Shadow: The Soul Cat Who Stays By Kristen, Unfiltered

I got him in 2010...my sophomore year of high school, a friend from my drama class was giving away kittens!

Back then, each of us kids were allowed one pet. My little brothers picked theirs, and I picked mine. A sleek kitten with fur like velvet and eyes like green glass. I named him Shadow because of his color.

Not black, like most assume...but a smoky, velvety storm grey.

He looked mysterious and gentle, like a whisper in a quiet room.

What I didn’t know then is that I was naming him for who he’d become...because that cat quite literally became my shadow.

Fifteen years later, he's still by my side.

He follows me everywhere. Watches over me while I eat. Guards me when I pee.

(Yes, really...he actually sits facing the door like a tiny protector with pointy ears and purring power 😽🐾)

And every night... without fail, he sleeps wrapped in my arms.

If I roll over or shift positions, he adjusts...just to stay close.

He’s never not touching me when I sleep.

Wherever I am...he finds me.

He has this little Batman symbol in his fur right on his chest 🦇 But it’s not just how he looks...it’s how he loves.

Shadow’s been through it, too.

I almost lost him once due to a urinary tract infection. He’s been on special food ever since. 2 Years ago, our late dog Axel..whom I adored-Accidentally bit Shadow’s ear, leaving a little chunk missing...mistaking him for our other cat, Zen. (Yes, his name is ironic. He is anything but Zen sometimes😅)

And I’ll never forget the day I accidentally shut a heavy hotel door on Shadow’s tail...3 years ago...

You see, He was born with a slight little bend at the end of his tail this little hook that made him unique. That part got caught, and it was one of the most painful moments of my life.

I don’t regret many things… but that day, I do. Still...he loves me anyway.

These days, it’s not just me he loves.

My husband has adopted him as his own, and he lovingly calls him “Shadow Cat.” also "Shadow Wadow" ha ♡

And Shadow? He adores him right back.

He’s no longer just mine...he’s ours. And that makes me love him even more

When we lost Axel last year...it wrecked me. Wrecked us both of course...

But I’d only known Axel for 4 years....

Shadow? I’ve had fifteen...

I don’t even want to imagine what it’ll be like the day he’s no longer here with us... I thank God everyday he's still here. Every morning i wake up to him next to me...

I hope and pray with everything in me… I’ll see him again in paradise on the other side in the new heaven and the new earth the day God calls him home...🌎 🙏

Because....

He’s not just a pet.

He’s not just a cat.

He’s my shadow.

My comfort.

My soul cat.

Right now as I write this, he’s looking at me like he knows.

And I swear...he does.

So I stop and I pet him, I tell him I love him and he nudges my chin and I kiss his forehead as I always do... It's our thing♡

Shadow, you are everything to me....

I love you. My whole heart.

The only living being that's never hurt me.

Thank you...

And stick around kid, I still need you.

I love you 💓

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Scripture to carry this with you:

"The righteous care for the needs of their animals..." – Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

Kristen, Unfiltered Xo 💋