Welcome to the first blog post of casa purrs! What better way to start our journey than by introducing you to the cat who inspired it all - our beloved Bombom. This charismatic orange Persian has been the heart of our family since 2011, and his globe-trotting adventures have taught us more about cat care (and life) than we ever imagined.
a Spanish beginning
Bombom's story begins in the sun-soaked region of Seville, Andalusia, Spain. Born in 2011, this little ball of orange fluff first opened his eyes to the world in a place known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, as we like to think, some of the world's most contented cats.
As a kitten, Bombom spent his early days in Fuengirola, a picturesque coastal town in Malaga, Andalusia. Here, he developed his love for warm sunbeams and his distinctive "grumpy but lovable" personality. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of his international journey.
california dreaming
In 2012, Bombom packed his imaginary suitcase and made the big move across the Atlantic to California. For eight years, our Spanish cat became a true Californian, adapting to the laid-back lifestyle with ease.
During his time in the Golden State, Bombom experienced many firsts:
- 🐦⬛ His first encounter with sea views and birds coming to the window.
- 🫨 His first earthquake (which he slept through, naturally)
- 🍯 His first taste of organic, locally-sourced cat food (because, California)
These years taught us the importance of helping a cat adjust to new environments. We learned that maintaining routine, even in a new place, was key to keeping Bombom happy and stress-free.
Florida: the sunshine state
Just when Bombom had perfected his Californian meow, it was time for another adventure. In 2019, we moved to Boca Raton, Florida. Bombom traded the Pacific for the Atlantic, and palm trees for... well, more palm trees.
Florida brought new experiences:
- 🧖 Higher humidity (which did wonders for his fur)
- 🌩️ Tropical storms (which he found less exciting than we did)
- 🦎 A whole new array of local wildlife to watch from the window (geckos galore)
It was in Florida that we really honed our skills in keeping a long-haired cat comfortable in hot, humid weather. Regular grooming became more important than ever, and Bombom developed a newfound appreciation for cool tile floors.
a brief return to Spanish roots
In a twist of fate, Bombom found himself back in Benalmadena, Andalusia for a short while. It was a homecoming of sorts, though much had changed since he was a kitten. This period reinforced for us the adaptability of cats - Bombom seemed to remember his Spanish roots, settling in as if he'd never left.
back to Florida
Before long, the allure of Florida called us back. Bombom, now a seasoned traveler, took the return trip in stride. It was during this second Florida stay that we started to see the first signs of his aging - a reminder of how important it is to adapt our care as our feline friends grow older.
London calling
And now, here we are in London! Bombom has traded sunshine for occasional drizzle, and beach views for city skylines. At 13 years old, he's embracing this new chapter with his usual mix of grumpiness and charm.
In London, Bombom is learning to appreciate:
- ☁️ The cool weather (perfect for snuggling)
- 🚌 The sound of double-decker buses rumbling by
- 🐦 The view of pigeons instead of seagulls
lessons from a well-traveled cat
Through all these moves, Bombom has been our constant companion, our furry anchor in a changing world. He's taught us so much:
- Adaptability: Cats can adjust to new environments, but they need patience and support.
- Consistency: No matter where we are, maintaining routines helps reduce stress.
- Health Awareness: Different climates and environments can affect a cat's health and comfort.
- Love Knows No Borders: A cat's affection isn't bound by geography.
As we settle into our London life, we can't help but wonder: where will Bombom's next adventure take us? One thing's for sure - wherever we go, it will be together, and there will be plenty of stories to share here on casa purrs.
Stay tuned for more tales from our globe-trotting feline and tips we've learned along the way. After all, home is where the cat is!
