Lubtscho, the Bulgarian Cat

One day, not far from our project in the woods, we found a little kitten meowing lonely. It was a few weeks after I started my project in the summer when he appeared. He was only about two weeks old, all alone and hungry. At first, he was quite shy, but also very loud, constantly searching for milk. I immediately grew fond of him. He was so small he fit in my hand, and soon he became very affectionate.

Now, at six months, he already looks like a real cat. When I think back on the time we’ve spent together, it fills me with joy. I saw him grow bigger every day. There were moments when we argued and then made up again. In the beginning, I fed him with a pipette. I remember how crazy he was about boiled egg.

At some point, he began testing his limits, but at the same time, he continued to show himself as incredibly cuddly.

Every evening, I would sit outside, and just a few seconds later, he would be sitting on my lap. No matter where I am – he always finds me. This unconditional affection has done me good on many days. I witnessed him experiencing his first rain, his first snow, and the strong winds that can blow in the mountains. It was especially moving to see him spend his first nights in the wild – cats are not allowed inside here – and how he stood his ground against his enemies.

When winter came, two other cats from the village, who live there in the summer, came to stay with us. It was fascinating to watch Lubtscho becoming more and more assertive, even though he was and still is the smallest. He eats first and playfully fights with the other cats like a big one.

I will miss him a lot when I go back home, and I would love to take him with me. But I know he will have the best life he can here. Lubtscho has found his place in this wild, beautiful environment and has become a loyal companion, bringing me joy every day.

By Sarah K.