Blabber Post 5 - Compassion as a Choice: Lessons Learned from Kittens and Kindness

“Compassion is not a virtue–it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have–it’s something we choose to practice.” - Brene Brown

There are days when memories of my childhood come to mind, especially the times when cats and kittens would swarm around our house. As a child, it felt like I had real-life teddy bears to play with whenever I wanted. I understood that they are living creatures, and shouldn’t be harmed. I ought myself to look out for them and nourish them, just like a real adult being. But then, I overheard someone saying that cats and their kittens should be immediately dispatched due to their pesky nature. Their loud whines and malodorous dung were a disturbance to the community.

I was uncertain how to respond, thinking I wasn’t allowed to share my sentiments because of my young age. Maybe I could speak up, but surely I wouldn’t be able to defend my point. So, with a heavy heart, I just watched them take the cat and its kitten away, with no clue where will be their destination and what will be their destiny. It felt like I had become a witness to a crime but was too scared to stand in the courtroom. 

Until now, I wonder if I really didn’t have the power to voice my thoughts, or if I simply chose not to do anything for my own convenience? Was it really because of my feeble mind, or my unwillingness to act? Looking back, I don’t think it was that I didn’t have a choice, I feel like I did and the choice that I made was to ignore what bothered me. I should have asked another trustworthy adult to help me keep the cats and kittens, or maybe I should have thrown a tantrum if that didn’t work out. 

People sometimes are so quick to dismiss what we care about, especially when we're young, as if our feelings and opinions don’t matter. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t wrong to care for those cats. I wonder if things would’ve turned out differently if I had been braver and spoken up, trusting that my voice deserved to be heard. Perhaps I didn’t fully understand the weight of those choices back then, but now I realize that sometimes doing nothing can still be a choice in itself.

I remember my time training at a call center. There was this one day when it was raining heavily and a woman walked in, soaking wet. She was hugging her bag delicately, as if it contained an expensive glass item. She then went to her seat and carefully placed the bag down. We went on with our training and only a few minutes passed when we heard a faint meowing sound. The trainer asked us where the sound was coming from, but no one dared to answer. Pets weren’t allowed in the vicinity, especially in the office, and no one wanted to break the rules as the management was very strict when it came to rules and regulations. As if we are the culprits afraid to be caught, our hearts thumping very loudly, yet it doesn’t cover the noise of the strange cat. But it didn’t take long to reveal the truth because the faint sound became louder and clearer, and it was evident that the meowing sound was coming from the woman’s mysterious bag. Surprisingly (and fortunately), the trainer didn’t take it badly. Instead, he saw it as a kind and benevolent act. 

Compassion. That’s what I learned from her. It’s the ability to recognize the suffering of others and take action to help, even when it means putting yourself at risk. She didn't hesitate for a moment even though she knew the circumstances. Without a second thought, she went out of her way to save those kittens. That’s what true compassion looks like. 

Since then, I’ve grown accustomed to offering help, developing a willingness to assist strays in need, even though I too still feel quite uncertain at times. Honestly, there are moments when I hesitate. I still feel reluctant to help because I don’t feel confident if I am being helpful. But then I remind myself that the simple act of lending a hand, even if it’s just lifting a single finger, could have a profound impact on their lives. 

There was this other time during my college days when I witnessed my senior in College bring out cat food from her bag. She told me she always carries cat and dog food wherever she goes, in case she might encounter strays on the streets. As I watched her, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and motivated to do the same. Her actions and moments like this have a lasting impact on me. Now, every time I leave my home, I bring cat and dog food for any stray I might come across. When it rains and I see a lost cat, I make sure to bring them to a safe space for shelter. If I spot a dehydrated cat on the street under the scorching heat, I offer them a drink of water. I’ll help them in any way I can, even if it’s just a small gesture. And if I’m able to do more, I absolutely will. 

The thing is, not everyone is eager to help stray animals. Some might assume someone else will step in and help, or perhaps just like I used to think, some might feel like their efforts won’t make a big difference. But the truth is, even the smallest act can change everything. It doesn’t mean you have to take in every stray cat you come across, especially since some cats are meant to be outside. They are naturally just inclined to the outdoors, with their strong instincts that allows them to survive on their own and enjoy wandering the streets. That’s why when you adopt a cat, or when a cat "adopts" you (you know, those cats that randomly show up on your doorstep), they might disappear again one day. It’s just in their nature to explore, to wander, even if they’re well fed and have a safe loving home. They enjoy their independence, and sometimes, they have their own little group they connect with out there. On the other hand, there are some cats who have not had the chance to encounter nice human beings while others have not had proper socialization but no matter the circumstance, they all still deserve a little kindness and patience from us. They may be wild at heart, but they’re still capable of forming bonds with those who approach them with compassion. 

If more people learn to be compassionate—not just toward other humans, but toward animals as well—we might one day see the end of the loud caterwauling in the streets. After all, the most beautiful thing we can do is learn to live together peacefully, because at the end of the day, we all have just this one small world to share.