked himself.
It all started last summer when Cat Brother arrived as a “temporary resident” while his owner went back to China for a visit.
Then word got out among friends and fellow students that Zhao was willing to babysit your cat if you’re going away.
Gradually, Zhao’s apartment transformed into what he calls “Catland” — because it’s one thing to drop off a cat, but another to pick it up.
Thanks to travel restrictions related to the pandemic, many who left the country in the summer or over the winter break are now unable to return.
So, Zhao days now consist of feeding, cleaning, cat boxes and hopelessly trying to brush the fur off his furniture.
..and he loves it.
While others may feel lonely and isolated at this time, Zhao said his six little cuties help keep his spirits up.
And the fact all his classes have been moved online means he’s around to enjoy their antics — of which there is plenty.
After Cat Brother took up residency, someone dropped off a ragdoll cat named Yoomi and her two kittens. They were followed by a nine-month-old British Shorthair named Mei Tuan, who was then followed by Tian Mao is the most recent resident, and looks similar to the cat from the American TV series, Tom and Jerry.
The two kittens Dian Dian and Xiao Hei (which means “Little Black” in English) not surprisingly provide the most entertainment and are very friendly and trusting, while the others hide under Zhao’s bed to observe “new visitors quietly,” said Zhao.
However, Yoomi, the kittens’ mother, is very protective of her babies and will sometimes get into a fight with Cat Brother, who has a “lone wolf” type of personality.
“Cat Brother doesn’t play much with the rest of the group. He walks around the house with an aloof look on his face. Sometimes I feel he is more like a bodyguard,” said Zhao.
Mei Tuan, the nine-month-old British Shorthair, may seem a bit shy and lazy at first, but she has a very warm and caring heart, added Zhao.
“Mei Tuan always helps Yoomi take care of her babies. She has taught the kittens how to clean themselves and behave nicely. Without training from her, my job would be a lot harder,” said Zhao.
Tian Mao sometimes has to be “separated” by Zhao and put in another room with food and water because he’s a hisser and growler.
Zhao puts that down to stress so makes a point of playing with him and giving him some one-on-one comfort and “training him to be a gentleman.”
Although six cats sound like a lot of work, Zhao doesn’t find it exhausting. In fact, quite the opposite. He finds it’s very soothing and relaxing to see them lay under the feet to have a nap or play around.
“They are like angels and they have brought so much joy to my life,” said Zhao.
