For Mim Greene, a rescue cat named Kismet is more than a pet—he’s family
When Mim Greene, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), first met Kismet, she felt an instant sense of fate. The cat, rescued from the DSPCA, bears Mim’s name in his stripes—a sign she reads as a personal connection that helped her navigate life after an MS diagnosis. The journey from Drogheda to Portobello, Dublin, has been filled with challenges, but Kismet’s companionship has become a cornerstone of her daily resilience.
From diagnosis to daily life: MS, stigma, and a surprising ally
Mim received her MS diagnosis almost seven years ago, though she believes symptoms stretched back seven years longer. She recalls dangerous moments—stumbles on stairs, collapsing legs while crossing streets—moments that friends helped her escape. A self-diagnosis followed by medical visits revealed a harsh truth: the disease was progressing, and there was no simple, one-size-fits-all treatment. In her words, MS “goes into every area of life,” and the emotional toll can be as heavy as the physical symptoms.
Supportive voices were essential. A therapist by training, Mim’s background in transpersonal psychology helped her understand and cope with the emotional weight. Yet the practical side of living with MS—memory lapses, fatigue, and the daily limitations of a life that once included work—presented ongoing hurdles. Mim’s experience reflects a broader truth about MS: awareness and understanding can be as critical as medical care.
Kismet: a furry lifeline that boosts mood and motivation
Kismet’s presence offers more than comfort. As a nine-year-old rescue, he arrived when Mim needed him most. She calls him “my family” and notes that while he cannot do chores, he can offer something priceless: companionship, warmth, and emotional stability. In a life where memory challenges and fatigue can erode confidence, Kismet provides a steady, affectionate routine—an anchor in the storm of MS.
The bond between Mim and Kismet is strengthened by shared experiences. Kismet’s affectionate nature and intuitive understanding of Mim’s moods make him a barometer of her emotional well-being. Their relationship illustrates a wider concept: pets can play a significant role in mental health, offering unconditional support that complements medical treatment and therapy.
Health challenges for Kismet and the caring circle that helps
Like his owner, Kismet faces health issues. He has kidney disease and a heart murmur, conditions that require veterinary care and ongoing monitoring. For Mim, financial constraints complicate access to veterinary services. The Irish Blue Cross, a longstanding animal welfare charity in Dublin (operating since 1945), has been a crucial ally, providing low-cost veterinary care that keeps Kismet healthy and by Mim’s side.
The charity’s network—spanning Cabra, Tallaght, Crumlin, and other communities—offers essential services to pet owners who might otherwise struggle to care for their animals. With clinics and mobile units often overwhelmed, the charity relies on donations and campaigns like #MoreTime to sustain its vital work. As Paul Halpin, fundraising manager at the Irish Blue Cross, emphasizes, pets can dramatically improve owners’ mental health by providing companionship and unwavering loyalty.
Why the bond between a person with MS and a rescue cat matters
Mim’s story highlights how animal companionship can influence health trajectories. The simple act of stroking a pet, sharing a quiet moment, or receiving a cuddle after a difficult day can reset a person’s emotional state and renew a sense of purpose. For Mim, Kismet is not just a pet but a lifeline—an ever-present reminder that life can still be joyful even when MS seems to cast long shadows.
A message for others facing MS and similar challenges
MS is often misunderstood, and its impact can be invisible to others. Mim’s experience reinforces the importance of listening to those living with chronic illness, advocating for accessible care, and recognizing the profound health benefits pets can offer. If you’re considering adopting a pet, her story suggests that a rescue cat can be a friend, a confidant, and a therapeutic presence—helping someone stay positive amid difficult days.
About Kismet and the broader mission to support families like Mim’s
Rescue cats bring companionship, joy, and a sense of belonging to people navigating chronic illness. For Mim, Kismet’s affection and quiet presence provide emotional balance, while programs run by organizations like the Irish Blue Cross ensure that pets remain healthy and by their owners’ sides. Together, they remind us that animals are fundamental to human health and happiness, especially during life’s tougher chapters.
