The Fat Tabby and Her Baby Tiger
The fat tabby cat had never planned on becoming a parent, especially not to a baby tiger. Life was simple before long naps, short walks to the food bowl, and the occasional judgmental stare out the window. Then one day, a tiny striped bundle with oversized paws and a squeaky roar appeared, looked up at the tabby, and decided this was now her mother.
The tabby sighed, as only a very round cat can sigh, and accepted her fate.
Mornings became busy. The tabby would waddle into the kitchen, apron stretched heroically across her belly, while the baby tiger sat on the floor watching with serious focus. Cooking was… an adventure. The tabby stirred soup with one paw while keeping an eye on the tiger, who believed every ingredient was either a toy or a snack. Carrots were chased. Fish was stolen. The stove was respected only because the tabby said so with a firm glare.
Shopping trips were even more interesting. The tabby pushed a cart with the patience of a saint, while the baby tiger peeked over the edge, batting at dangling price tags. Other shoppers stared as the tiger purred loudly and the tabby compared prices, clearly on a budget. A fat cat has priorities, and snacks for growing tigers are expensive.
At home, care was taken very seriously. The tabby taught important life lessons, like how to nap properly in sunbeams and why knocking things off tables is an art, not chaos. Bath time involved a damp cloth, gentle licks, and a lot of patience. When the tiger had nightmares, the tabby curled around her, purring loudly enough to shake the floor.
Evenings ended the same way every day. The tabby settled into her favorite chair, the baby tiger curled against her side, tiny tail flicking. The tabby groomed the tiger carefully, humming in her own way.
She may have been fat, tired, and permanently covered in fur, but the tabby knew one thing for certain. This tiger was her daughter now, and she would raise her the only way she knew how with food, warmth, and an endless supply of love.
