Jenni's Story: 'All of my cats have been friends to me'

I’ve always had cats in my life, since I was about 5 years old.’

My first childhood cat was Sooty. I remember he would swipe at my legs when I swung them under the table. But he was a big softy too, I used to dress him up in a wee bonnet and take him down to the park in my pram. All my friends had dolls!

Then there was Bonnie, a Persian cat who lived for a long time. She was very much my mother’s cat. I remember her being so jealous when a relative brought their baby for a visit that she was climbing up her back.

The first cat of my own was Blackie, who came when my daughter was young.

He was such a special cat, so intelligent. My daughter had a serious surgery when she was twelve and afterwards he knew instinctively to avoid her incisions when cuddling in. He was a great companion.

Blackie lived to be 18 and in his later years he loved to sit with us in the evening by the burn near our house and watch the bats flutter around. When it was his time to go we were able to give him a peaceful farewell. My daughter who had grown up with him was able to come home and say goodbye and he passed gently in my lap.

Then came Lila and Chita, my daughters cats who I looked after for six months while she went travelling after university.

Six months turned into a year turned into adopting them forever! Chita was slim and active, and I often had complaints from the neighbours about her hunting skills. Lila, on the other hand was huge, and actually won second place in Cat Slimmer of the Year, Scotland after she went on a special diet. First place went to a very cute three-legged kitty so I’m not sure it was fair!

Many years later, during Covid, I fell in love with Mousa,  the neighbour’s cat.

Mousa was really called Dexter, he visted me every day and loved napping on my bed. Sadly he wasn’t very well and in 2021 he passed the day after I returned from a trip. I still believe he held on to say goodbye.

After the pain of losing Mousa, and as I was no longer travelling so much in retirement, I decided I was ready to adopt again. I met Tara at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and we both fell in love. She’s very talkative, she loves to wake me up at 4am for a chat and often argues with me about the weather when she wants to go outside. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Tara has a lot of health issues, but she seems a lot happier than the anxious cat I first met. I’m pleased I’ve given her confidence and a happy home for the rest of her days.

All of my cats, they’ve been friends to me.

They’re with you through thick and thin. With a cat you get total, unconditional love, but you’ve got to give them your unconditional love back. If you treat them well, if you love them and look after them, they’ll be there for you.

As well as being a regular supporter, Jenni has chosen to remember a few animal charities in her Will, to honour the animals who’ve shaped her life.