From anxiety to joy: How a rescue cat transformed my life and family

This is the heartwarming story of how a rescue cat helped rebuild a life—and a family

Last updated: July 10, 2025 | 14:27

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

2 MIN READ

Dubai: When Megan Aninha Pinto first thought about adopting a cat, she had no idea that one small decision would transform not only her own life, but the emotional fabric of her entire family. At the time, she was navigating the difficult terrain of chronic anxiety and depression. Therapy helped, but healing was slow. "I remember just feeling stuck," Megan recalls. "I was doing everything I was supposed to—therapy, self-care, all of it—but it still felt like I was walking through fog. Then, out of nowhere, the idea came to me: what if I adopted a cat? It felt random, but it also felt… right."

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"Milo quickly became the heart of the household. His curiosity turned everyday routines into little adventures—he'd explore cupboards, sit in boxes like royalty, and follow the sun around the apartment like it was his personal spotlight."

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Driven by a quiet sense of purpose, Megan started scrolling through adoption listings on Dubizzle. That’s when she found him—a six-month-old kitten with striking eyes and a calm presence that seemed to leap right off the screen. “There was something about him,” she says, smiling. “We couldn’t explain it, but we were drawn to him.” The family giving up the kitten was moving to the US. Megan and her family were the eighth to express interest—but the first, the owners said, who felt right. “We didn’t name him. He came with his name—Milo. Somehow that made it feel like he wasn’t a stranger, like he’d always belonged with us.”

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Milo settled in quickly. But he didn’t just blend in—he took over, in the most endearing way possible. “He’s playful, confident, and a little dramatic,” Megan laughs. “If we ignore him for too long, he’ll flop on the floor and let out this huge sigh. Or he’ll sit with his back to us like we’ve deeply offended him.” But behind the antics lies something much deeper. “There’s a calming energy about him,” Megan says. “Just having him in the room made everything feel a little lighter. He doesn’t talk, but somehow, he knew when I needed him most. He'd just curl up beside me like, I’ve got you.”

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Milo quickly became the heart of the household. His curiosity turned everyday routines into little adventures—he'd explore cupboards, sit in boxes like royalty, and follow the sun around the apartment like it was his personal spotlight. “We found ourselves following him around,” Megan says. “And strangely, those moments—just watching what he was up to—brought us closer together as a family.” Milo wasn’t just a distraction or a comfort animal. He became a bridge—between moments of silence and laughter, between emotional distance and reconnection.

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“Looking back, I realise we didn’t just adopt Milo—he chose us. He helped me cope in ways therapy couldn’t. He brought joy back into our home. He made us feel like a family again.” The transformation was subtle but undeniable. Her mental health began to stabilize. Her family grew more bonded. They laughed more. They shared stories. They started to heal—together. “He may not speak our language, but he’s taught us so much—about presence, patience, and the healing power of just being there.” When asked what Milo means to her now, four years on, Megan reflects: “He’s not just a pet—he’s family. And every single day, in small, beautiful ways, he reminds me that love can show up when you least expect it—and change everything.”

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Also Read: Meet Uzi: The Golden Retriever who can jump rope and melt hearts

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.