From Senior Cats to New Beginnings: My Feline Journey to Golden Whiskers
How Two Senior Cats Inspired a Mission to Help Felines Thrive and Their Humans Feel Connected
A Lifetime of Love with Cats
Growing up, I never imagined just how deeply cats could change my life. I didn’t have pets as a kid, and for a good part of my early adult life. Then, only July 5th, 2003, I went to a mall in Dallas, Texas where I was living at the time. I went to go buy some clothes with my sister Jill, who was visiting from out of town. While we were there, we noticed the SPCA had set up an adoption booth, so I said to Jill, “let’s go look at the kittens.” I never expected I would leave the mall with 2 kittens, and no clothes. OK, that probably doesn’t read right. I came home without having purchased any new clothes. I, of course, was still wearing clothes. 😂
After several days of thinking, I named them Nomar and Mia. Nomar was named after the baseball player Nomar Garciaparra. And Mia was named after the soccer player Mia Hamm. Those 2 athletes are married in real life. (Nomar is on the right, and Mia on the left, in the picture below).
Nomar and Mia were two incredible cats who became my family. Being someone whose never been married, and who lives alone, these cats were my world. And they lived good long lives. Nomar passed away in August of 2019 at age 16. And Mia made it to 20. She passed away in June of 2023. Both of them left paw prints on my heart in ways I still feel every day.
Their later years taught me so much—about resilience, unconditional love, and the unique challenges of caring for senior cats. Especially Mia. In her later years, she had kidney disease, mobility issues and arthritis, and, at the very end, lymphoma. Managing all of Mia’s health challenges really deepened our bond in a way that’s difficult to explain. Having 2 older cats also opened my eyes to how much support pet parents truly need, especially when navigating the complexities of senior cat care.
The Next Chapter: Welcoming Niko and Milo
After saying goodbye to Nomar and Mia, my life felt quieter—and emptier. Grief hit hard with both losses. Nomar passed away just 10 days before I moved from Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee. But at least I had Mia. We helped each other through the grief. When Mia passed away, I was truly alone for the first time in 20 years. I was afraid to go home and be in an empty apartment. So I crashed on a friend’s couch for 3 1/2 months while I processed my grief.
About 6 months after Mia passed away, I started to warm up to the idea of fostering a cat. But then I visited the Naughty Cat Cafe in Chattanooga, TN, where I met Niko and Milo. After visiting twice more, I decided to adopt them - 2 bonded brothers. They are two one-year-old bundles of energy and mischief. They’ve reminded me of the joys (and chaos) of kittenhood and reignited my passion for giving cats the best lives possible. The picture below is the day I brought them home from the cat cafe. Niko is on the left, and Milo on the right.
Caring for them also made me reflect on everything I learned from Mia and Nomar. Their legacy lives on in how I approach every decision, from choosing the highest-quality food to creating enriching playtime routines.
Why I Created Golden Whiskers
Golden Whiskers is more than a passion project—it’s a tribute to Nomar, Mia, and every cat that’s left paw prints on their human’s heart, like they have to mine. My mission is simple: to help cat parents navigate the beautiful, sometimes challenging, journey of feline care.
Whether it’s supporting someone caring for a senior cat, offering tips on preventive health, or sharing heartwarming stories, Golden Whiskers is here to make the journey easier, more informed, and, above all, joyful.
Who I Hope to Help
Golden Whiskers is for every cat parent who wants to create a long, healthy, and meaningful life for their feline companions. Maybe you’re caring for a senior cat and wondering how to manage mobility issues. Maybe you’re navigating grief after saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Or maybe you’re just starting your journey, like I am with Niko and Milo, and want to lay the foundation for a thriving feline life.
How I’ll Help
Through this newsletter, I’ll bring:
Expert Advice: Interviews with vets, behaviorists, and holistic practitioners.
Senior Cat Tips: Practical guidance for extending your cat’s golden years.
Wellness Challenges: Fun, actionable steps to keep your cats healthy and happy.
Heartfelt Stories: Celebrating the bond between humans and their feline friends.
Golden Whiskers isn’t just about information; it’s about community, connection, and honoring the love we share with our cats.
Why It Matters
Every cat deserves a life filled with love, comfort, and health. And every cat parent deserves to feel supported, informed, and connected. I’ve been where you are—celebrating the highs, navigating the lows, and cherishing every moment in between.
Golden Whiskers is my way of giving back, inspired by Nomar, Mia, Niko, and Milo. Together, we’ll honor the love, embrace the journey, and ensure our cats live their best lives.
Thank you for being here. Let’s make every whisker count. 🐾