Cats are extremely sensitive. According to a study by the Affinity Foundation and the Chairman of the Affinity Animal and Health Foundation at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), for 83% of respondents, their cat is always there when they need it and find emotional comfort in them.
Hayley Wieder and her gorgeous black cat Salem have been inseparable ever since she rescued him as a kitten. The unfortunate man was found on the street at the age of only 7 weeks with two broken legs.
Then followed a long period of recovery and constant complicity. Salem showed resilience and even grew into a mischievous young cat. “If I don’t wake up at 8am sharp to feed him, Salem will sit on my chest and gently stroke my face or pull my hair until I get up,” Hailey confirmed.
Moreover, Salem knows how to make himself understood. He had a habit of showing his displeasure by shaking his mistress’ houseplants. But at the same time, a stray cat can be affectionate and caring.
Hayley noticed that Salem paid special attention to her whenever she had a bad day or had a panic attack. “He sits on my lap or cuddles up to me, then starts hugging me and purring,” said the young woman.
Salem’s presence at her side gradually became a necessity for Hailey. Thus, during her last year at university, she was able to officially name him her emotional support cat.
So the duo walked down the campus aisles together, Salem well protected in his small animal stroller. “He was a real celebrity, and every time we walked, people stopped us, talked to him or stroked him a little,” said Hailey.
Thus, when the girl was ready to receive her graduation certificate at the end of the year, she told herself that her faithful companion also deserved a reward for his altruism.
So she bought him an outfit for the occasion, and Salem was certified as a helper cat. “Everyone was in love with his costume. We were both honored and enjoyed our ceremony as it should be,» Hailey said.
