Life as a graphic designer is a whirlwind of colors, layouts, and tight deadlines. But for me, the real masterpiece isn’t on my screen—it’s waiting for me at home in the form of two polar-opposite felines: Tara and Mango.
At four years old, these two have officially claimed their titles as the “Pet of the Month,” and honestly, our family wouldn’t be complete without them.
A Study in Contrasts: The Hunter and the Socialite
Tara and Mango are a classic example of how personality transcends breed.
- Tara (The Elegant Tuxedo): Tara is my 4-year-old neutered female and the “old soul” of the house. Deeply sensitive and emotionally intuitive, she has an uncanny ability to sense the mood of the room. However, she’s also a fierce hunter. I’ve lost count of the times she’s tried to “help” my design process by bringing a pigeon or a lizard into the house. Once, she even dropped a lizard right onto my keyboard mid-edit, looking at me as if to say, “Enough with the digital work, Mihir. Here is some real art.”
- Mango (The Ginger Chill-Pill): Mango is the Yin to Tara’s Yang. A 4-year-old neutered male, he is the ultimate extrovert. While Tara prefers her privacy, Mango considers the entire neighborhood his kingdom. It’s not uncommon to hear from neighbors that Mango dropped by their house for a casual visit and a few extra treats. He is the definition of a “chill dude,” taking life one nap at a time.
Balancing Shoots and Whiskers
My career often takes me away from my desk and onto sets for shoots, which means frequent travel. As any pet parent knows, “travel guilt” is real. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that consistency is the only way to maintain a professional life without compromising their well-being.
Choosing the Right “Home Away From Home”
When I first started traveling for shoots, choosing a boarding facility was daunting. I looked for three non-negotiables:
- Cat-Specific Spaces: Cats are sensitive to noise, so I prioritized facilities that keep feline areas separate from barking dogs.
- Personality-Led Care: I needed a place that understood Tara’s need for a quiet corner and Mango’s need for interactive playtime.
- The “Same Place” Rule: Once I found a facility that met these standards, I never switched. For an emotionally sensitive cat like Tara, returning to a familiar environment with familiar caretakers is the difference between a stressful week and a comfortable vacation.
The Working Parent’s Survival Guide
People often ask how I balance the demands of a creative career with two active cats. It comes down to a few daily habits:
- Morning Rituals: No matter how early my call time is, I dedicate 15 minutes to high-energy play. Tiring them out early ensures they spend my working hours napping rather than “redecorating” the house.
- Mental Stimulation: When I’m deep in a design project, I use interactive treat puzzles. It keeps Mango occupied so he doesn’t feel the need to “supervise” my mouse movements.
- Routine as an Anchor: Cats can secretly tell time. Feeding and play sessions happen at the same hour every day. This predictability creates a sense of security that allows them to stay calm even when my schedule gets hectic.
The Best Part of Coming Home
The most emotional moment of my day happens whenever I return from a long shoot. Even before I get my key in the lock, I can hear Mango’s distinctive “welcome home” trill from the other side.
While Mango is the first to greet me with a loud, demanding head-bump—usually checking my pockets for treats—Tara is more subtle. She’ll wait until I’m finally sitting down, then she’ll jump up and place one single paw on my arm, leaning her head against me. It’s her silent way of saying, “I knew you were coming back.” ### Final Thoughts
Tara and Mango are more than just pets; they are an integral part of my family. One keeps me grounded with her quiet intuition, and the other keeps me laughing with his bold antics. Whether I’m home designing or away on a shoot, knowing they are happy and cared for makes every project worth it. To anyone balancing a career with pet parenthood: Find your “village,” stick to a routine, and embrace the quirks!
Authors:
Mihir Kamble
Navi Mumbai