Kiwi – noun (kee-wee): a. the most beautiful, yet strange example of Felis catus that could ever possibly exist in the entire universe. b. a cat loved most by Caitlin Heenan, a girl who gives him more hugs and pats on the head than ever imaginable. Synonyms: my baby cat, Kiwister, Flufferton, King of the Garage.

For those who do not know, Kiwi is my cat and best friend; he is my life (so cliche, I know, but it’s true). He is a weird little animal that does weird little things and in doing so, he brings light to my life.

Suckling the fluffy side of blankets and clothes is his favorite pastime. His favorite food is strawberry Greek yogurt. He is afraid of the doorbell and growls when it is rung. He enjoys petting his head on feet and makes squeaky noises when he jumps off the counter.

Kiwi is weird, but that is why I love him so much. For those who claim to not like cats, that will change if you ever get the glorious opportunity to meet my little fur baby.

Although Kiwi is “just a cat,” he is an important aspect of my life that I cannot imagine leaving or loosing. He is more than just an animal to me. He is my furry little friend who sleeps at the foot of my bed, never criticizes my life choices and always listens to my problems. Kiwi is one of the main reasons I can cope with the struggles of life.

I swear, he can sense when I am upset, always accompanying me to watch Netflix when I need a stress reliever and to be cheered up or being extra adorable on the days I just want to lay in bed and pretend the last couple of hours never happened.

Before people start to call me a crazy cat lady, there is an explanation to how I could love and depend on a cat so much. Being around animals as a child and interacting with them now offers health benefits.

According to Harvard’s Medical School website, “Studies going back to the early 1980s support the idea that pets have enormous health benefits for people. Pets have been proven to lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and even reduce rates of asthma and allergy for children in families who grow up with a Fido or a Frisky in the house. Pets also improve people’s psychological well-being and self-esteem.”

Even just the presence of a loyal, unconditionally loving animal can turn any bad day into a good one very quickly and over an extended period of time can improve both physical and mental health.

Although Kiwi is a cuddly ball of fur, he is so much more than that in terms of a furry friend. He is an aspect of my life that keeps me healthy and happy, both physically and mentally.