How to make yourself happy — get a kitten

Elizabeth Golden

I really like cats.

Yes, you read that right. This might be the most pointless opinion column to grace this page, but I just wanted to take a moment to explain my love of cats.

Back in October, I adopted my first kitty. I’ve had cats all my life, but she was the first one to be fully my responsibility.

Her name is Vanilla Latte.

My other kitty, which lives with my mom, is named Mocha. Continuing with the coffee theme, I thought, was very appropriate.

I got her from a no-kill shelter in Kansas City when she was only two months old. It’s amazing to see how much she has grown in that short span of time.

So why am I talking about cats?

I really have no idea except for the fact that cats are awesome. My little kitty makes me so happy.

I never really realized the impact cats had on my life until I moved away for the first time and didn’t have access to any type of animal. I was really sad.

Now, just the thought of coming home to my kitty makes me extremely happy.

She’s always waiting for me when I come to the door. She’s always happy to see me. She even plays fetch — OK, maybe she’s actually a dog. Not really, but she does a good job of pretending to be one.

What’s the lesson with this column? Adopt cats — lots and lots of cats.

If you can’t adopt, then find other ways to help out local pet shelters, like the New Nodaway Humane Society.

The humane society is funded completely by donations and is always looking for help.

My kitty has brought me so much happiness, and I wish you as much luck in finding an animal that will bring you happiness as well.