22. June 2026

Cat Introductions

My fur babies are a huge part of my life, and I love them unconditionally. (Even when they're being a pain.)

Charlie

I always dreamed of having a place of my own and living with a cat. Charlie came into my life at the start of 2016. It took a while for him to warm up and settle, but when he did, it felt like he was always meant to be there. He was fiesty, demanding, and the best support I've ever had. When he couldn't get his own, he would be naughty, standing in front of any screen or book I was looking at, knocking my figures over, and even pulling books from my shelves.

In my first place, there was a balcony, and every day he'd sit by the door watching the neighbourhood. He loved to sunbathe out there (saying that, though, he would be out there in the rain or snow, too). When we moved into a house, he sat by the back door, missing his outside time. I used to take him out on a harness, but he hated that. So, with all the trust he'd earned, I let him go out without the lead, as long as I was outside with him. He never left the garden, and over time, I left the door open while I cleaned or cooked. He was so we behaved. He was the best part of my day.

Sadly, he had a genetic heart condition, which slowed him down quite quickly. He passed away last year (2025). He was ten years old. I had never felt grief like I did when I lost him. He had been there through some of the worst moments of my life; without him, I wouldn't have made it this far. He will always be loved and missed.

Lux

Now, Lux was an unexpected addition to our household. Last September (2025), a friend messaged me asking if I knew anyone who wanted to take in a cat. Her partner runs an animal sanctuary, where he teaches visitors about all kinds of animals, but they also rescue birds and other animals. Well, they had a litter of Savannah kittens (around 7-12 months old) that the owner no longer wanted. We think it was because one got sick and passed it on, and the cost of treating them was too high. She said they couldn't keep them there because there'd been a fire in the building next door, and part of their building was damaged in the process. The rescue charity they called said they had no room so that these kittens would be put down. So, I took one in. (And I'm glad to say she found a home for all of them.) The picture below was taken on the day he arrived; he was underweight, had patches of missing fur, and had the flu. (He is over the flu but is left with issues where he breathes heavily and sneezes a lot. I find snot all over the place, but the vets have done tests, and he's a healthy cat.)

He is named after my female protagonist. I had tried calling him Ezlyn, but it didn't fit, and Lux seemed like a good name. Thinking back, I should have called him Tairn because my third fur baby is named Andarna. Lux, for the first few months, was chaos. I don't think he realised how big he was; he knocked so much off the shelves, ran into walls and cabinets. He knocked one of my special-edition books off the top shelf and dented it, and stole my teddies to use as toys. Charlie was never fond of other cats, so bringing Lux home was more of a test to see if they would get along. Charlie tolerated Lux, but wanted nothing to do with him. The most Lux would get was Charlie sleeping near him. I believe if Charlie were still alive, they would have become friends.

He's come a really long way in the 8 months since he arrived. His fur is all grown back and is a beautiful colour. He's so friendly, and everywhere he goes, he absolutely loves the attention he gets. We visit local pet shops and Waterstones (we go to a colouring night once a month, and they let him wander the store. They have said he can come off his harness, but I don't trust him not to knock books over.) He helped me through the loss of Charlie, and for that, I will be forever grateful to him.

Andarna

Andarna joined the family on the 31st of December 2025; she was 3 months old and a ball of energy. She gets her name from The Empyrean Series, one of my favourite book series. Lux loves being around others; he's very social, but after Charlie passed, he was alone when I went volunteering or out with friends. Over Christmas, my friend's cat, Jinx, came to stay with us. Lux immediately took to him (Jinx took a little longer), and when he went home, Lux seemed sad. So, the hunt began for a sister or brother who was young and could keep up with his unending energy. She came from a cat rescue, and she gives him a run for his money in the energy department.

She's not as friendly with strangers as Lux is, but she does go on adventures with us, in the hope that one day she'll be more confident outside and with people. Despite her hiding in her carrier (on her harness in case she's up for a wander), people like her and try to talk to her from a distance so as not to startle her. She doesn't even like going in the garden; the moment she's outside, she wants back in.

Despite her lack of confidence outside of the house, she has an abundance of it inside. She's chaos. Always jumping where she shouldn't: on top of my PS5, my bookshelves, the doors, the list is endless. She likes to chew my paper notes and, worse... my books. I have to keep the library closed unless I'm there to monitor the little ball of destruction. She always wants her brother's food and attention. The moment he starts grooming, he climbs on him, so he cleans her instead. It is hilarious to watch Lux, who is bigger, heavier, and muscular, flee when she wants to play. (He chases too, but when she turns around, he's gone) She's definitely the most energetic cat I've had the pleasure of knowing. I just wish she wouldn't chew my books. She does get very affectionate with Lux and me; we both have the high honour of being washed by her majesty (she came last into the family and immediately put us in our place).

I wouldn't know what I'd do without the fur babies; they bring so much joy (and some stress) into my life, and sometimes, they make writing hard work when they're on my screen or keyboard. But I wouldn't have it any other way.