Cat Adoption for Dummies
Inside the House of 40 Cats with Dimpal & Thinkal Bhal
In a two-storey home in Kochi locale that is pedestrian friendly, there exists a sanctuary that is unusual but endearing - a space that is home to not one, not ten, but over forty cats. At least, that’s the number we knew of, the last time we had a chat with the owners. Dimpal and Thinkal Bahl, whom we dubbed the “Cat Mom” and “Cat Warden,” through our conversation are both social media creators and professionals, who have turned their house into a refuge for strays - cats and dogs alike, but especially for abandoned kittens.
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This is no ordinary cat shelter but rather an actual home and chapter in this surprising journey of love these sisters have embarked on together.
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The Beginnings: From Dog People to Cat Guardians
In starting our conversation, Thinkal Bahl started from the beginning - “I’m 38 years old and I’ve been taking care of my cats for like four years now.” Interestingly, she and Dimpal started out as “dog people,” with nine dogs of their own. “We had to switch lives from being dog lovers to having cats, and it was a lot of learning for each of us,” she recalls, acknowledging the changes that came with caring for a growing feline family. It all began with a single stray cat, Kuttumani, who wandered into their lives and, unbeknownst to them, set the foundation for the ‘House of 40 Cats’.
Losing Kuttumani was devastating. “We thought we’d never be able to have cats again, considering how painful it was,” Dimpal says softly. “But we felt that was not the way it should be. The best thing to do was to do as much as we could, in his memory.” It was this loss that ultimately inspired them to open their doors to dozens more cats, each one finding a place in their lives, and together, becoming the reason they have opened their homes up to stray animals.
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Building a Home for Cats: A Partnership in Parenting
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Their journey of building this space has not been free from heartbreak. The special cat, Kannu, left an indelible mark on both their hearts, reminding them of the risks and challenges that come with fostering so many vulnerable lives. “He was such a character,” Dimpal remembers. “Full of attitude and ego problems. He knew he had a special place in my room where only adult cats were allowed.” Her sister Thinkal chimed in that Dimpal saw a lot of herself in the cat, and felt extra attached to him for the same reason. But tragically, Kannu was hit by a car twice, and he passed after the second accident. “Somebody just picked him up and threw him into the shrubs without even checking if there was any life left in him.”
Despite the pain, Thinkal believes that each cat they’ve lost has taught them something profound. “It’s those trials and the love we’ve gained from each cat that keeps us going.” After Kannu’s passing, they found solace in the idea of making a difference in the lives of cats they could save and protect, living on in his memory.
Their roles in the household have evolved naturally over the years, with each playing a distinct part in the care and management of their cats. “I wouldn’t say that I’m a cat mom. I’m more like a proper hostel warden, or cat warden,” Dimpall shares with a laugh. “You know, the one who has the rules, and they do follow them. Then there is the mom who will come and spoil all the kids, and that is her.” Thinkal’s influence is one of nurturing, while Dimpal maintains order, embodying the dual roles of care and structure that enable them to manage such a high number of cats.
For Thinkal, these animals have been nothing short of life-changing. “They’re my babies and an extension of who I am. I will literally go crazy if one is missing.” The sister duo’s love is balanced by a dose of pragmatism, as Dimpal continues, “It’s not like the cats are our life’s wealth, something we’ve brought generationally. We take care of them the best we can, and if I have to skip my needs for them, we will.”
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The Struggles of Finding Good Homes and the Sting of Judgment
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For most of the cats that come into their lives, adoption is the goal, but finding the right home isn’t easy. The decision-making process, Thinkal explains, is rigorous: “If I’m not sure that they’ll be happy or cared for, I won’t leave them there. And when someone says they want a ‘white cat,’ we don’t give them one. It’s about who they’ll care for, not what they look like.”
Their commitment to the cats’ well-being sometimes means foregoing adoption entirely. Thinkal elaborates, “If I have to, I’ll drive all the way to Palakkad to check someone’s home if they want a cat, but if I don’t feel they’re truly connected, it’s a no-go.” This attention to detail means that over time, their plans of rehoming cats have become less frequent. “Our goal was rescuing and getting them adopted,” Thinkal commented, with a laugh. “Now, it’s more like a Cats Villa.”
They have also fielded judgment from people who question the purpose of taking in so many animals. “Some people wonder why I would spend so much on cats,” Thinkal shares, “especially since dogs are considered more loyal. But they don’t understand the relationship I have with these cats and the purpose they give me.” She continues, “When my bank balance is low, my kittens need food, and that pushes me to work. Seeing them look at me with those hopeful eyes makes me feel responsible.”
“Some people wonder why I would spend so much on cats,” Thinkal shares, “especially since dogs are considered more loyal. But they don’t understand the relationship I have with these cats and the purpose they give me.”
The Head of a Warden, the Heart of a Mother
For Dimpal and Thinkal, raising awareness about strays is a mission. Dimpal insists, “If you can’t adopt animals, it’s fine, but don’t hurt them. Even if you don’t want to feed them, don’t poison them or throw stones at them.”
The sisters have faced hostility from neighbours back in their hometown of Erumeli, with instances of cats being poisoned. “It’s almost as if there would need to be some government rule for people to act humanely toward other living beings,” she added. “These animals are also residents of our land. If every home took in just one stray, no one would go through loneliness or depression.” Their plea is simple: if you can’t bring a cat home, and even if you don’t feed them, just let them be. To Dimpal and Thinkal, each cat that crosses their path is a chance to give love, companionship, and a sense of belonging, for however long they’re able to.
“If you can’t adopt animals, it’s fine, but don’t hurt them. Even if you don’t want to feed them, don’t poison them or throw stones at them.”
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Despite all the hurdles, Dimpal and Thinkal’s love for their cats remains unwavering. The “Cat Warden” and “Cat Mom” have built a sanctuary not just for cats but also for themselves, filling their lives with purpose, reason and a lot of furry entertainment. From naming every kitten with quirky, rhyming monikers to ensuring each cat feels loved and safe, they’ve created a unique world, one of boundless love and consideration. And for these sisters, it is not an exercise in charity, but rather a calling. Perhaps Thinkal summed it up best when she said, “Even if they don’t give me anything tangible, they’ve given me life. They’ve given me a reason to wake up each day.”
