When people talk about their pets, you often hear the phrase, “I just can’t imagine my life without them.” We used to nod and smile, thinking it was a sweet exaggeration. That is, until Copper came into our lives. Now, we—Rohit and Aarati—are those people. Our life doesn’t just feel better with him; it feels complete. But to tell his story right, we have to start at the beginning, which also includes our dear friend (and Copper’s first co-dad!), Jinto.
It all started with a desperate meow and one life-changing look.
Our story with Copper doesn’t begin with us. It starts in the lobby of a building, where a tiny, adorable ginger cat was desperately trying to find a home. A kind watchman had found him, but this little cat had a big voice and an even bigger will. He would meow and meow, begging to be let inside someone’s house, to just be warm and safe. Tragically, as we learned, door after door would open only to gently put him back out.
We shudder to think what might have happened if his rescuer, Monish from the Ahuja Animal Care Foundation, hadn’t caught sight of him. Monish saw what everyone else was missing. He didn’t just see a stray; he saw a soul with a sparkle. In a move that still makes us laugh, he didn’t just take him to the shelter; he took this little street cat to a Feline Cat Championship (FCI) show! Copper was a star, and he didn’t even know it yet.
This is where our paths were destined to cross. Rohit and Jinto, who were roommates at the time, had been in touch with Monish and Poonam from the foundation. We were looking for a feline companion, but we had a lot of conditions. We wanted a cat that would suit our lifestyle, yes, but our main concern was ensuring a lifelong, mutual commitment. It was a big dilemma for the NGO; finding the ‘perfect’ match is never easy.
Poonam told us later that while she was racking her brain, it happened. Copper, this little champion from the streets, simply looked up at her.
It wasn’t just a look.
It was a profound, silent plea. It was as if he was saying, “I’m ready. Just give me a chance at a home. I’ll be the best boy.”
That was it. That one look sealed his fate—and ours. After all the formalities, this tiny manipulator was officially their (Rohit and Jinto’s) son.
From the second he stepped into their home, it was clear who was in charge (hint: not the humans). Copper is an absolute master of manipulation, and his primary weapon is his set of giant, Garfield-kind-of melting eyes. He knows exactly how to use them. One soft, slow-blinking look from across the room, and we are putty in his paws. Want an extra treat? Melting eyes. Want to play fetch at 3 AM? Melting eyes. He has us wrapped completely around his little toe beans, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Then came a life-changing moment for all of us. We (Rohit and Aarati) got married, and it was time for the roommates to move into separate homes. This is the moment many pet adoptions face a crisis, but from day one, it was always aligned that Copper was Rohit’s lifelong responsibility.
This wasn’t an accident; it was a plan. This is where the foundation’s guidance was truly invaluable. Poonam had guided us as roommates in this exact scenario before we even adopted him. She asked the tough, introspecting questions about the future, helping us plan so beautifully that Copper could remain seamlessly in our lives, even through marriages and house movements.
But planning is one thing; a cat’s feelings are another! Next came the big test: moving Copper to a new home and introducing Aarati as his new full-time mom. We were so nervous. Cats are creatures of habit, and this was a lot of change. We were so glad we were guided through and through. We learned how to make the transition slow, positive, and entirely on his terms. We gave him safe spaces, associated Aarati with treats and playtime, and let him set the pace.
And soon… the magic happened. The transition was so smooth, he barely seemed to notice the new house—he was too busy falling in love with Aarati! Today, I (Rohit) have happily become the “third umpire” while Copper has officially made Aarati his favourite human.
He’s not just charming; he’s super intelligent. He’s playful, fun, and our constant shadow. Aarati spends her evenings teaching him new tricks, and to be honest, we think he’s the one teaching us about patience, unconditional love, and the pure, healing joy of a perfectly-timed purr.
Looking back, we didn’t just adopt a cat. Copper rescued all of us. That little meow that was once ignored by so many is now the first sound we happily wake up to. The cat who was once put out by everyone now runs our entire household. We thought we were giving him a home, but he gave us a family.
Rohit and Aarti
Insta Handle – COPPERTHECUDDLYCAT