A Special July 4th Memory

July 4th holds a different meaning to me that is separate from the rest of the U.S. It was the Birthday of my cat Pounce. In the summer of 1985 my cat Precious was expecting her first litter of kittens. Precious was an indoor cat. We had a male cat named Purr-Purr who was an outdoor cat who would come in and stay in the basement. Somehow Precious figured out how to get into the basement to Purr-Purr and well...you know...

I had just completed Kindergarten. I don't remember too much about that summer, but what I do remember is going to a firework display with my parents and waking up the next morning to a carboard in my room with mewing kittens. My parents told me that after I went to bed, Precious had 5 kittens. The last one of the litter was born after midnight and had a different birthday than the other 4.

I instantly bonded with the first born kitten. One day I was sitting on my bed with my mom, and this kitten was playing and jumped over my head. We named her Pounce. My parents wanted to give the kittens away and I was so heartbroken by the though of Pounce going to another home. I pleaded with my mom to keep her. One day when I was at school, I knew the remaining kittens would be going to new homes. My mom was going to try to keep Pounce for me. I think my dad had reservations. I anxiously awaited for the school day to end. When I came home, I found Pounce I my bed with her mom nursing and cuddling. My heart was filled with Joy.

Pounce was a very special confidant to me. She was there for me through so much. Every July 4th my mom would make cupcakes with vanilla frosting or would buy them. Pounce loved them! I would have little birthday parties for her. One time I invited the kids who lived next door to celebrate with me.

I wish I had pictures of those times. I had a very complicated childhood and wish I had photos capturing more of the good times. In the 80's and 90's it required more effort to take photos and develop the film. There were many times pictures were taken, that just never got developed. I wonder what was on those rolls that was lost in time.

Pounce lived to about the age of 16. I wasn't living at home at that point. I was so sad when my mom shared the news of her passing with me. Pounce still lives on in my heart.

Is there a holiday that has another special meaning for you? I would love to hear all about it in the comments.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.