We never set out to own a “clowder.” In fact, our journey into the world of multi-cat guardianship felt less like a choice and more like a series of divine interventions. Today, our home is a symphony of four distinct personalities: Simba, Laila, Luna, and Missy. But beyond the whiskers and the late-night zoomies lies a profound realization about what it truly means to be a guardian in modern India.
The Pioneer and the Poet: The Indie Advantage
It began with Simba, a trailblazing ginger who simply walked into our lives and decided he lived here. Then came Laila, our “Resident Poet,” whose quiet grace filled the gaps we didn’t know we had.
Both are “Indies”—the hardy, street-smart survivors of the Indian landscape. Through them, we learned our first major lesson: The Indian Shorthair is a biological masterpiece. While many seek out expensive, imported “designer” breeds, they often overlook the fact that these cats are not built for our 40°C summers or our local allergens.
Our Indies are athletes of the environment. They are resilient, biologically diverse, and possess an emotional intelligence sharpened by their ancestral roots. They aren’t just “stray rescues”; they are premium companions, perfectly evolved for the Indian home.
The Reality of the “Cat Distribution System”
The universe has a way of finding the right doors. Luna, our “happy accident,” was left in our backyard by her mother—a tiny, fuzzy legacy we couldn’t turn away. But it was Missy, our fourth member, who taught us the hardest lesson of all.
We rescued Missy from a car engine—a terrifying, grease-stained ordeal. When we initially tried to find her a home, she was returned to us during the trial period. The reason? The family realized that the “work” of a cat didn’t fit their lifestyle. This brings us to an uncomfortable truth: A pet is not a prop.
In the age of social media, we see a rise in “aesthetic” pet ownership. Cats are bought to match home decor or to gain “likes” in 15-second reels. But Missy isn’t a prop; she is a living being with a memory. When she was returned, we saw the confusion in her eyes. That was the moment our philosophy crystallized: Adopting a pet is a 15-to-20-year vow.
“If your commitment to an animal is contingent on your life staying exactly the same, you aren’t ready for a pet. Our lives change—we move, we marry, we switch jobs—but to that animal, you are their only North Star.”
The Beautiful, Chaotic Truth
Of course, being a “North Star” involves a lot of comedic chaos. Life with our Indies is a series of quirky rituals that no Instagram filter could truly capture:
- The Vocalist & The Critic: Laila has developed a penchant for the arts; she regularly “sings” along with me, hitting high notes that are… creative, to say the least. Meanwhile, Simba, our stoic pioneer, has a very specific love language: he demands heavy “back pats” from Mom (Ankita) and won’t settle for anything less than a rhythmic percussion session.
- The Foodies: Luna is our resident gourmet; she won’t touch her wet food unless it features a sophisticated array of “toppings.” Then there’s Missy, who has transitioned from engine-dweller to Eternal Ghee Robber. If a jar is left cracked open for a second, she’s there, staging the Great Indian Ghee Heist.
- The Great Betrayal: Perhaps the most humbling part of my journey is the hierarchy. I am the official caretaker. I am the hunter of the pack bringing in food, the cleaner of the litter boxes, and the punctilious feeder. Yet, the moment Ankita walks into the room, I am effectively ghosted. They disown me instantly, flocking to her as if I were a mere stranger who happened to bring snacks.
A Home is a Promise, Not a Preference
Being a guardian is about foresight. It’s about asking: Will I take them with me when I move? Are they in my five-year plan? Do I respect them enough to put down the phone when they are stressed?
Our four cats are living proof that a home is built on a promise.
- Simba reminds us of where we started.
- Laila teaches us to listen to the silence.
- Luna shows us that the best gifts are often unasked for.
- Missy stands as a daily reminder of what “forever” truly means.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to bring a feline into your life, look toward the street. Find an Indie. They are the heart of our country—resilient, hilarious, and full of life. But before you do, ask yourself: Am I ready to be their constant for the next 7,300 days?
Because a cat doesn’t need a viral video. They need a vow. They don’t need to be seen by thousands on a screen; they just need to be truly seen—and loved—by you.
Aditya Saran & Ankita Saran
Pet Influencer & Founder Rustic Revelry
Gurgaon