Samantha Prasopthum, Atlas & Kitten
Left to right: Atlas, Kitten, and Samantha
I had a difficult time adjusting to living in NYC. I was depressed, lonely, missing my family and my first cat, Mochi. When I visited my family during the holidays, I realized I was really missing having that connection, so I decided to adopt a cat in NYC. I found Atlas on Anjellicle Cat Rescue’s website and immediately fell in love. The photos showed a handsome black and white tuxedo cat with the most stunning yellow eyes and the cutest fluffy tail. The description said he was “pure lion love” and I was won over. He had come from a hoarding situation and had been with a few different fosters before I adopted him. He was stressed, licked bald patches on his legs and had frequent urinary infections. My poor baby!
When he finally came home, it only took a few moments before he jumped on my bed, laid down and exposed his belly. I was so happy that he already felt at home. Atlas definitely has gained so much confidence the past few years. He is the ruler of the apartment, frequently watching over everyone from the top of the cupboards. Whenever he wants something, he knows how to get it. It’s sometimes frustrating, but I like that he’s tenacious that way. I had to start hiding my bread and treats on high shelves because he would tear through the bags on the counter and eat them. I even caught him inside the bottom cupboard, and found he had torn through a bag of dog kibble.
“I like to think that these two picked me to make their forever homes with, and I love the little family we made.”
He’s become a great big brother to my second cat, Kitten. She was a foster fail. I fostered her from the ASPCA when she was about 6 weeks old. She was a tiny frail little thing. She had been in an accident, the ASPCA thinks she was hit by a car, and her right front leg was lame. I kept her comfortable until she was old enough to get it amputated. When I picked her up from her surgery and took her home it broke my heart. All she wanted to do was sit in my lap or cuddle up next to me. I knew I had to adopt her after that.
I believe cats have love languages like humans, and Kitten’s is definitely physical touch. Every morning when I sit down at my desk she runs up, jumps into my lap and head butts my face for her morning head kisses. She’ll continue that for a few minutes while purring contently, licking my nose, until she finally settles down in my lap. She loves to be cuddled and cradled like a baby. She’ll sleep next to me all day, or on my chest if I decide to lounge.
It took a few months for Atlas and Kitten to warm up to each other. I kept them separated until Kitten healed from her amputation surgery. Atlas didn’t want anything to do with her at first. After Kitten healed, she started seeking out Atlas’s attention. She wanted to play with him and would chase him around the apartment. He taught her how he prefers to play, and now they like to hunt their favorite mouse toy together or play-wrestle. Atlas always insists on bath time promptly after playing, and then they usually snuggle up together. It’s the cutest little routine.
Bedtime is our favorite time. Atlas and Kitten run into the room with me while they wait for their bedtime treats. When they’re done eating, they jump into bed with me and cuddle up by my legs or on their cat pillow at the foot of the bed. Kitten loves to be groomed by Atlas and will often flop on her back in front of him, so he’ll give her kisses. It’s the most adorable, precious thing and it melts my heart every time. I like to think that these two picked me to make their forever homes with, and I love the little family we made.
Sam is a photo producer and is currently working at a women’s media company. Her and her cats favorite pastime is curling up in bed with fuzzy blankets and watching a good movie.