Woman Marries Her Cat After Losing Three Pets Due To Strict Landlords Who Didn’t Allow Animals

Deborah Hodge, a single mother with two kids, understood the heartache of losing a beloved pet. She experienced it three times, saying goodbye to furry companions she considered part of her family.

Her first loss was her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, followed by her cat, Jamal. All three were taken from her due to strict landlords who didn’t permit pets.

The pain of those losses left a lasting impact, one that Deborah still carried with her, as she revealed in an interview:

“It absolutely broke my heart. Your pets become part of your family and it was just absolutely devastating having to say goodbye to them.”

Then, India, a black-and-white tuxedo cat, came into Deborah’s life, offering a glimmer of hope. For years, this little cat was her unwavering source of comfort, standing by her through both the good times and the bad.

But their journey together took a tragic turn when India was struck by a car, leaving her with just three legs. Despite the accident, their bond grew even stronger.

Now, more than ever, India relied on Deborah, and Deborah couldn’t imagine a life without her, as she shared:

“She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children.”

Just when Deborah thought things couldn’t get any worse, another challenge arose. She unexpectedly lost her job and faced yet another eviction.

The fear of losing her home was crushing, but the thought of being forced to part with India was even more unbearable.

Deborah had worked tirelessly to keep India, sending countless emails in an attempt to convince her landlord to allow her to keep the cat in the first place.

Now, with nowhere to turn, she needed to do something drastic, sharing:

“I’m on my last pennies. I’m terrified of losing India. I can barely leave my house with anxiety over what the future holds and I’m just desperate not to lose my cat.”

That’s when Deborah came up with a bold, unconventional plan — one that might sound crazy to some, but to her, it was the only way to ensure India’s safety. She decided to marry her cat.

It wasn’t about creating a spectacle or drawing attention. Instead, it was a statement. If landlords were unwilling to allow pets, perhaps they would think twice before separating her from her legally recognized “spouse.”

By holding a wedding ceremony, Deborah was sending a message to the world: India was family and nothing would separate them, as she shared:

“I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I married my cat! I recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart.”

A friend, legally ordained, officiated the ceremony as Deborah, dressed in a tuxedo-style outfit, stood proudly beside India, who wore a tiny bow tie, a cape, and a shimmering gold lamé piece.

The sun was shining, the park was peaceful, and around them, friends gathered to witness a love story unlike any other.

Of course, not everyone understood. Some of her friends, as well as her kids, thought she had lost her mind.

But Deborah didn’t care. She had lost too much already. This time, she made it clear: she and India were a package deal, bound by love and, now, by marriage, sharing:

“By marrying India, I need any future landlords to know that we come as a package and we cannot be separated under any circumstances as she is as important to me as the children.”

Some might label Deborah as eccentric, while others may view her as desperate. But Deborah knows one thing for certain: She would rather be homeless than give up India.

“I refuse to be parted with her. I’d rather live on the streets than be without her…I don’t believe in organized religion; however, I do have faith. India always came back, even after losing a leg. I am her universe and that is why I married her.”

Was she out of her mind? Maybe. But for anyone who has loved a pet like family, her choice might seem completely understandable.