I’m a Cat Mom and I Don’t Want Your Happy Mother’s Day Wishes

Out of all my childhood friends, only one other is a non-mom, like me. I do not take shame in this, and this is why I don’t need a Happy Mother’s Day wish.

I am the proud mom of two rescue cats, Teddi Bear and Ferdinand, pictured above. I am the proud mom of a bunch of plants and trees in my backyard, all of which I planted with loved ones and have watched grow while helping them along the way. I am an aunt figure to my bestie’s daughter.

Despite all of this, I have also seen my friends and everything it takes them to be mothers. What I live through being a cat mom, plant mom, and maternal or aunt figure, does not compare to the hard work of motherhood.

On mothers’ special day, I refuse to take away from them and all that they deserve.

I respect that the movement has become more inclusive for people like me, and trust me, it’s lovely and I definitely feel seen. However, I am also wise and mature enough to understand that Mother’s Day is not for me, nor about me.

I am not responsible for running young children to soccer practice, dance practice, basketball practice, and everything else that parents do. I do not have to take off from work at a moment’s notice to rush my kid to urgent care. I do not have to mentor them day in and day out…