If you’ve ever wondered why I live with five cats, this is the story. Most of them have been close to death. Each has a story that could fill a novel, and they all appear in my artwork. Some of them are legends. Some are a little unhinged. All of them are my heart.
They travelled with me from Menorca to the UK during the height of COVID — a journey that involved ferries, the only pet-friendly flight available, and a surreal moment when a flight attendant laughed and said,
“There are more cats than people on this plane. Are they all yours?” Yes. Yes, they were.
From Menorca With Love
For six years, I lived in Menorca as part of a Buddhist community, caring for cat colonies near the temple and volunteering with the local charity Cats In Need Menorca. I bottle-fed orphaned kittens, cared for the elderly and unwell, and helped wild cats survive against the odds. When my dad needed a heart operation and the world was shutting down, I knew I had to return to the UK. Originally, I planned to drive through Spain and France with the cats that were in my care. But Janice, the founder of Cats In Need, said flying would be safer and less traumatic for them. So we took a ferry to Mallorca, then boarded the only flight available to the UK that accepted animals in the hold. I flew with them — all five — and my dad picked us up at Gatwick. I would’ve brought more if I could.
Meet the Cats
🐾 Upala - “The Eternal Cat”
She was already living at the Dharma house when I arrived, but no one had taken full responsibility for her. One cold night I snuck her into my room, and from then on, we were inseparable. I was told she was 19 at the time — if that's true, she’s now 29 and still sprints around like a kitten. She’s a Menorca legend.
🐾 Neropa — “Psycho”
Neropa lived wild in the woods near the temple. He was clearly suffering — the vet found the worst ear mite infestation he’d ever seen. It left him deaf and slightly unhinged. He loves humans, but if you’re a dog, watch out. I’ve seen him launch himself at unsuspecting dogs like a furry missile.
🐾 Asangha — “The Silent Healer”
He had a severe skin condition that made his paws bleed. He was too wild to keep catching to treat, so I brought him home, and for three months he lived under my bed. One day, he just appeared, sat on my lap, and looked at me as if to say “Thank you.” He’s feet never suffered since.
🐾 Freda — “The Bin Princess”
Found abandoned with her brothers in a holiday complex called Binibeca. They were my last group of foster kittens. Her brothers went to my cousin in the UK, but Freda... well, she decided to stay with me. She’s sassy, sweet, and a born explorer.
🐾 Ginge — “The Cuddle Terror”
Born in the temple shed, Ginge caused chaos in the office. He adored attention — too much of it. My Buddhist colleagues loved peace and quiet, and Ginge loved jumping on keyboards. Eventually, it was clear: the boy was coming home with me.
Grateful Every Day
Each of these cats brings something wonderful into my life. They’re not pets — they’re studio companions, muses, and reminders that love has the power to tame.
If you’ve ever met them, you’ll know: I didn’t choose these cats. They chose me.
