Finding extra comfort when a new cat joins my existing feline friend

A couple months ago, my partner and I took a 5-week-old kitten into our home.

The decision was somewhat impulsive because we didn’t intend to adopt a kitten. We’d wanted an adult cat, because we were concerned that my resident cat, Lucky, wouldn’t take well to a new friend. And kittens are a handful.

However, the opportunity presented itself when a friend of my mom’s was trying to find loving homes for a new litter of kittens. My mom had shown us pictures of them, and we instantly fell in love with a black male. As fans of the Harry Potter franchise, we decided to name him Severus, after one of our favorite characters in the series.

Soon after we adopted Severus, I realized he added to the love and self-care that Lucky has provided me for years, since I’ve been living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Lucky has offered me companionship and support throughout my MS journey.

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MS struggles lately

My schedule has been busy lately, and I’ve found myself extremely fatigued and drained. Sometimes I’ve forgotten that and have jam-packed my calendar, even though when I’m constantly on the go, I feel the toll it takes on my body.

Severus, who’s black, and Lucky, who’s white and gray, have been a comfort. (Photo by Desiree Lama)

My summer schedule has included trips to Atlanta, Dallas, and San Antonio, all within two weeks of each other. And with looming work and school responsibilities, I’ve been exhausted, to say the least. My body has felt like a ton of bricks sinking to the bottom of the ocean, with no escape.

Chronic fatigue has been my biggest MS battle aside from migraines, and they usually come in pairs. And sure enough, I’ve experienced frequent migraines over the past month, which is unusual since I started taking Emgality (galcanezumab).

When these migraines occur, it seems I can feel every decibel of sound and every light wave, all causing excruciating pain in my temple. During these instances, I stop whatever I’m doing, make sure I’m well-hydrated, and try to take a nap. Who better to nap with than my two furry friends?

As I lie in my bed or on the couch, I’m always greeted by Lucky and Severus. I know that their greetings and presence are letting me know that they’re here for me with their unwavering love. I never knew that having multiple fur babies would bring me so much happiness and joy, even on my worst days.

Seeing Lucky and Severus run around together and play fills my heart with so much warmth, which always makes me feel better. When I’m struggling with life with MS, I know I can always turn to my cats to guide me through the darkness. Even though they can’t and will never speak a word, the bond we share is far beyond language.

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.