The hardest thing to leave behind

In the past 7 years I have moved multiple times and in the process have made and lost many friends. I have learned the hard way that people come and go and there are only a few who manage to remain in your life despite distance and time.

The one constant that I've had for more than 7 years now has been my beloved cat - Pate. I rescued him myself from the streets in Bulgaria. He was only 2 months old and abandoned in the harsh, cold weather. I took him home and needed only a day to decide he is not going to be rehoused because his home is with me.

Pate is the smartest cat I've ever had, and trust me, many cats have lived in and have been through my house. Bonding was instantaneous and effortless.

When I moved to the UK he was less than a year old and I missed him so much, as he had to stay with Julien in Bulgaria. It was hard to be separated from two of my favourite boys. About a year after I moved Julien moved to England too, and months later Pate followed and became a travelling cat.

Since I had him he has moved house pretty much as much as Julien and I have. It's been difficult to find budget accommodation for a couple with a pet but we made it. He is our child and leaving him was never an option. I hated when people dared suggest I leave him behind just because it was hard to find accommodation for us.

When you travel though, especially when you're backpacking on a budget - staying in random places camping or Couchsurfing, you can't bring a pet with you as easily. Well, definitely not a cat. So, for this journey ahead of me, Pate will be staying with my father in Kent and I hope he'll be alright - he loves my dad's place and the tons of outdoor private space we get there.

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