The benefits of having a cat while living with MS

Because of the emotional and mental toll that my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis diagnosis had on me, I wanted a cat to help me cope with and navigate life with the condition. I knew having a pet would improve my mood and give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning — something I struggle with regularly because of chronic fatigue.

A few months after I received my diagnosis, the universe presented me with my best furry friend, Lucky.

Finding my furry friend

One day, near the end of July 2017, I went down the outside staircase at my mom’s apartment to get the salad she’d brought me from Buffalo Wild Wings. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw a kitten in horrible condition and exclaimed, “Oh, my God, a cat!” When my mom saw the kitten, she instantly wanted to bring him inside, given how young and mistreated he appeared to be.

After bringing him inside, we hurried to the nearest grocery store to buy the essentials: litter, a litter box, food, treats, catnip, toys, and soap. When we got back to my mom’s apartment, I was tasked with bathing him because he was extremely dirty. That night, we gave him space to get comfortable and accustomed to his new home.

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Desiree Lama hugs her cat, Lucky. (Photo by Michael Anthony Lama Jr.)

The following day, we took him to the vet, who said he was severely malnourished and had fleas and ringworm. All I could think was, “Who would treat a small and helpless animal in such a horrible way?” At that moment, my goal was to give this little guy the best life he could possibly have.

But sadly, I was leaving for college soon, and Lucky, as we named him, had to stay with my mom, brother, and aunt.

Fast forward to my senior year of college, when I decided I wanted to live alone in a one-bedroom apartment. I asked my mom multiple times if she’d let me bring Lucky to Austin to live with me. She thought it was a good idea, since it was my first time living alone. It’s safe to say that living with Lucky was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Life and love with a pet

Personally, I’ve found many benefits to having a cat while living with multiple sclerosis. There have been many times when migraines got the better of me and I didn’t leave my bed for days, but Lucky was right there with me the entire time. Even in the moments when I can’t figure out what I’m feeling, he never leaves my side. He graces me with so much love and affection, which always makes me feel better.

We’ve had Lucky for seven years now, and he has remained one of the biggest blessings in my life. Every day I strive to give him the best life possible to thank him for all the love he’s shown me over the years. We may have saved him, but he also saved me.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.