I just read this beautiful article about a 20 year old on the Spectrum and her Kitten (her rescue kitten) and it reminded me so much of my son and his Kitten (also known as Felix).
I have read somewhere that it is good for children on the Spectrum to have a pet. We already have pets so I never thought about it too much, til my girls contacted me while we were away in Malaysia last year. They said, cats are only $20 at the RSPCA, can we buy Hadley one? I know he likes Manx Cats so said, of course, but only if it is a Manx (thinking I would be pretty safe). Well yes, there was a Manx! A male Manx that was aged around 2 years old!
We came home to a very shy, quiet cat, who was quite small. Hadley fell instantly in love. It was his responsibility to name him, feed him and love him. Felix soon made himself right at home. He loves tummy rubs and to be near you all day. He is very vocal and Hadley knows exactly that he is saying. Felix was not 2 however, he was still a kitten, he has grown much bigger now, is more vocal, and rules the roost in this house!
Hadley likes to call him Kitten. He likes to say "I love my Kitten" a lot! He loves to pat him when he is feeling anxious, and loves to rub his face in his soft fur. Hadley has always loved the feeling of soft, furry things! He also just loves him. He feeds him and cares for him. He takes responsibility for him and thinks about what he needs.
Hadley has also started thinking about others much more since he has had his Kitten. He will ask us how our day has been, or if we would like a drink of water. He has also started taking more responsibility for himself, and being more independent. Most of all though, Felix has become Hadley's best friend and offers him love and comfort and the favour is generously returned.
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