OSCAR

Have you ever thought of making a cat your best friend? Shifa has made one – Oscar, the wonder cat! He makes her come alive, every time she is downhearted. Shifa shares with us the magical and soulful experience with her Bestie. Here are a few excerpts…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY WITH OSCAR SO FAR. HOW AND WHEN DID HE COME INTO YOUR LIFE?

Three years back, I flew down from Dubai to Mumbai due to some health issues and wanted to setup my business in Mumbai. I have a small work studio, which is also a co-living space to me. Staying alone in Mumbai, definitely, has its own pros & cons. And that’s when Oscar made his entry. Oscar was gifted to me by my father when I shifted to Mumbai. He was 3 months old when he came home. A British American exotic shorthair cat (not Persian) with a flat face and big round eyes full of curiosity. Oscar came across as a very different personality to me. He loves birdwatching and his sunglasses… well everybody now knows him with it.

Because of Oscar, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more!

He is my therapy cat. Having Oski in my life has helped me deal with my anxiety issues and has kept me sane during pandemic. He’s the one who fuels me up to keep moving forward and understand the fact that ‘ITS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY AT TIMES’ and this is how you roll on with life. Life is happy and content with him. He makes me feel proud, he makes me feel alive, he makes me feel that no matter what the world has to say – you shouldn’t be bothered and that’s how you live your life.

WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THIS NAME OSCAR?

Nothing much to it; just loved the name and went ahead with it. Though, now I can say, he’s the best award of my life.