In the name of the cat
What do football legends and cats have in common? My family’s devotion I suppose.
I remember my Nani’s cat, a regular alley kind, grey, lean with the most startling eyes who decided to adopt her! One day, it was just there. Occasionally, it would leave a mouse or two for the folks to find so Nani was very pleased.
I was fascinated by it too but the problem was it would come and go as it pleased and didn’t like being held. So, the next time the milk saucer was being topped, I was right beside Nani as she called out in her strong Pahari accent, “Aaa Maradona”.
“Nani! It’s Madonna, the pop star. There is no Maradona. You are pronouncing it all wrong.”
While she sagely nodded, I pitched in to help by screaming my lungs out for Madonna.
My Mama (maternal uncle) materialised with furrowed brows and a scowl from his room. He hissed, “It’s Maradona!”
“Huh?”
“Maradona! The footballer!”
So began my education and I discovered that if Madonna was popular, Maradona was legendary. Our feline lived up to the reputation of its namesake by its sheer agility and ability to scrape out of any tight corner.
The story does not end there.
On my next visit the following year, I belted out “Maradona” in my highest pitch to draw out the cat. I was immediately corrected by my other Mama.
“Maradona ran away. It’s Platini now.”
“Who is Platini?”
“A football legend and our cat of course.”
For many years any cat that became a part of the household was always either a Maradona or a Platini. Pele, Ronaldo, Zidane scarcely left an impression, at least on the real decision maker that was Nani, for she steadfastly refused to name the cats after them.
Even today as the football frenzy of the World Cup begins, inspired teams and their players debated upon, for us it will always be Maradona and Platini, who rule the roost in our football-crazy family.
EXPERT TALK
Q. Is neutering of dogs and cats recommended for home pets?
Shalini Mehta, Mumbai Neutering reduces aggressive behaviour in cats and dogs. it’s also important to control unwanted kittens or puppies or strays in our country. There are no significant health or behaviour adverse affects in neutered pets.
—Dr Umesh Kallahalli is a well-known vet
What do football legends and cats have in common? My family’s devotion I suppose.
I remember my Nani’s cat, a regular alley kind, grey, lean with the most startling eyes who decided to adopt her! One day, it was just there. Occasionally, it would leave a mouse or two for the folks to find so Nani was very pleased.
I was fascinated by it too but the problem was it would come and go as it pleased and didn’t like being held. So, the next time the milk saucer was being topped, I was right beside Nani as she called out in her strong Pahari accent, “Aaa Maradona”.
“Nani! It’s Madonna, the pop star. There is no Maradona. You are pronouncing it all wrong.”
While she sagely nodded, I pitched in to help by screaming my lungs out for Madonna.
My Mama (maternal uncle) materialised with furrowed brows and a scowl from his room. He hissed, “It’s Maradona!”
“Huh?”
“Maradona! The footballer!”
So began my education and I discovered that if Madonna was popular, Maradona was legendary. Our feline lived up to the reputation of its namesake by its sheer agility and ability to scrape out of any tight corner.
The story does not end there.
On my next visit the following year, I belted out “Maradona” in my highest pitch to draw out the cat. I was immediately corrected by my other Mama.
“Maradona ran away. It’s Platini now.”
“Who is Platini?”
“A football legend and our cat of course.”
For many years any cat that became a part of the household was always either a Maradona or a Platini. Pele, Ronaldo, Zidane scarcely left an impression, at least on the real decision maker that was Nani, for she steadfastly refused to name the cats after them.
Even today as the football frenzy of the World Cup begins, inspired teams and their players debated upon, for us it will always be Maradona and Platini, who rule the roost in our football-crazy family.
EXPERT TALK
Q. Is neutering of dogs and cats recommended for home pets?
Shalini Mehta, Mumbai Neutering reduces aggressive behaviour in cats and dogs. it’s also important to control unwanted kittens or puppies or strays in our country. There are no significant health or behaviour adverse affects in neutered pets.
—Dr Umesh Kallahalli is a well-known vet
