Nestled in the northernmost part of China, I welcomed a tiny ball of fur into my life—my beloved Siamese, Little Tangerine. From his rocky start in the chilly winter to his current status as the heart and soul of my home, our journey together has been a rollercoaster of challenges, joys, and countless memorable moments.
When Little Tangerine first arrived at just over two months old, he was a bundle of energy, with a small nose, big eyes, and a face that resembled an adorable alien. Unfortunately, his arrival coincided with the onset of winter, and without heating, even I, a native of the Northeast, felt the cold. The frigid temperatures took a toll on the little guy, and within days, he caught a cold. At that time, weighing merely six ounces, he looked so vulnerable, yet his spirit remained unbroken.
In a rush to keep him warm, I fashioned a tiny sweater out of a sock, which somehow made him look even more endearing. A visit to the vet confirmed that he didn’t have feline rhinotracheitis or feline panleukopenia, and I was prescribed cold medicine. However, administering the medication proved to be my first major hurdle as a new cat owner. Whether it was the granular pills or the liquid formula, getting him to take his medicine was a battle. I ended up covered in stains, but I was determined to help my little one recover.
Ten days after bringing him home, I received a business trip notice. Aware of Siamese cats’ strong self-care abilities, I set up a pet camera and left Little Tangerine to fend for himself for seven days. To my relief and pride, he managed remarkably well. He ate his cat food on schedule, used the litter box without a hitch—never once straying outside of it—and all without any prior training. His independence during this period was both impressive and reassuring.
As I delved deeper into cat care, I followed numerous tips to raise him right. I refrained from using my hands to play with him, but I overlooked one thing—my feet. Little Tangerine would hide and then pounce on my feet, initially making me think he was playing hide-and-seek. But I soon realized he was honing his hunting skills, with me as his “prey.” As he grew, his playful bites became a recurring issue. Despite trying various methods—ignoring him, yelling when he bit, or even mimicking the bite—nothing seemed to work. It’s as if he’s figured out that this behavior gets a rise out of me, and he’s not shy about using it to grab my attention. His expressive eyes, so human-like, seem to confirm this mischievous intent, leaving me desperately seeking a solution.
Now, at three months old and weighing two pounds, Little Tangerine has come a long way. He’s received the first shot of his three-dose vaccine series, but he’s been plagued by persistent green nasal discharge, sneezing, and now coughing, earning him the nickname “little medicine jar.” Although he’s gradually improving, I can’t help but worry about his lingering symptoms.
Yet, when he’s feeling better, his charm is irresistible. He has an inexplicable love for plastic bags, and watching him play with them makes me want to scoop him up and shower him with affection, momentarily forgetting his biting habits. True to the Siamese breed, he’s incredibly clingy. He loves snuggling up with me at night, either allowing me to hold him close or burrowing into my arms to find the perfect spot to sleep. But he also has a playful side, seizing the opportunity to nibble on any exposed body parts in the early morning or late at night.
Adding to the uniqueness of our household is my pet sugar glider. Surprisingly, the two get along swimmingly. Both are relatively quiet, and it’s not uncommon to find Little Tangerine sitting by the sugar glider’s cage, watching as it runs on its wheel in the stillness of the night. Keeping a cat and what’s essentially a “mouse” under the same roof might seem daring, but the peaceful coexistence between them warms my heart.
From a struggling kitten to a feisty, affectionate companion, Little Tangerine has taught me the meaning of resilience and unconditional love. I’ve become proficient at administering medicine and trimming his nails, and I hope that he’ll stay by my side for a long time, growing strong and healthy, and never losing his vibrant spirit. Here’s to many more adventures with my little northern warrior!
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