Shelter cat Bruce finally has a forever home and spends his first night purring before falling asleep hugging his human’s foot: 'I've never seen a happier cat'

Do you know what a home is?

Bruce's new human asked him that question, and it made me think about how I would answer. Watching the newly adopted cat purr through his first night home and fall asleep hugging his human's foot made me think of the relief I feel when I'm tired and know I have somewhere familiar to come back to. Even before I get there, thinking about home helps.

To me, home means a future. It gives me the stability to think beyond the day. I know I have somewhere safe to sleep tonight, so that leaves room to consider what I want for myself tomorrow. I can start something, leave it unfinished, and come back to it. I can make plans knowing I have a place to build them from. 

I get the feeling of "home" even when I'm not there. On the way home, I begin thinking about making dinner, putting on something comfortable, and settling in for the evening. I'm lucky to know where I'm going to sleep. I know I can close the door and stay. Reaching the end of a day and having a place where I can let myself feel whatever I've been holding in feels reassuring.