Audra

About a year ago, I made the decision that I was finally going to commit to get a cat. Since I was waiting for kittens to be born from a specific person, and because I've never had any experience taking care of any pets, I decided to try it out through fostering in the meantime. I applied at the shelter down the street and was given Audra the day after they got it!

November:

Friday the 20th

She hid under my bed as soon as she was out of her carrier. At the second hour, I tried eating on the floor next to her food so she would get tempted, and it worked!

She tries new food with her paw first. It was so surprising and cute! Then she was finally comfortable enough to lay in the bed I got her and even let me pet her. After that initial pet, she never stopped asking for more. (｡♥‿♥｡)

She looked cute in her carrier but I was still surprised at how small and pretty she is. (♡∀♡●)

Funny too. An absolute charmer.

Hee hee it looks like she's taking a selfie. So handsome!!

Perfect profile

She's seriously the best looking cat I've ever met.

She followed me up on the bed to lay on me. She never slept in the cat bed during her time with me.

I don't know how I got so lucky to have gotten this little ball of perfection as my first foster, but I am SO THANKFUL.

Saturday the 21st

The last time she ever laid on that blanket. She had a cold and I would use it to wrap her in while I gave her oral medication. It was a struggle but she never scratched or bit me on purpose. I was so scared haha. I did get bit (never drew blood) a few times in the first month when I was too loud in her face like the first time I kissed her by her ear, but after learning I wasn't tryin to hurt her, she never did it again. Unless it was her very gentle love nips. Any bites I got were worth it cause I loved kissing her or using her as a pillow hehehe~

   

She turned out to be a huge couch potato like me. Almost all the pictures of her are her in bed cause that's all we did.

Ahhh so precious!! ٩(♡ε♡ )۶ And she's the exact same color of my blanket.

Lounging like royalty

"Pet me instead"

SHE'S SO PRETTY!!! ლζ*♡ε♡*ζლ

I liked the shadow of her ears

I was the happiest personal sofa. If she sees anyone sitting or laying down, she will sit or lay on you. She got rude with it by literally throwing her whole weight on but it was so funny and cute.

On this night, I started feeling buyer's remorse. I hadn't really relaxed since she came, her stuffed nose made me cry, I was really feeling the weight of responsibility for her life. I got really anxious about whether I could really do it and started getting really scared about possibly killing her because I wasn't watching her for a moment. I didn't want to be worrying about her 24/7. Thankfully, Sarah talked it through with me and I realized that's probably what most parents feel when their baby arrives. I've lived this long with no dependents and I was so afraid of being inept and wasn't sure if I was ready for the sudden change. But I was also already feeling really strongly about Audra and afraid of hurting her in any way. Sarah reassured me and reminded me that she's a self sufficient adult cat. I don't know what I'd do without her. 

Sunday the 22nd

Thankfully the remorse faded quickly. Seeing Audra get used to all the noises that startled her once before and just napping through eased my worries. I felt more confident and was already dreading the day she would have to leave. She seemed well adjusted to my room so I let her into the rest of the apartment.

Already loving my mom.

Finally got to experience this

The first few times she ran after the birds on tv were soo cute. She would check around the edge of the tv to look for the ones that flew off. (⁎˃ᆺ˂)

Watching my favorite show with my snuggle buddy was sooo dreamy.

My favorite shape.

Monday the 23rd

Taco Audra. I love when she photographs funny.

A living teddy bear

Everything I ever wanted since I was a kid

Always on me, next to me, or by me. 우리 껌딱지 （*´▽｀*）

Mom is way more allergic than I am but even she can't do anything when Audra wants grammas love.

Her litto beans are SO PINK ♡♡+.ﾟ(￫ε￩*)ﾟ+.ﾟ

I can't handle her cuteness.

Tuesday the 24th

I absolutely loved this sight. Her sitting a the end of my bed, looking so at home. And her little shadow! (°◡°♡).:｡

How can she be so freaking cute?! ♡(ŐωŐ人)

ʚ♡⃛ɞ(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)

Wednesday the 25th

Nappy nap

Made me laugh so much every day.

I miss her soooo much...

Hahaha

Definitely cried several times a day for a week thinking about her leaving. Look at her! She's so obviously my daughter! Sigh... I wish we could have kept her.

Sitting on mom and holding onto gramma

Moving onto gramma

She always looks so proud when she sits on gramma

I love them together so much

Omg

(∩˃o˂∩)♡

Love Derpdra

Thursday the 26th

Her eyes are so pretty

（ΦωΦ）

It was so cute when she would peek into the blanket

What happens when you fall asleep kneading.

Cavedra

Love this view even more during the day

I don't know how long Audra was in the streets before she was at the shelter, but I think it might have something to do with how easily she startled. She would make these grunts that made me laugh every time. It eventually turned into sassy ones at any minor inconvenience. I kind of want it as my text tone.

Hahaha

I love these kinds of pictures

She looks exactly like that meme

Susdra

We are the same

This position always makes me laugh

The concentration

Get it girl

My heart...(●´□`)♡

Cats sitting funny are delightful

Friday the 27th

I love when cats cross their little legs ahhh (๑ˊ͈ ॢꇴ ˋ͈)〜♡॰ॱ

Cat TV

The shape was just so perfect

Sorry girl, my turn

Why are cat paws so damn cute

Why do cats sleep so funny

Saturday the 28th

We were finally done with her medicine, but her nose was still stuffy so she would snore. (*´o`*)

Her little paws!! T___T

Sunday the 29th

The perfect arm rest

Monday the 30th

"The back of yo head is RIDICULOUS!"

Two queens on their thrones

I know she's not winking but look at her wink!

Lol

Gramma telling her to get off

She doesn't listen to nobody

Of course I had to take a picture when I noticed we were crossing our legs the same.

December:

Tuesday the 1st

One of the things I miss most is waking up like this every morning. Feeling her little breath on my cheek is the sweetest thing. I'm a side sleeper so she would switch sides to be by my face if I turned. She never tried to wake me up and would stay in bed until I got up. Having Audra cured my insomnia and I got the best sleep in the time she was here.

Eee I love when cats looks like they're smiling~~ ～(^з^)-♡

Another funny position

Gramma love time

She's SO HAPPY

I CAN'T (♡´❍`♡)*✧ ✰ ｡*

Why do cats just stare at the wall

Mom being major tsundere complaining about Audra's shedding and saying it's creepy when she stretches our her paw.

LMAO

But then takes pictures of her

Said picture which is SO GOOD! She looks like a little doll (♡ >ω< ♡)

I had to join

Gramma can front all she wants but Audra knows she's irresistable.

When they gather all their paws together (｡’▽’｡)♡ I also like how her paws look like she's wearing regular socks in the back and no shows in the front hee hee

Wednesday the 2nd

It was a sunny day

Hahaha I love this one

I love when she perches

Thursday the 3rd

Woke up like this that morning.

Someone doesn't wanna get up

She looks so evil here and I love it.

Back to being a baby

Oops haha

Her head always smelled good

Always have to sit on something

Back in bed. I don't know why I always have to take pictures when she's on me like I need to prove she loves me.

Friday the 4th

Litto ball

I love how often they change positions

Cozy girl

Saturday the 5th

Always a happy petting session with gramma

Sunday the 6th

Nice Sunday lay with gramma

Ma'am can I get some space?

She said nah

Straight up choking me

This looks like those pictures of moms who just had their baby.

My sleepy girl

When she hugs me to sleep （♥￫ｏ￩♥）

Monday the 7th

More of gramma's tsundere act not working

Tuesday the 8th

Audra learned how to kiss

It feels so nice and warm when she lays on my back ╰(✿´⌣`✿)╯♡

Love her coloring

"She's mine!"

Gramma obviously completely won over

Officially a cat person now.

So comfy

Wednesday the 9th

A satisfied girl

"Did I say stop?"

Another kiss

Love holding paws

"Kay, you can let go now."

It's hard to see but the three of us are all on our own screens.

Thursday the 10th

Seductive Audra

Having a cat is so fun

Friday the 11th

Audra wouldn't use the flat scratching post I first got her so I bought this. It made her use my bed frame less.

I put her in the hammock for pictures. She would never use that part again.

Gotta rest the arm

She has the cutest little snaggletooth! \(-ㅂ-)/ ♥ ♥ ♥

Saturday the 12th

Every morning was a good morning with Audra.

Ahaha I love this so much 

It's the lean for me 

Always nestled in so perfectly

Sunday the 13th

Lookin like a lady on a mission

All the pictures of Audra keep showing how messy our home is lol

Tuesday the 15th

More Audra cuteness

Watching gramma's show

Thursday the 17th

It's so weird how long and small their bodies can get

Hunting tv birds

Sunday the 20th

How do they sleep like this

Wednesday the 23rd

Shuddering as I think of what my arm would have looked like if I didn't have my thick sweater on. I took Audra to get spayed the morning before so she'd be ready for her adoption. When I picked her up that night, the shelter told me that she had probably already been spayed. But she had been put under so she was very wonky when she got home. I didn't realize until 1AM that she had peed in her carrier so we just slept with her pee covered hind legs. I rushed out in the morning to get shampoo and tried to bathe her. She was NOT having it and was struggling to escape. Thankfully, my mom came in to help after hearing Audra's yowls. We could only get her hind half, but it was enough.

Poor girl still recovering from the anesthesia

Gramma maneuvering so she doesn't bother Audra

Friday the 25th

I noticed that her left ear was hanging lower than usual and her scratching more so I suspected an ear infection. You can see her ear and her cute shaved belly.

We went back to the vet the next day. When they gave her back, they told me that the spot in her eye might be melanosis which has a rare chance of turning into cancer. She would have to wait two weeks to get it checked out by the vet because she had caught covid. Audra was supposed to meet her potential adopters that day but we rescheduled for after that vet appointment. Poor sweet girl can't catch a break.

Monday the 28th

Audra's also the best scarf and game rest.

I don't remember taking this picture but its Audra so it was a nice surprise.

Wednesday the 30th

"Stop playing and give me scritchessss"

"Did she just ignore me?"

Audra tore off the feathers of this wand toy so I sewed this bird toy onto it. She didn't like it.

With me being a total anxious noob, I kept sending videos and pictures to Sarah every time I freaked out about something possibly being wrong with Audra. She was always patient with my antics but never masked her feelings about it haha.

 

January:

Friday the 1st

Using my knee as a plate to feed Audra crab. She sat in my lap for every (human) meal.

Mom was complaining that her legs hurt so I told her to gently shake her off.

It turned into a ride

Refusing to move

Ma'am the ride is closing

SO PRECIOUS

Too stinkin cute

Sunday the 3rd

Switched sides that night

Always following me around and waiting outside the bathroom for me to finish ｡ﾟ( ﾟஇ‸இﾟ)ﾟ｡

Sigh

 Monday the 4th

The sass

Lookin like she's about the fall over

Good to know I'm comfy for everyone

Tuesday the 5th

I had shown my mom a picture of a cat in a hat the night before so she wanted to buy clothes for Audra.

Gramma's first gift to Audra. It was too small and made Audra forget how to walk which made us laugh a ton.

Audra wasn't playing so I sent this to Sarah half joking "Is she sick?!" Of my shit, yes.

They're just too cute.

She already knew what I was gonna say.

Thursday the 7th

The clothes I ordered Audra came but I didn't realize dogs bodies are so different from cats. The measurements were also wrong on the site. But at least I got these pictures!

Can't stop bothering her

(°∀°)b

She can never stay mad

Friday the 8th

Guess I'll just learn to not breathe

I dunno I just thought she looked cute

This day was when Audra finally got checked out and she did in fact have melanosis so the girl who was interested in Audra decided to look for another cat. It was a bummer and my mom and I started to worry about her adoption potential. I did start thinking that I would have Audra for a long time and even fantasized that somehow I could keep her but still be technically a foster so she would get treated by the shelter if cancer did come up.

Sunday the 10th

My angel

Pulled out the polaroid for the first time in over a year.

Trying and failing to show off my cute cat and cute room.

Monday the 11th

Notice how close my mom let Audra get to her face. She even stopped complaining about the shedding heh (￣ω￣)

My best friend

Tuesday the 12th

Ahhh poor girl! I dropped my empty water bottle on her and she got so scared. She jumped off the bed and kept looking around for what attacked her, never suspecting that it was me. I'm so sorryyyy T___T

Sweet cuddle bug

Friday the 15th

Cried like this for a while. I got the heart shattering news that Audra was being adopted that coming Tuesday. I was shocked. I had only just gotten the email the day before that there was another potential adopter who was interested in Audra. We sent a couple texts back and forth and the new girl wanted to go ahead and meet. I thought the next email I would get from the shelter was about setting up the meeting, not about bringing Audra back! I had been texting the first person for a month and the first time Audra would meet her new family was going to be adoption day. It was so fast and sudden. I just sobbed loudly and Audra stayed next to me. She might have just been getting up, but when I turned my face to her, her paws wiped my tears, making me wail even more.

Just drinking up all the cuteness while I still can

She's the perfect size

Saturday the 16th

Anything and everything she does is funny

Audra surprisingly isn't crazy about food. I'm glad I found a treat she absolutely loves. She closes her eyes while eating it and a tear even fell out of her eye once!

It's as much as a treat for whoever gives it to her. 

In absolute bliss

Sunday the 17th

Sleeping pets are healing for the soul

( •́ .̫ •̀ )

Monday the 18th

Chastising Audra for putting her butt in her face. Animal signs of love and trust are funny.

A new position: face down (ᗒᗊᗕ)

Sarah and I really wanted her to meet Audra for the longest time so I asked her to come over on adoption day. She was happy to and also wanted to meet Audra once more before she leaves so she came over!

The way this picture looks so chaotic cracks me up.

Sarah was immediately in love of course.

All of us super entertained by Audra chasing the laser.

Fast friends

A line to feed Audra her squeeze up

Not me budging my mom 

The focus

Tuesday the 19th

The four of us ate and hung out like normal for the last time. I of course made us take pictures. I'm really pissed that my polaroid camera battery died the day before. I went out to buy a replacement but it turned out to be the wrong one and the one I actually needed was only available online. (ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ )

Audra not having it

Her face ahaha she looks like a renaissance cat!

"Y u do dis 2 me"

Gramma trying to help her feel better

We forgot to scoot over

Thank you Sarah for being photographer

Miss grumps

The things I make her do

The last time I got to snuggle before having to put her in her carrier....˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )‧º·˚

Gotta pay her session fee

Last treat from me...

I was running a little behind so I rushed a little through packing up Audra's last few things. I couldn't stop crying the entire time. Audra was already a little grumpy so she was particularly resistant to get in the carrier and that just made me cry harder. Mom drove us to the shelter so I could sit in the back with Audra. Sarah helped me carry all the things and was with me when I handed Audra off. I got to meet Audra's new mom and she was really nice. Then I said bye to Audra one more time and left. It felt as sudden as when I got her. I'm so thankful to my mom and Sarah for supporting me that day. It was also such a happy last two days, surrounded by the beings I love most.

Wednesday the 20th

I was absolutely in the dumps and slept feverishly until like 4PM. I woke up to a text from Audra's mom, Jenna.

She told me how great Audra was doing and thanked me. It made me feel so much relief. A big question I had was whether fosters feel abandoned when they get adopted. I was also glad that Jenna reached out to me first. And Audra looks so good in the picture! I'm so happy she's found a home and a family who can and will give her the best life. I offered to cat sit in the future and Jenna agreed. I hope it really happens one day! ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` )

My lock screen hahaha! If what Jenna says is true, and I did have any part in Audra being awesome, then I'm really proud of myself. I did take that bite right on the ball of nose so that everyone could enjoy kissing her, after all hehe.

Audra, it was an absolute joy and gift to be your foster mom. You made me laugh everyday that you were here. I didn't know I was capable of this much love until I met you. You taught me that I can take care of someone else. I was never lonely during this strange time thanks to you. You even brought my mom and I closer. You bring happiness to everyone you meet and I'm so lucky I got to be one of them for this long. I hope you were happy with me. Live a long, happy, healthy life. Let's meet in our dreams during one of your naps, okay? I love you so so so much! (๑•̥̥̥́ω•̀ू๑)