In 2010, while a struggling college student in Minnesota, Sarah Juracich’s life changed forever. It was that year, during a random visit to a pet adoption fair, she happened upon a rescue kitten unlike any she’d seen before.
“I was not in the market for another cat,” Juracich told The Dodo. “I had a cat at home. But I was holding this ridiculous-looking little kitten. Then I felt this little paw on my chin, and I looked down, and he looked up at me and then reached up and licked my nose. I thought, ‘Aw, crap.’”
The hook was set. Juracich nearly went broke covering the adoption fee, but this is where their journey began.
She named the little cat Nermal — a befitting moniker for a kitten who’s anything but normal.
“As a kitten, he looked like a little alien. Just this weird big-eyed, flat-faced-looking alien,” Juracich said. “I’m not entirely sure he’s 100% cat, honestly. I think there might be some alien DNA floating around in there.”
Juracich wasn’t sure how little Nermal would blossom in both body and spirit, but he never once lost his uniqueness.
“He is an absolute little weirdo. He has zero f**** to give,” Juracich said. “I have rolled over on him in bed and he just lays there and purrs. He is the most laid-back, chill cat I’ve ever known in my life. And he’s also my little weirdo.”
Though Nermal was once a frail kitten, rescued from a disreputable breeding and hoarding situation, he ultimately developed into quite a regal figure — his wavy mane and unforgettable face leaving quite the impression on all who see him.
“He’s definitely been a very one-of-a-kind cat,” Juracich said. “Sharing my life with him has been interesting.”
Over the years, Nermal has gotten into some typical cat-like mischief — like the memorable cookie incident.
“[One time], he managed to open a nightstand drawer and got out a box of lemon Girl Scout cookies. These are the ones with the powdered sugar coating on them,” Juracich said. “Every very single cookie had had the powdered sugar licked off. No one cookie was left undisturbed.”
In that case, Juracich suspects Nermal had help from her other cat, Marley.
Above all else, however, Nermal is a lovebug.
“He is a very devoted cat,” Juracich said. “He has to sleep right next to me every night, preferably half on my face or on my pillow.”
Now about age 15, Nermal is getting on in years — but he’s yet to slow down.
“Health-wise, he’s been good. He’s had no issues,” Juracich said. “He goes to the vet every year and everybody just loves him there.”
Those many years ago, Juracich took a chance on an odd-looking kitten. And though she’s yet to confirm for sure if he is or isn’t part alien, she’s loved every minute of their life together either way.
“I wouldn’t trade Nermal for the whole world,” Juracich said. “He’s irreplaceable.”
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