One of the perks of running your own business is being your own boss. But this is not the case for Samsiah Jendol.
She may be the founder and creative talent of Little Syam, a bookbinding and restoration business, but she says the real “boss” of the operation is a four-legged oyen (orange-coloured cat) named Kitty.
“She’s a permanent resident in my studio,” Samsiah, 51, told FMT Lifestyle. “When she meows for food, I’ll have to stop working and feed her. I must obey her!”
Kitty was one of the 13 cats that belonged to her landlord’s daughter. When the latter moved out, however, the feline resolutely refused to follow her human.
So Samsiah volunteered to feed the cat, figuring it wouldn’t be too difficult to leave food at the bottom of the stairs that led to her studio.
What she should have foreseen, however, was that the feline would be curious and start venturing up the stairs to explore – and eventually make Samsiah’s studio her home!
“I didn’t know what to name her at first. But I started calling her Kitty and she answered me. So Kitty it is,” Samsiah recalled.
Estimating her to be about 10 or 11 years old, Samsiah shared that Kitty leads a rather mellow lifestyle, spending most of her time sleeping, sunbathing, or watching birds.
During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, she was seen snoozing in her favourite corner and later peeking curiously at the visitors to her home. She also kept still for photographs, even turning her face as if to say, “This is my best side!”
Samsiah, too, has been taken in by Kitty’s beauty: she has painted a beautiful portrait of her cat, which hangs in the studio, along with a lovely little book with paintings of Kitty in it.
Occasionally, Samsiah’s furry companion enjoys bringing her dead lizards – not exactly Samsiah’s idea of an ideal gift!
When it comes to mealtimes, Kitty enjoys a combination of wet and dry food daily. As for what she doesn’t like? Being given a bath!
She also doesn’t like to be cuddled, Samsiah revealed; rather, Kitty prefers to show affection on her own terms. “But she will come to me when I am asleep. I think she feels safe then.”
Still, Kitty rushes to greet her human every morning when Samsiah arrives at the studio. She often rolls over to show her belly, allowing Samsiah to pat her. Clearly absence makes the heart grow fonder!
And after seven years, Kitty is more than just a permanent resident of the studio – she holds a very special place in Samsiah’s heart.
“She just brings me so much happiness,” Samsiah concluded simply.
This article was written by Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to l[email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.