How Gigi Punched Her Way Into My Heart

Hello and welcome back to the Cat Corner!

Last time, I shared how hard it was to say goodbye to my 17-year-old soul cat. Today, I'd like to go back to the beginning. Long before she was the senior lady who ruled my house, Madame Gigi arrived in my life as a hilarious, fiery little plot twist.

A Happy Accident

Gigi was never the plan. I'd travelled to collect a different kitten, only to find she and her bonded sister had been sold right out from under me. Disappointed, I went back to Gumtree and spotted Gigi, who was up for collection because her previous buyer had let the owner down, too.

When I arrived, her mum and siblings all trotted out to greet me. But where was my kitten? Out hunting in the bushes.

The Punch

Our first night together was a rude awakening. I went in for a loving cuddle and she promptly punched me in the left eye. The next punch came with claws. OMG, I thought, who have I adopted?

Turns out, a strong-willed, fiery little softy.

The proof came after a terrifying moment when she ignored my warnings and jumped straight onto a hotplate. I scooped her up to console her. Thankfully, she was fine, though it was a harsh lesson for us both. That scare became our bonding moment, and it kicked off our lifelong routine of cuddles.

I wouldn't swap her fiery personality for anything.

Stepping Into Fostering

With Gigi gone, my heart still needs time before adopting again, and the timing just isn't right for me. But my life has stayed firmly in the cat world.

As a marketing volunteer for a UK cat rescue charity, I see the constant appeals for fosterers, and it has made me realise my home still has plenty of love, patience and cat-savvy experience to give.

That's why I'll be opening my doors to cats on their journey to a furever home and easing the pressure on rescues.

Best of all? Madame Gigi's legacy lives on, helping other cats in need.

Have you ever shared your home with a spicy, strong-willed cat like Gigi? Tell me about them in the comments. I'd love to meet them!

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in a fortnight!

— Auntie Isha🤍🐾 © 2026 Isha Cotay. All rights reserved.Text excerpts and links may be shared with full credit given to Aunties Isha & Gigi's Cat Corner and a link to the original post. Original photography and images may not be reproduced or redistributed without express written permission.