In the Taita community, cats are highly valued not only for their ability to catch mice and keep harmful creatures like snakes away but also believed to have significance as important spiritual beings.
In Taita culture, cats are believed to have a special connection to the spiritual world, serving as protectors of families against evil spirits. However, this protection only occurs when the cats are treated well and adopted through specific traditional rituals. If these customs are neglected, it is believed that the cat can become possessed by malevolent spirits, bringing harm to its owner.
Our family cat was getting old, showing all the signs of age- extreme lethargy, significant weight loss, labored breathing, lack of appetite, incontinence, withdrawal from interaction, and prolonged sleep.One unfortunate morning, we discovered her lifeless beneath the living room furniture. The cat had originally been adopted by my older brother, and her loss left a void that gave me the chance to welcome a new family cat into our home.
Adopting my new kitten was surprisingly easy. I reached out to a reputable cat breeder in the village, and during my visit, I was introduced to several cats available for adoption. Among them, I immediately felt a special connection with a stunning cat, its white fur beautifully contrasted by black patches and striking orangish streaks, creating a unique and captivating pattern.
After selecting my kitten and agreeing to trade a half-grown chicken as payment, I rushed home to get everything ready. My first task was to thoroughly clean the areas where my previous cat had left its scent. Then, I set up fresh litter boxes and stocked up on kitten food and supplements from a trusted agro-vet store. To ensure I followed tradition, I consulted my grandparents about the customary adoption rituals, carefully listening to their wisdom.
The traditional aspect of the adoption ritual required everything to be done at sunset. Although the agreement was to bring a half-grown chicken, I only had a full-grown one. I hoped this wouldn’t interfere with the process. With the chicken in hand, I walked 4 kilometers to the farmer’s home, trusting that it would all go smoothly.
Upon arrival, as tradition dictated, we silently exchanged the animals. No words were spoken. With a heavy heart, I headed home, my expression somber as I mourned the separation of the kitten from its family. I greeted no one along the way and kept my silence.
Once home, I took the kitten to the fireplace and circled it seven times, quietly chanting, “Aha ni kenyu,” which means, “This is your home too.” After completing the ritual, I was finally able to speak. The first words I uttered were to reassure the kitten, before feeding it and settling it into the warm, cozy space I had lovingly prepared.
Having adhered to all the traditions, I felt confident there would be no negative consequences from improperly welcoming our new family member.
While the adoption carried significant cultural importance, the day-to-day care of the kitten was much simpler. Feeding, litter box training, grooming, playtime, socialization, and veterinary visits followed practical routines rather than traditional customs.
Addressing the behavior problems and health concerns of our kitten became much easier with the involvement and support of the entire family. Together, we helped the kitten adjust quickly, and any signs of separation anxiety were effectively managed with everyone’s assistance.
Although the kitten was a beloved family pet, it formed a special bond with me as its adoptive father. My favorite part of this experience was holding the kitten while it slept, its soft purring creating a soothing vibration that I found both healing and spiritual. After long days away, I always looked forward to coming home with its favorite fish snack from the market. The kitten provided great companionship and proved to be an effective biological pest controller, often spending hours on the farm catching grasshoppers and birds that threatened our crops.
Adopting the kitten brought immense joy and peace to our home. Not only strengthening our bonds as pet owners, but also enhancing our rodent-free safety, making our environment more secure. This experience is even more meaningful, enriched by the rich traditions of the Taita community that we hold dear.