In the early days of my career, when my salary was modest, one of my greatest joys was rushing to the pet store downstairs after payday to spoil Nian Gao with treats and toys. Nothing could dampen my excitement as I brought home new goodies for her to try. Now, as she’s grown into a charming feline companion, our journey together has been filled with love, learning, and the occasional chaos she brings—all of which I wouldn’t trade for anything.
A Clingy Companion and Her Keyboard Antics
Nian Gao’s affection knows no bounds, and she insists on being part of every moment of my life. Whether I’m working at my desk or diving into a game of League of Legends, she’s there, determined to be the center of attention. One of her favorite pastimes is leaping onto my keyboard mid-game, her tiny paws dancing across the keys. More than once, this has resulted in “mysterious” in-game maneuvers—like accidentally sending my character running in the wrong direction during a crucial team fight. I’ve learned to type quick apologies to my teammates: “Sorry, my cat’s hijacking the keyboard!”
Chaos in the Name of Curiosity
No corner of the house is safe from Nian Gao’s curiosity. She’s a master of mischief, with a talent for turning everyday objects into sources of entertainment. Her list of “crimes” includes:
Trash Can Raids: No discarded wrapper or leftover scrap is safe. She’ll scramble through the bin with the enthusiasm of a detective on a case.
Food Bowl Flipping: Freshly filled with kibble, her bowl becomes a target for a dramatic sprint-and-kick, sending food flying across the floor.
Vase Vandals: Delicate vases are no match for her acrobatic leaps. More than one has met its end during her midnight zoomies.
Yet, each time I look at her innocent face—wide eyes, tail flicking sheepishly—I can’t help but laugh and forgive her. As the saying goes, “What’s a little chaos when faced with such cuteness?”
Navigating the Pet Food Maze
Feeding Nian Gao has been a journey of trial and error, driven by my desire to keep her healthy. Initially, I splurged on imported GO! kibble, only to switch to Nutrience Red Meat after the “toxic food” scandal. When concerns arose about Nutrience too, I turned to domestic Chinese brands, not to save money but after thorough research.
I compared protein levels, meat ratios, and user reviews, eventually choosing a brand developed in collaboration with Jinan University. The formula, a mix of freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients, seemed fresher than many imports. Following the seven-day transition method, Nian Gao adapted seamlessly. To my relief, her occasional yellow bile vomiting stopped, her muscle tone improved, and even her tear stains lightened. While she now thrives on domestic cat food, I’ve learned to be cautious with treats: a trial of domestic canned food left her lethargic and vomiting, so I’ve stuck with trusted imported brands ever since.
One standout favorite is a premium imported canned food with visible chunks of real fruit—kiwi, apple, and more. The aroma of natural meat (no artificial fragrances) drives her wild, and she licks the bowl clean every time, making the splurge worth every penny.
Homemade Love: The Art of Cat Meal Prep
On days off, I enjoy crafting homemade cat meals for Nian Gao. My go-to recipe includes steamed chicken breast, pumpkin, celery, and shrimp, finely chopped and mixed with egg, then shaped into small patties for a final steam. It’s a labor of love, but seeing her excitement at mealtime makes it all worthwhile.
To support her digestion, I feed her half a packet of probiotics and fresh cat grass weekly, a routine that keeps her energetic and healthy.
Peaceful Coexistence: Nian Gao and Her Bear Companion
Adding a cinnamon bear hamster, Tangyuan, to the household was a leap of faith, but Nian Gao surprised me with her tolerance. Instead of chasing or harassing her tiny roommate, she’ll sit by the cage, watching Tangyuan run on her wheel with mild curiosity. Their calm coexistence is a testament to Nian Gao’s adaptable nature—and a relief for this “cat mom” who worried about feline-hamster clashes.
A Love That Outshines All
Nian Gao isn’t just a pet; she’s a symbol of joy and resilience. From my humble beginnings as a rookie employee to my current routine, she’s been my constant, reminding me to find happiness in small moments—the purrs that greet me each morning, the playful swats at my hair ties, and even the chaos of a flipped food bowl.
Her beauty is undeniable, but it’s her personality that truly captivates: the way she insists on “helping” me fold laundry by sitting on the clothes, her dramatic meows when she wants attention, and the quiet warmth of her curled body beside me at night.
As I watch her thrive—healthy, loved, and endlessly curious—I’m reminded that the best things in life aren’t bought with money. They’re found in the form of a red tabby Siamese who turned my humble apartment into a home, one keyboard mishap and homemade meal at a time.
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