They met by chance, but as if by fate, they became a family.
I had always wanted to live with a cat, and had been searching for a rescue cat if I could save a life, but I hadn't been fortunate enough to find one and was about to give up when an acquaintance of my husband contacted me and said, "A stray cat has given birth to a kitten under the eaves." The moment I saw a photo, I was instantly captivated by Tsukumo (male, 6 years old, white pheasant). He was the only one of his four siblings swaying away in a separate spot, and his black nose - everything about him was adorable, and it was love at first sight.
One day, while my husband was working from home, we suddenly heard the loud cries of a kitten... Kuroro (male, 4 years old, black cat) was rescued when he got stuck in the drain of the apartment building where we lived at the time, with the help of some neighbors. At first, we were hesitant to keep more than one cat because of this sudden turn of events, but as we cared for him, we realized we just couldn't let him go, and he became a part of the family. Although Tsukumo finds Kuroro a bit annoying, he has a younger brother-like personality and they live together in harmony (?).
The good greeter and the timid guy. They are complete opposites in terms of personality and charm.
Tsukumo is big and a big eater. He eats everything, so everyone who meets him says "He's huge!" with his stocky build, which is one of his lovable points. He loves people, and his politeness, always greeting visitors properly, is another charming point. And to us, he can't just meow, but instead makes unique sounds like "Woof woof" and "Onan," which is irresistible to us.
On the other hand, Kurumuroku is extremely timid and never shows himself when people are around. His tsundere personality, which only allows him to trust his wife, is also adorable. He is a black cat with a unique tail that is bent in two stages. The contrast between his personality and his cuteness at night, where he becomes a bit clingy, is also charming.
Enjoy some relaxing time in your favorite place today.
Both cats are free to relax wherever they like. Tsukumo often sleeps next to my husband when he's working from home, and Kurokuro spends more time in bed, perhaps because we only recently moved. But they generally relax wherever they like near where we are.
We aim to create a home where cats can relax and enjoy themselves.
The reason we built the house in the first place was because we wanted cats to live freely and safely. Even during meetings, we made sure to put the cats first, which may have caused some trouble for the person in charge (laughs).
In the courtyard, there is a catwalk where they can run around to their heart's content and with a view of the outside. We have designed different flooring in each room to make each one comfortable. Out of sight of the living room, we have set up a "cat room" of about 2 tatami mats, complete with a litter box and bed. Tsukumo loves the mortar floor and often rolls around there to relax. We have only just moved in, so we are hoping to gradually tidy up the place and create a space where we can live more happily.
Will your beloved cat be pleased? Favorites that add color to your life.
TECTACAT
As a cat lover, I always want to collect cat motifs. TECTACAT is a cat figurine from the German company TECTA, and it's an item I've always wanted. It was hard to get hold of, but it was in stock just in time for my birthday, so I begged my husband to give it to me as a gift. He laughed at me, saying, "But you have a real black cat?" (laughs), but now it has blended into the space so well that I could mistake it for a black cat.
Yumiko Iihoshi
This artist is irresistible for tableware lovers. I love the textures and colors, and I've been collecting his pieces little by little. In particular, the tableware he created for the Osaka curry restaurant "OXYMORON" has subdued colors that really bring out the flavor of the food. His collaboration series with the hotel, "SHIONAR," goes well with both Japanese and Western cuisine, making it perfect for everyday use.
BYOKA
Although it is an accessory brand, they also offer interior decorating, all of which are items that will instantly elevate any space. These are some of my favorites that combine practicality and beauty, such as an apron that can be worn like a dress, a tissue box that I had been preparing since before I moved, and a trash can that looks like an art object even when placed in the living room.
BYOKA Official Instagram
Recently, my husband has become addicted to making waterless curry using Vermicular's Oven Pot.
Also, the mosquito coils I received from the select shop "author" in Kurokawa, Nagoya, are a great help every summer.
One of my favorites is a stone wrapped in leather that I received as a gift. It has a presence that blends seamlessly into my daily life, and it makes me happy every time I see it.
I've grown into a person who doesn't make a mess (lol)
I was originally a lazy person, but because Tsukumo eats everything, I suppress my desire to take my time after meals and start tidying up immediately. I unexpectedly grew up to be a "clean freak" (laughs). Since I started living with a cat, my awareness of space and lifestyle has naturally changed.
Being a home for cats is what makes us happy.
A home where cats can live stress-free, freely, and safely. We believe that creating such a space is both a source of happiness and a responsibility for us as a couple.
They are like children to me, and I want them to live long, healthy lives. With that in mind, I named them "Tsukumo" and "Kuroro."
We only have two right now, but if we're lucky, we might be able to get another one someday.
Enjoy fulfilling days with cats.
A warm presence suddenly comes to mind in the quiet of your time. There are cats there, a loved one beside you, and a comfortable, well-appointed space. All of these things transform your ordinary everyday life into something a little more special.
Living with a cat has been richer and more gentle than I had expected. I hope to continue to carefully weave each day together with my precious family.
