The difference between cats and humans is this: cats are cute and humans are not. Cats can get away with a lot more things than humans.

In the past, I was a bit afraid of cats. The way that their eyes glow maliciously whenever someone approaches them, or the way that I could imagine how one swipe of a cat’s paw with their razor sharp nails could pierce through skin. Whenever I saw a pet cat, I would be hesitant to touch or hold them in fear of doing something the wrong way. In fear of triggering something that was hidden like a trap underneath their soft fur. In other words, I saw cats as unpredictable. For me, it was a catastrophe that I could be afraid of something so lovable.

It wasn’t until recently, a year ago, that I stopped being so hesitant and cautious around cats. I got a cat in October of last year and I learned how life changing a cat could be. By seeing the good in the bad, I learned to appreciate my cat and how adorable he is, even though he is in his moody teenage phase. As time passes, we both grow and I’m grateful that we get to experience growth together. In some ways, learning how to overcome the anxiety of an unpredictable cat is the same as learning how to love yourself.

With every challenge comes a great deal of fear, but I believe that it’s about creating a strong mentality to make that challenge not as overwhelming as it seems. I wish that I had known sooner how important it is to seek the good in the bad and to trust the fact that it’s possible to overcome challenges. When I got a cat, I was easily able to see why cats are adored so much, with their sassy mentality switching over to an awe striking kitten, rolling on the floor with their big black pupils. I realized that cats are not unpredictable, scary creatures, but are beings that just want to survive and be understood. I wish it was that easy for people to be able to see themselves and others in that way too.

Something that I used to struggle with were my insecurities and my lack of understanding my emotions. I still struggle with these things, but not as much. Sometimes I still feel like a ticking time bomb with the reaction of a cat if it’s ever triggered the wrong way. I get afraid of what might happen and even what might not. Ever since I got a cat, I was able to take my mind off of the things that worry me so much. I was still handling grief. I worry about the future and life beyond school. My cat is an example of how learning and being responsible for your own being and just not for the sake of others is a big step into growth and loving yourself. I wanted to love cats and appreciate cats due to how they were universally loved, even when I was a bit afraid of how unpredictable they are.

Sometimes it’s better to see your problems as a cute fluff ball with a lot of sass.