Author: Adopt a Pet

By Savannah Admire

Melanie DeFazio / Stocksy
A playful, cuddly kitten can be the perfect addition to your family, whether you already have other pets or are just starting out as a pet parent. But before you pick out a kitten at your local shelter or rescue, make sure you have all the cat essentials for a kitten to make your new pet feel at home. 

Consider your adoption options

Once you’ve decided you want a kitten, you may be wondering about the best way to bring one into your home. There are a few options you can pursue for making the transition to being a pet parent to a kitten. 

Adoption from a shelter or breeder

Adopting a kitten from a local rescue or shelter can help save a cat in need and provide them with a home. If you choose to purchase from a breeder, make sure to research and choose an ethical breeder who treats their animals well. Note that most shelters and rescues won’t adopt out kittens until they’re at least eight weeks old, at which point they should be weaned from their mothers’ and vaccinated. 

Fostering

If you haven’t been a cat parent before, you may want to try out fostering a kitten through your local shelter. This experience will give you insight into what being a pet parent to a kitten is like before you fully commit to doing so.

Senior adoption

If kittens are too high-energy for you, consider adopting an adult or senior cat. Senior cats come with their own challenges, but with patience and love, you can end up with an affectionate companion.  

What should you be aware of before adopting a kitten?

Kittens tend to be less high-maintenance than puppies, but they still require a lot of time and attention, and there are a few essential things to know about kittens before making this commitment. 

Kitten age and health

Cats are called kittens from birth to one year. During this time, they require a specific diet, regular playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Be sure to take your kitten to the veterinarian within their first week in their new home. 

Kitten personality and temperament

Kittens are playful, curious, and eager to explore. Unlike adult cats, who often enjoy their alone time, kittens require more attention, so be prepared to devote at least an hour each day to grooming, playtime, or cozy snuggles. 

Kitten food and nutrition

Kittens require a diet that includes extra protein, vitamins, fats, and minerals, so choose a dry or wet cat food (or one of each) designed for kittens. 

Kitten litter box and litter

While puppies require house-training, kittens instinctively want to use a litter box and naturally understand the concept. Make sure to keep the litter box clean and choose a non-clumping litter until your kitten is older. 

Kitten toys and playtime

Spending time playing with your kitten can help the two of you bond and provide a way for them to burn off some energy. Purchase a variety of toys to keep your kitten entertained. 

Kitten grooming

Another way to bond with your kitten is to groom them regularly. Long-haired kittens need daily, short grooming sessions, while short-haired kittens may only need grooming once a week.  

Kitten veterinary care

Your kitten’s first year should include vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventatives, and spaying or neutering. Even indoor cats require regular vaccinations to prevent disease. At around four to five months, kittens can be spayed or neutered. While some pet parents may feel hesitant about this surgery, doing so can help your cat live longer, reduce the risks of reproductive cancers, and keep your cat from wandering away from home. 

What are the essential items I need for adopting a new cat?

Now that you’re aware of what to know before adopting a cat, it’s time to plan your shopping list of supplies for a cat. So, what do kittens need?

Food and water bowls

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best and can help your kitten avoid an allergic reaction to plastic bowls that can cause chin acne (yes, kittens can get acne). Make sure to clean out your kitten’s food bowls daily, even if they lick the dish clean at each meal. 

Litter box and scoop

Look for a shallow pan so your kitten doesn’t have to struggle over a high rim to use the bathroom. You can upgrade to a larger litter box as your kitten grows. Choose a litter scoop that’s sturdy and unlikely to break when cleaning the litter. 

Kitten bed

Your cat essentials list should include a cozy place to nap. You can start with a small, kitten-sized bed or invest in a larger one designed for adult cats. If you choose a large bed, use blankets to help the space feel more enclosed.  

Toys

Cats need mental stimulation to keep them active and happy. Purchase a variety of toys, from simple kick toys to moving toys and puzzles, to keep your kitten entertained. 

Scratching post

Scratching has many benefits for cats, from relieving stress to helping them shed nail layers for healthier claws. But you don’t want your furniture to suffer, so scratching posts are cat necessities to keep them healthy and entertained. 

Carrier

Many shelters and rescues don’t provide a carrier, so you’ll need to purchase one to bring your kitten home. A carrier also comes in handy when it’s time to take your kitten to the vet.

Collar and ID tag

A collar with a bell can help you keep track of your kitten as they explore their new home. Just make sure that any collar you purchase has a breakaway snap to keep your cat safe if their collar becomes caught on something. 

While you should have your cat microchipped, you should also add an ID tag to their collar to make it easy for others to know where your kitten belongs if they get lost. An ID tag should include your kitten’s name, your name, your cell phone number, and your address. 

How can I introduce my new kitten to existing pets?

If you already have pets in your home, introducing them to a new kitten should be done carefully and slowly. With all introductions, make sure to supervise and watch for any signs of aggression. 

When it comes to other cats, introduce the kitten by allowing each animal to meet the other through a closed door where they can smell the other’s scent. After a few days, you can introduce the cat and kitten face-to-face by placing the kitten in a carrier. Once both animals appear comfortable and don’t show any signs of aggression, you can let the cat and kitten meet each other at their own pace by leaving the door to the kitten’s room open. 

Many of the same rules apply to introducing a kitten to a dog. Start with smells, such as switching the dog and kitten’s blankets, so they’re aware of each other’s presence. Then you can introduce the two through a baby gate before eventually letting your dog and kitten meet. 

New kitten checklist

This new pet parent’s checklist is a great resource for making sure you’re providing everything your kitten needs to grow into a well-adjusted cat, but there are a few things you should be aware of right away.

How do I create a safe and stimulating environment for my kitten?

Start by creating a “safe room” for your kitten in a bathroom, home office, or guest room where you can close the door. This space should be fully kitten-proof, which means removing any breakable or dangling items and installing child-proof latches on cabinets and drawers. 

What are some common kitten behaviors and how do I address them?

Kittens want and need to scratch, so make sure to provide them with appropriate scratching posts to protect your furniture and other items in your house. If your kitten shows any signs of aggression toward other pets in the home, separate the animals immediately.  

What vaccinations and veterinary care does a kitten need?

Kittens need several vaccinations in their first year, including a rabies vaccine, which is required by law. You should also invest in heartworm and flea preventatives as well as spaying or neutering. 

Before you adopt a kitten, take the time to learn exactly what you need to know before adopting a kitten and ensure that you have everything you need for a cat. There are plenty of kittens in shelters who need loving homes and would make excellent companions.

FAQ (People Also Ask):

What should I be aware of before adopting a kitten?

While cats are largely independent, kittens require more attention and time. Do your research about things you need before getting a cat and make a new cat checklist.

What are the essential items I need for a new kitten?

Your kitten essentials checklist should include a litter box and scoop, a carrier, a kitten bed, food and water bowls, a scratching post, and toys. 

How do I prepare my home for a new kitten?

Take time to kitten-proof your home by putting away breakable items and purchasing all the items on this new cat owner checklist.

What should I know about kitten nutrition and feeding?

Provide your kitten with some wet food because kittens can have trouble chewing dry food. Review labels for the correct amount to feed your kitten. 

What vaccinations and veterinary care does a kitten need?

Kittens need annual vaccinations to protect them from common illnesses like rabies and distemper, as well as regular heartworm and flea preventatives.

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

By Savannah Admire

Jayalekshman SJ / Unsplash
Many animals are associated with specific superstitions and myths, but perhaps none so much as the black cat. From their frequent presence in Halloween decorations to the North American belief that one of these felines crossing your path means bad luck, black cats often have a reputation for being spooky, mysterious, and even dangerous.

But where does this myth come from, and why do black cats get such a bad rap? Dive into the history and myths surrounding black cats, their symbolism around the world, and how you can break the stigma and help debunk these beliefs to encourage more people to adopt black cats.

What is the history of black cats?

The superstition around black cats may date all the way back to Ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Zeus’s wife, Hera, transformed one of her servants into a black cat as punishment for getting in the way of Hercules’s birth. That servant, known as Galinthias, eventually became an assistant to Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft.

Many of the spookier beliefs around black cats are thought to have originated in the Middle Ages in Europe. During the 13th century, the Catholic Church even claimed that black cats were an incarnation of Satan in written documents issued by Pope Gregory IX, which only contributed to the distrust and superstitions surrounding these beautiful felines. Cats were then sometimes blamed for the spread of the Bubonic plague, which led people to kill cats of every color, but especially black cats. Ironically, fewer cats meant the plague spread faster without felines around to control the disease-spreading rat population. In fact, this superstition continued into the 19th century when black cats were often killed during times of plague.

These beliefs continued into the 17th century during the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. Many people considered black cats unlucky and even evil, and these cats were often killed along with those accused of witchcraft.

Where did the superstition about black cats originate?

So, why are black cats considered bad luck? There is no definite answer about where the superstitions around black cats originated, but there are several theories. The most basic black cat superstition origin story is that cats were seen as independent and disrespectful of authority, just like the women accused of witchcraft, so it was easy for society to pair the two together.

Medieval folklore associated these dark-colored felines and their ability to disappear in the shadows with witches, and many people believed that black cats were witches (or even demons) in disguise or the familiars or pets of witches.

Because of their dark fur color, black cats were also often associated with death, like crows and ravens. In fact, in Italy in the 16th century, it was believed that a person’s death was imminent if a black cat lay on their sickbed.

Are black cats really considered bad luck?

Today, black cats are most commonly seen as pets, but in North America, the idea that black cats are bad luck still endures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to debunk this myth and celebrate black cats as loving pets and companions. In fact, black cats are the most common color of feline, as the black fur gene is the most dominant, especially in male cats. With so many black cats out in the world, adopting these felines is critical to reducing shelter and rescue populations. Plus, black cats deserve loving homes just as much as any other cat.

Do black cats have any positive aymbolism?

In many countries beyond North America, black cats have been considered good luck, or have served as symbols of coming wealth, wisdom, and protection, for centuries.

Good luck

In both Asia and the United Kingdom, owning a black cat is a sign that you will live a lucky life. In Japan, black cats are thought to be positive signs for single women, promising luck in love. In some areas of England, locals believe that a bride will have luck in her marriage if she sees a black cat while on the way to her wedding. Many European sailors believe that a black cat on their ship will ensure a safe journey.

Protection

Black cats are also seen as symbols of protection, and many cultures believe that they can ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were held in high esteem because of their resemblance to Bastet, the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, and protection from disease. Because of this, black cats were believed to possess supernatural powers, capable of protecting individuals and homes.

In Japan, black cats are often used as a symbol to ward off evil or bad luck, whether in the form of an actual black cat or a figurine.

Prosperity

In some cultures, black cats are seen as symbols of prosperity, and it’s believed that they can bring wealth and good fortune to their human parents. In Scotland, for example, simply seeing a black cat sitting in your doorway or on your porch signifies that you will enjoy some unexpected wealth soon.

Magic

While black cats have been negatively associated with magic and witchcraft since the Middle Ages, in some cultures, it is believed that these felines can help cast spells and perform other magical tasks in a positive way. For example, seeing a black cat in France is far from bad luck — instead, it means that something magical is about to happen to you.

Wisdom

Black cats are also seen as symbols of wisdom. Many cultures believe that they can offer guidance and support to those seeking it, and it can even be a sign of good luck if you dream about a black cat or see one walking toward you.

Guille Faingold / Stocksy

How can we support black cats and promote their adoption?

Like rabbits at Easter, black cats are sometimes more popular during Halloween — and then end up back in the shelters when families don’t want to commit to a pet. But while myths about black cats abound, just like any other cat, they can be loving and affectionate companions, providing comfort to individuals and families alike.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can encourage the adoption of black cats in your community and keep superstition from influencing adoption decisions, whether you volunteer or work at a rescue or shelter or simply want to spread the joy of black cat parenthood.

Adopt a black cat yourself

The most obvious way to help black cats in need is to adopt one yourself. There are many black cats in shelters and rescues looking for a loving home. Unfortunately, because they are so common (and perhaps in part due to the superstitions around them), black cats have the highest chances of euthanasia of any cat in U.S. shelters. So get out and adopt a black cat today!

Volunteer at a shelter or rescue that specializes in black cats

Look for a local shelter or rescue that specializes in finding loving forever homes for black cats. Spending time in a black cat-specific shelter is a great way to help black cats in need and learn more about these beautiful felines.

Spread the word about black cats

Talk to your friends, family, and social media followers about the benefits of adopting a black cat. Show off your own black cat or those at your local shelter on social media, and encourage other black cat parents to share their own images. If anyone around you talks about how black cats are bad luck, take time to bust that myth and share how gentle, social, and smart black cats can be.

Donate to a shelter or rescue that specializes in black cats

If you don’t have time to volunteer, your donations to shelters or rescues are always welcome. Your donation to a black cat-specific rescue will help to provide food, shelter, and medical care for black cats in need.

Host a black cat adoption event

Help your local shelter or rescue by hosting an adoption event for black cats. This is a great way to raise awareness about black cats and help them find loving homes.

Use social media to promote black cats

Share photos and videos of black cats on social media and use hashtags like #adoptablackcat and #blackcatsrule. Be sure to post on National Black Cat Day on October 27 to celebrate your own black cat and encourage others to do the same. You can even follow Instagram and TikTok accounts featuring black cats, like Rover the Cat, and share their posts.

Black cats are just as playful and affectionate as cats of any other color and sometimes even more so. Remember that every cat’s personality and background is different, but don’t let old myths and superstitions stop you from welcoming a black cat into your home and your life!

FAQ (People Also Ask):

Are black cats really considered bad luck?

Black cats are still considered bad luck by some, but are considered good luck in many cultures.

Where did the superstition about black cats and bad luck originate?

There are many theories about the origins of the superstition about black cats, including in ancient Greece and the Middle Ages.

Do black cats have any positive symbolism?

Black cats are considered good luck in Asian and European countries like Japan and the UK.

Are black cats any different in terms of behavior or personality?

Every black cat is different, but  many are known to be gentle, social, and smart.

How can we debunk the myth about black cats and bad luck?

You can share the truth about black cats with your friends, families, and social media followers.

How can we support black cats and promote their adoption?

You can adopt a black cat yourself, volunteer at and/or donate to a shelter that supports black cats, and even host a black cat adoption event.

Is it safe to own a black cat?

Yes, it is safe to own a black cat — they are not likely to be more aggressive than cats of other colors and are just as affectionate as others, too.

References:

The Effect of Supersition on Consumer Behavior.

Measuring superstitious belief: why lucky charms matter

Appreciating Black Cats

Coat Color and Cat Outcomes in an Urban U.S. Shelter

Coat Color and Cat Outcomes in an Urban U.S. Shelter

The Bewitching History of Black Cats and Halloween

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

Age isn’t always just a number.

By Tim Barribeau

Melanie DeFazio / Stocksy
If you’re looking to adopt a pet, it can be hard to ignore the incomparable cuteness of a puppy or kitten when deciding who to take home. But the process of figuring out which animal to adopt comes down to more than just losing yourself in that fresh puppy smell or tiny kitten beans — sometimes a grown-up pet might suit you and your lifestyle better. Plus, adults and senior pets often need homes more urgently than than puppies and kittens do. So, how do you tell which is right for you?

Adopt a puppy or kitten if:

You have the time and energy for training.

Probably the biggest and most intensive part of adopting a young animal is that you will need to be involved in their training. This is more of a thing with dogs than with cats (who hopefully will be at least litter box trained coming home), and a big part of your initial relationship with a young pet will be training them to be well-behaved members of your family. For dogs in particular, that means housebreaking; basic commands (sit, stay, heel); leash training; and socialization with other people and animals. For cats, when they’re young is the best time to train them to accept being handled by humans, especially in their sensitive spots like stomachs and feet, and in what types of play are appropriate so that they don’t think that mauling your hand is good fun.

You don’t mind cleaning.

Let’s be honest: You’re going to be cleaning up after your pet a lot over the years, and it starts at full speed with a puppy or kitten. Even if you’re well on your way to a housebroken or litter-trained animal, sometimes a small critter just can’t make it to where they need to do their business in time. Combine that with younger animals often having more sensitive stomachs (which can mean the occasional vomit or diarrhea cleanup) and you should be prepared with a stash of cleaning supplies on hand. Luckily this (usually) settles down over time.

You’re at home more often.

Young animals need more consistent care and attention. Especially if you’re fostering baby animals, but even for the first year or two of life, a puppy or kitten needs to be around people frequently. Part of this is just managing their needs so that a puppy can be taken out as often as they need to go to the bathroom, but part of it is also socialization and enrichment. The more time they spend playing with people as young animals, the more comfortable they are around people as grown pets — and a tired and well-entertained animal is less destructive than a bored one. As Dilara Göksel Parry, certified cat behavior consultant at Feline Minds and Cat Town Oakland’s Program Manager explains, kittens are “go, go, go nonstop play,” and they need a commensurate level of attention.

You want to get ahead of vet fees.

Pet insurance is an important investment in the wellbeing of your animal. It can mean the difference between spending tens of thousands on an important procedure or just a couple of hundred on a deductible. Getting your pet on pet insurance when they’re young means you can get them in the system before they get penalized for “pre-existing conditions” and make sure they’re covered from the start.

You don’t mind bite marks.

Teething means chewed-up shoes, power cables, table legs, toes…doesn’t matter if it’s a cat or a dog; those tiny needle teeth are going to be gnawing on something, no matter how many chew toys you put in front of them. Do your best to manage it with bitter spray, but also be aware that it’s mostly unavoidable.

Adopt an adult animal if:

You want a (mostly) trained animal.

Most adult animals will come to you with at least some level of training. Dogs will probably be housebroken (and might know some basic commands) and cats will be litter-box trained. There will be some outliers in this regard, but chances are you can rely on them knowing the basics. You may end up wanting to augment their training further, but having an animal who knows when they need to be let out is a huge help.

You want an animal with a known personality.

As Parry explains, if you want an animal who’s going to match a certain type of behavior, go with an older one. “The most common behavior adopters want is lap cat. If you want a lap cat, get an adult who’s already demonstrating that behavior for you,” she says. “A lot of people think ‘I can mold the kitten the way I want’ — they think this about puppies, too. And that’s just actually not really what happens. We can certainly encourage them to do behaviors we like and we can train them. But temperament-wise, there’s so much there we’re not in control of.”

You want to skip the fees.

In order to help adults go to loving homes, many adoption agencies will lower or waive the fees associated with older animals. This can often mean hundreds of dollars in savings from the get-go for an animal who is already microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date on all their shots. In the grand scheme of the life of a pet, this may not end up being a huge difference, but when you’re first getting your home set up with everything you need, it’s pretty significant.

You want to support animals who might not be able to find a home.

It’s harder to find homes that are willing to take adult (and even more so senior) pets. They can end up in adoption centers for any number of reasons, but they deserve a loving home just as much as any puppy or kitten. If you want to help an animal who may otherwise be passed over for adoption, bringing home an adult animal is definitely a way to do so. And they’ll provide you with just as much companionship and love as a baby.

You work longer hours.

Adult animals don’t need the frequent hands-on care the way that extremely young ones do. Adult cats are generally fine left to their own devices during an entire workday (they’ll probably just find a warm spot and sleep until late afternoon anyway), and an adult dog may only need to be briefly let out or walked during the course of a day. If you already have a schedule that you want to try and stick to, an adult animal may be the way to go.

You want a quieter household.

Pets tend to mellow out as they age. Where a puppy or a kitten might tear around the house at all hours, hurling themselves at anything they think will give them even a moment’s entertainment, an adult pet will probably be a lot happier to just flop in a comfy spot for much of the day. That’s not to say that a grown cat won’t decide at 3am to have a bad case of the zoomies, or that your adult dog won’t bark its head off at a squirrel that goes past the window — quieter isn’t the same as quiet.

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do and brings so much enrichment to a household. Deciding between taking home a puppy or a kitten vs an adult is a big decision and can significantly change your day-to-day care of the animal. One isn’t better than the other; they just need different things and suit different people — so be sure to weigh your potential pet’s needs to figure out which makes the most sense for you.

Tim Barribeau is a freelance writer, editor, cat dad, and “help your boyfriend buy a suit that actually fits for once” consultant. He was previously the Style and Pets editor at Wirecutter, and has bylines at a bunch of publications that don’t exist anymore (and a couple that still do).

Considering adopting a cat? Here’s why bonded kitties, senior cats, and felines with FIV make just as amazing pets as any other.

By Madeleine Aggeler

Narucha Klinudom / Shutterstock
“Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet” week is an event held the third week of September every year to celebrate those animals who are often considered harder to adopt out. Bonded pairs, senior cats, and cats with health issues are often considered “less adoptable.” Raising awareness about the unique joys and rewards of these so-called “less adoptable” animals is important not just for individuals who may be debating whether to welcome one into their home, but also for shelters and rescues that sometimes don’t give these animals as much of a chance as others because they don’t believe people want to adopt them. This is a misconception that Kristen Hassen, the Director of American Pets Alive! and Human Animal Support Services, says she and her organizations have been fighting against for years.

“At the heart of all the work we do is this belief that people do want the opportunity to help out an animal who’s had a hard life, a trauma history, or has special physical needs,” says Hassen.” We have to start embracing that instead of making the decision for the public about what they may or may not want.” Below are some of the kinds of cats who may be considered difficult to adopt out, but who, like any animal, can thrive in the right home.

Cats in Bonded Pairs

What are Bonded Pairs?

Two cats who were raised together or lived together for many years can often become what is called a “bonded pair.” The pair will spend most of their time together, and often run to each other’s side when the other is in distress. When a bonded pair arrives at a shelter or rescue, the staff will often try to re-home them together, a measure that is necessary not just for their emotional health, but also their physical health.

“Separating a truly bonded pair is heartbreaking,” says Hassen, who adds that with cats in particular, separating a bonded pair can be life threatening. “I’ve seen on more than one occasion two cats that were bonded actually die when they were separated.”

Benefits on Bonded Pairs

For adopters who aren’t sure whether they’re ready to welcome twice as many cats into their home as they had been planning on, consider the benefits: bonded pairs will be able to keep each other company when you’re gone, and they’ll likely adjust to their new home more quickly since they have each other. Plus, you’ll be able to save twice as many animals as you had been planning on.

At the end of the day, Hassen says, every animal ends up being a special needs pet in one way or another. “They have special needs because they’re all individuals. What we want people to do is, when they do look for their next pet, consider all of those animals that are waiting for a person just like them, and who want to be seen, and are often not seen in the midst of all the puppy and kitten adorableness.”

Senior Cats

Oftentimes, kittens are scooped up from shelters quickly. Not only are the tiny balls of fur impossibly charming, adopters sometimes worry that they’ll have less time with an older cat, or that an older cat will soon develop health issues, and they’ll rack up sizable medical bills. But senior cats are a great option for people who may want a more mellow, low-maintenance companion. Senior cats often already know how to use the litter box, are socialized with people and other pets, and are generally less hyper than a tiny kitten.

What’s more, for those concerned that they may enjoy less time with their senior cat because of its age, consider that cats typically have fairly long life expectancies. Plus, any animal you bring into your life will eventually require some medical care. No matter what cat you adopt, pet insurance is a great option to offset some of those potential costs.

Cats with Chronic Health Issues

Although some adopters may be concerned about the time, money, and effort that goes into caring for a cat with chronic health issues — like mobility issues, missing limbs, or a condition that requires regular medical care — Hassen underscores that special-needs pets are just like any other pets. Special needs pets, she says, adapt to their environment and adapt to their family. “The fear is a lot greater than the reality,” Hassen says. “The vast majority of people who take home a pet with special needs are glad that they did.”

One condition unique to cats is the feline immunodeficiency virus, also known as FIV. It is primarily transmitted through bite wounds, so as long as they are kept safe and mostly inside, FIV positive cats can go symptom free for years, and live long and healthy lives.

If you’re ready to adopt a less-adoptable cat, start your search.

Madeleine Aggeler is a freelance journalist and copywriter in Washington, D.C. Previously, she was a writer at New York magazine’s The Cut. She lives with her dog, Cleo, who works primarily as a foot warmer.