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Uncattable: One Journey

When we decided to adopt two cats, we thought of getting one male and one female. We believed this would increase the chances of them getting along — a typically human thought, but not an unusual one. We also wanted both of them to be black, thinking that having a single color would be easier to “manage.”

We chose two cats because we believed they would live better as a pair, keeping each other company. And being of different sexes, everything would go smoothly, right? After all, what could go wrong? Divorce? Alimony? Well, we’re already paying for their food! It’s just in our heads.

On paper, everything seems great, and in reality, it is — but not because of our plan. Having two wildcats — or in our case, a tiger and a panther — running around the house is extraordinary. Watching them, trying to understand what they’re thinking as they play, run, and adapt to daily life is fascinating. But the most incredible part is discovering that they, too, have a routine: they follow you, they know what you’re about to do, and sometimes even anticipate it, making you realize when you’re running late. This shows that coexistence is possible and enjoyable.

However, we also have to consider the effort our felines make to adapt to an environment that isn’t quite suited to their nature. In many cases, even today, people don’t fully understand the best way to provide them with a habitat that meets their needs. Is it really that hard to understand the needs of a species different from ours? All it takes is a bit more attention; everything is in their gestures, their glances, their habits, and their daily routines.

At some point, the differences fade away. We’re all living beings, sharing the same roof by social convention. In fact, even we, at many times, would have preferred things to be different from the reality we live in. Just like them, we adapt. Over time, we learn to live with our limitations and find our place, just like our cats, who, despite having different needs from ours, adapt to their new routine and life with us.

Having two cats doesn’t change much compared to having one. We can have a thousand theories about how we think things will go from a human perspective, but in the end, it’s nature that determines how events will unfold, regardless of what we believe. One thing is certain, at least for those of us who love them deeply: dividing love between two cats is anything but easy. Understanding how to split attention between them, taking into account their needs and desires, is complex. It’s difficult to split one “love” in two.

Uncattable? No, thanks!

Shaving Christmas

I’ve been navigating through this mess for days now. But honestly, is this even solvable? Articles and videos keep promising to tackle one of the most insane dilemmas ever thought up: “how to put up a Christmas tree with cats in the house.” I mean, I can’t be the only one dealing with this, right?

I’ve got two options, and guess what? I lost the lottery. Zelda would chew the tree to pieces, and Ciri would pull it down; all I’m missing is Satan instead of the star, and the chaotic masterpiece is complete. But does it really have to be this complicated? It’s a tradition, after all, and people love traditions — especially around this time of year, when everyone’s supposed to be kinder and full of values. Colorful lights, holiday cheer… it’s full-blown capitalism, people everywhere buying stuff. Hmm, I think I get it now: maybe they’re not real people.

I’ll figure this out. I mean, there are a ton of smart people out there who have to have an answer for this, right? Let’s see: plastic tree? Lame! Hanging the tree from the ceiling? Are you serious? Have you ever met a cat? A tree hanging from the ceiling? Yeah, sure. And the ornaments? Oh, that’ll go better, right? Not a chance! There’s tinsel everywhere, and they’ll chew it up. And if the ornaments are small, who even knows what they’re made of. Ugh! A real tree, then? That’s just nuts! Not even Mother Nature can help me out here.

I think I’ve overestimated humanity, or maybe this really is impossible. Oh, look, another video: “My cat ignores the tree and decorations; they’re so well-behaved.” Please, what kind of cats do you have? Because mine are nothing like that — and they’re not even that hyper! Ugh, I give up. I’ll just scatter a few decorations around the house and maybe throw in some little Christmas figurines. It’s not much, but at least it’ll look like Christmas.

I’ll try again next year — hopefully by then, someone who likes both cats and Christmas will have a solution. For now, the main thing is that we all survive the holidays.

All Fireworks Come to Harm

The final days of a year are approaching, a year that for many has been extraordinary, for others disastrous, and for those who appreciate the nuances, full of ups and downs. The past three years have taught me not to particularly value this much-anticipated date, December 31st, which many consider an opportunity to leave behind difficult days and cross the boundary of a purely symbolic milestone into another equally symbolic new beginning.

A rather indifferent day. However, the idea that someone could truly believe that with a simple passage of time, they enter automatically into a better world, without having done anything concrete to change it, seems to me, to use a euphemism, “innocent.”

This indifference, recently, has transformed into a warmth, so intense that it highlights not only the naivety of those who hope for a better world without effort but also the injustice of this hope, which ends up being cultivated at the expense of those who have truly earned that improvement by fighting and waiting patiently for their sacrifices to bear concrete fruit in the new year.

We are not all the same, and not everyone wants to live the life of others. It is right for each person to understand their life for what it is. But it is not right to alter the path of another’s life.

At a certain point within us, a mechanism is set in motion that reveals reality for what it is, not as we had imagined it until that moment. For many, this is a shock that the unconscious rejects; some suffer it passively, others take note of it, acting and doing something… for some, it is already too late.

One of the greatest powers that comes from taking care of someone is responsibility, a word that, in my opinion, is widely abused to describe situations that do not reflect the actual weight that word can carry. But, on the other hand, we are used to abusing all words, using them to create that “wow” effect that attracts attention because we are no longer able to argue our thoughts. Thus, we use these verbal tricks to get noticed, preferring the effect to the content.

These gestures reflect on actions, which, in fact, are no more dangerous than words, but create more tangible effects and break down those walls that words cannot overcome.

New Year’s fireworks not only kill and terrify, but they also hurt their handlers, who watch their “loved ones” suffer for a futile amusement, a moment that has nothing to do with the idea of ensuring a better year, not only for people but for all living beings. In the end, the new year belongs to everyone. Why not make sure it’s better for everyone, without harming anyone?

The Complexity of Interpolation

Between humans and cats, there lies a great mystery. How often do we think we know exactly what our friends will do, and how often do they change our minds? In the end, the only thing that matters is what lies in between. Black and white are the result of what the shades of gray represent, and we’re talking about just two colors.

Cats are not shades of gray; they come in a wide array of colors. Understanding them can seem impossible, but all we can do is try to figure out how to interact with them.

What we understand is what they want us to understand because, not fully grasping what they want, they too must somehow adapt. The simplest way is to try different routines or get them accustomed to them until we notice they are actually accepted. Although it remains a mystery, it is still something. In fact, it may seem difficult to follow and require commitment, but when compared to the complexity of the human race, it is truly a small thing. Therefore, taking the time to pay attention and observe our friend(s) is essential: understanding even just a glance out of place, when we expect a purr, may require your attention. Does it sound paranoid? Perhaps, but in fact, if you transpose all of this into your daily life, it’s exactly what happens every day in the outside world. Taking care of loved ones involves worry, concern, laughter, play, and joy; these are all essential emotions. Just as, fortunately, beautiful things happen that stay with us, unfortunately, sad things happen that leave their mark. It’s part of the game of life.

We are all shades of something more evident than ourselves: we are the interpolation of facts, events, or people, and we cannot change it.

Why should the affection we have for our dear friends be any different? Terms like “animals” are often used in a disparaging way, as if “they” cannot experience the same “amazing” sensations that we, humans, experience. Everything shouldn’t always be simplified and reduced to just a simple relationship of superiority. If we are as intelligent as we assume, we should prove it in such obvious things.

The Mist of the Lands Between

When I chose to embark on a new Souls, it was not a light decision. For many, it is but a stroll. For others—like myself, with limited time—it becomes a vast commitment that may last for months. It is not a choice to make lightly, for it means setting aside other pursuits. And let us be honest: a game of this kind must be lived, not rushed.

What I had not considered, however, was that beyond the many bosses scattered throughout the world, I would face two more. Bosses upon whom no in-game buff would ever have effect. They were, in truth, the hardest of them all.

Yet, in the end, with them I shared the joy of completing the journey.

A special thanks to my consort, who helped me “taunt” the little bosses, making the trial more bearable and the triumph all the more shared.

And so begins the poem, The Mist of the Lands Between.

In the fading of light… as the Padless One walketh his way… two presences stir… eternal in shadow.

Ciri… the Grey… devourer of silence. With subtle step… with hidden claw… she teareth will from mind.

Zelda… the Dark… lady of shadows. From nothing she descendeth… and with lament… she smothereth the flame of will.

They are no gods… no men… no beasts. But wardens… of Eternal Disturbance. And the Lands Between… demand their dominion… over the fate… of the Padless One.

Thus is the tale inscribed… not in sword… nor in fire… but in cruel onslaught… and woeful lament.

Arise… O Padless One. Fulfil thy fate. Step forth… Transfigure thy way… into relics arcane… and reclaim the realm… that once was… a dwelling of mirth… now lost.

Where triumph is never certain… and defeat beareth a visage feline… sweet… beguiling… yet merciless… as the eternal.

And all was hushed… all did cease… in a slumber deep… awaiting the morrow’s light.