Seeking That Animal Purity

Of cats and humans.

a gigantic cat casually saves a man falling down a cliff, surreal digital art — by DALL·E

I remember this rare occurrence in an otherwise rather placid childhood: I was feeling dejected and misunderstood, brooding in my room who knows about what (which indicates the transcendence of the matter), when the cat walked in to check on me. As adults, we risk doubting that an animal could be wise or aware enough to perceive a change of mood. As children, we are less polluted, and I was positive the cat knew something wasn’t right. I recall the immense comfort the feline brought me. With a sudden sense of purpose, I picked up a bunch of crayons and drew big letters on a blank piece of paper, stating something along the lines of, ‘Some things, only animals understand’. The wisdom of the message was certainly at odds with the age-appropriate pettiness of my sulking.

Now, almost thirty years later, I watch Gerald Durrell express a similar concept in the more eloquent terms of an adult who had devoted his life to understanding beasts: unlike humans, animals take us as we are, indifferent to manners or other social constructs, agendas or machinations. It also feels magical that the famous naturalist must have uttered those words around the same time I was sulking in my room. Synchronicity is mesmerising.

Indeed, when I consider my relationship with my pets, I realise how simple and pure it is, comparable only to my…