Nights when I couldn't laugh at the words, "That's a genre where you'll never starve"—Why I, a cat writer, "still" write about cats

I want a job writing about cats, the creatures I love. Ten years ago, I started working as a cat writer with that goal in mind. But at the time, cats weren't as in the spotlight as they are now, and when I told interviewers I wanted to write about cats, some would just scoff at me.

Still, I continued to write about cats because I wanted to create articles that went beyond just "cute."

My deceased kitten taught me "the importance of having information about life."

When I first aspired to be a cat writer, summary sites were trending. They were simple articles that focused solely on the cuteness of cats. I felt a vague sense of unease.

Even beyond summary sites, most online articles at the time seemed to highlight only the cuteness of cats.

A major turning point in my ambition to become a cat writer was the death of my kitten, Leo, whom I had just brought home. Before he died, Leo had white stool and a loss of appetite. I was worried about the unusual color of his stool and searched online, but there was no information available at the time.

Although he received immediate treatment at a local hospital, Leo passed away. Several years later, when I visited another hospital for my beloved cat's vomiting, I blamed myself. During a casual conversation with the doctor, I spoke about the treatment Leo had received, and I learned that it was highly likely to have been inappropriate.

If only I had more knowledge, I might have been able to save Leo... If there had been more information online then, I might have questioned the treatment. Regretting this, I resolved to become a cat writer who provides articles that teach cat owners how to protect their beloved companions.

I want to write articles where the "cuteness" of cats isn't just consumed.

Nevertheless, I had no experience as a writer. With no skills or connections, I started by building a portfolio on crowdsourcing sites. Armed with that, I applied for writing positions at various lifestyle media outlets. Back then, when I expressed my desire to "write about cats," many people laughed at me.

But I'm stubborn, so I applied for every writing position I could find. Gradually, I found media outlets that would let me write about cats.

However, at the time, most of what media outlets requested were articles conveying the cuteness of famous cats or SEO articles. It was hard to accept that trend, so I proactively pitched ideas to the media. I started interviewing people about cat-friendly housing where cats and humans can live comfortably together, and also about the growth stories of cats who weren't famous.

Of course, famous cats are cute, but every cat has a unique story with their owner. I wanted to hear stories of life without discriminating between any cats, so I continued to interview them.

The phrase "a genre you won't starve in" struck a chord with me when I was starting out.

Eventually, I started to be called a "cat writer," and as the boom seemed to pass, I had more opportunities to write articles based on interviews that weren't specifically about famous cats, which made me happy.

But one day, a fellow professional told me, "You chose a good genre! Animal-related fields are great because you won't starve," and those words hit me hard.

Of course, I get paid for my writing, but I didn't choose to write about cats because I "wouldn't starve." And if it were about human lives, no one would say such a thing. I was shocked and realized that animal lives are still undervalued.

However, knowing that it could be perceived that way strengthened my desire to properly convey the importance of animal lives through my articles. I resolved once again to deliver articles that wouldn't be seen as mere pet stories.

I want to continue writing "practical articles" that provide care methods and firsthand accounts.

The types of articles that are read change with the times. Adapting to these trends is an essential skill for a writer. However, I also believe it's important for a writer to stay true to their core message and firmly express what they want to convey.

For example, when I write about a cat's battle with illness, I don't just summarize it movingly; I try to describe the care and treatments performed as concretely as possible.

Just like with humans, there are various cases when it comes to cats battling illnesses. I believe that by featuring various firsthand accounts of the same illness in articles, owners will have a higher chance of finding the necessary care and treatment for their beloved cats.

I want to help preserve the lives of cats in critical situations, like my late Leo. I want to convey information that serves as a bridge for owners and cats to live happily together. That is why I continue to be a cat writer.

While I leave the dissemination of medical information to veterinarians who are experts in their field, I will continue to interview various pet owners and deliver their real-life experiences. Because I myself have been helped by personal accounts when researching information about my own chronic illness and my cat's illness, I want to continue to face life head-on with the spirit of "If there's no information, I'll go get it myself!"

By the way, as I reach the 10-year mark, my desire to "nurture the next generation of cat writers" has also grown stronger recently.

I hope that more cat writers will properly write about stories of life, and that cat owners who want to protect their beloved companions will be able to obtain the necessary information more easily. I believe that this is surely how cat writers can repay cats.

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