When I first arrived in Kochi after spending 12 years in Bangalore and many years before that in various parts of India, I felt a strange sense of displacement. Despite being born in Kerala, I was, in many ways, a fraud Malayali—disconnected from my roots and searching for belonging.
Walking the historic streets of Fort Kochi, I couldn't help but draw parallels between myself and the foreign merchants who once sailed to these shores centuries ago. Did they too feel this peculiar mixture of familiarity and alienation? This sense of being both insider and outsider simultaneously?
What surprised me was how quickly the residents of Fort Kochi embraced me. Perhaps it's because this coastal enclave has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries, with more than 39 different communities settling here over hundreds of years. This rich tapestry of diversity created space for someone like me—neither fully local nor completely foreign.
A Feline Inspiration
During my daily walks exploring Fort Kochi, I began noticing the numerous cats that called these historic streets home. These encounters coincided with my volunteer work at Animal Rescue Kochi, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges of finding homes for rescued cats & dogs.
I started thinking about ways to make cat adoption and fostering more accessible to everyone in Kochi. The idea for "Cats of Kochi" emerged organically, bringing together two of my passions: exploring culture and caring for cats.
Why not create a platform where adopted cats could become the storytellers of Fort Kochi? Through their curious eyes and adventurous spirits, these feline narrators could guide visitors through both the rich history and contemporary life of this unique place.
More Than Just a Cat Blog
The Cats of Kochi project has evolved into something meaningful beyond my initial vision. In my free time, I write from the perspective of my rescue cats, creating distinct personalities and voices for each one.
The project serves multiple purposes:
- Helping travelers discover Fort Kochi through an unconventional, cat's-eye perspective
- Creating a community for current and prospective cat parents in Kochi
- Promoting adoption and fostering of cats in need
- Documenting both historical and contemporary aspects of Fort Kochi
Cats are famous for their curiosity and for exploring every nook and corner of their territory. This makes them perfect guides for uncovering hidden gems that even longtime residents might miss. Their energy and inquisitiveness inspire my own explorations.
By building this community of cat lovers and cultural enthusiasts, I hope to create a supportive ecosystem where people can connect through their shared love of animals while discovering the magic of Fort Kochi—just as I did when I first arrived, feeling alone but soon finding my place in this welcoming coastal community.
What began as a response to personal loneliness has grown into a project that celebrates connection—between humans and animals, between visitors and locals, and between the past and present of this extraordinary place called Fort Kochi.