From Stray to Namaste: Patches the Yoga Cat

In August, amidst the warm embrace of late summer, a young couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives as they settled into a quaint house in a serene neighborhood. As they familiarized themselves with their surroundings, the tranquil ambiance was interrupted by a curious visitor at their front door.

Emerging from the shadows, a striking calico cat, adorned with patches of vibrant fur, approached them with an air of curiosity and gentleness. Little did they know, this encounter would mark the beginning of a heartwarming journey with a feline friend named Patches.

“Every time we opened our front door, there she was, guarding our house like a doorman.” – Jen, Patches’ Owner

Appearing hungry, Patches was welcomed by the couple with food, water and love. Over time, Patches became a familiar presence, dutifully patrolling the premises and endearing herself to her newfound guardians. Initially hesitant to venture indoors, Patches displayed a reluctance to enter the house. However, as the winter chill descended, Jen and her husband extended a warm invitation, coaxing her to seek refuge indoors and shielding her from the harsh elements outside.

“One alarming night Patches returned to the home with a bloody wound to her face and leg. Concerned for her well-being, the couple rushed her to the nearest veterinary clinic, where her injuries were treated with care and compassion.” – Jen, Patches’ Owner

It was a gradual process for Jen and her husband to convince Patches to embrace indoor living, but with patience and persistence, they succeeded. Over time, Patches grew increasingly comfortable within the confines of their home, gradually losing her inclination to explore the great outdoors.

Since June of 2020, Patches has officially transitioned into a contented indoor cat, finding solace and security within the sanctuary of her loving home. During her visit to the clinic, Patches’ microchip revealed a surprising detail: she had previous owners. Despite their efforts to locate her original caretakers, the couple’s attempts were met with silence.

“Fortunately the microchip company was generous enough to share Patches’ adoption agency with me which turned out to be the Humane Society in San Diego. Curious to find out Patches’ past, they were able to share a very young photo of her. She was rescued as a feral kitten with her litter mate at a local high school football field.” – Jen, Patches’ Owner

Discovering Patches’ tumultuous past forged an even stronger bond between her and her owners, particularly considering her initial demeanor as a loving and gentle cat contrasted drastically with the challenges she faced before she was rescued. Unphased, they resolved to provide Patches with a loving and secure home, where she could thrive and flourish.

“Meeting Patches was the best thing that happened to my husband and me during the pandemic. She gave us purpose and brought us so much joy into our lives.” – Jen, Patches’ Owner

Amidst this newfound stability, Patches’ quirky and playful side emerged. Inspired by Jen’s quest to look fabulous for her wedding, she embarked on a fitness journey that included regular yoga sessions. Much to Jen’s delight, Patches enthusiastically joined in, showcasing a natural knack for yoga. With each pose, Patches mirrored Jen’s movements, adding a delightful touch of whimsy and fun to their practice.

“The first time I saw her imitating my poses out of the blue, I just burst out laughing so hard. She really makes everything so much more fun for me, and she’s a great workout buddy.” – Jen, Patches’ Owner

Patches eagerly joins Jen for workouts, nestling beside her on the yoga mat, creating an adorable bonding ritual for the duo. As the ultimate workout buddy, Patches infuses their exercise sessions with joy and laughter, turning each workout into a delightful and enjoyable experience for Jen. In fact, Jen affectionately considers Patches her very own personal trainer, adding an extra dose of fun to their fitness routine.

This petite feline isn’t just a yoga enthusiast; she also takes on the role of the graveyard shift guard at her home, diligently patrolling from 11pm to 4am. Patches’ domain includes a towering cat structure in their living room, where she keeps watch day in and day out before retiring at 11am, once her shift ends. Indeed, Patches proves to be a versatile multitasker, excelling in various roles with flair.

Reflecting on Patches’ journey, the couple acknowledges her profound impact on their lives. Through her resilience and affectionate nature, Patches has not only found a place in their hearts but has also become a symbol of hope and transformation. Patches’ presence and first encounters with the couple has brought immeasurable joy and laughter into their home, creating cherished memories that they will forever hold dear.

Whether curled up on the yoga mat or playfully exploring her surroundings, Patches’ zest for life is infectious, inspiring the couple to embrace each moment with gratitude and wonder.

“To my surprise she was not a typical shy, stray cat, she was extremely friendly. She rubbed her head on my legs multiple times. It was truly love at first sight, it melted my heart. Patches is the sweetest and friendliest cat.” Jen, Patches’ Owner

As they look ahead to the future, they know that Patches will continue to be a source of laughter, love, and inspiration, reminding them to cherish each moment and embrace the beauty of life’s simplest pleasures. With hearts full of love and gratitude, they eagerly anticipate the countless adventures that await, with their furry yoga guru leading the way.