On April 19, single mom of two, Deborah Hodge, 49, married her cat India, in a park in southeast London. A legally ordained friend presided over the ceremony.
“I’m on my last pennies, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I married my cat!”
Screenshot via YouTube
A Three-Legged Cat Bride
The female three-legged tuxedo cat has been with Hodges’ family since 2017. In 2020, India lost a leg after being hit by a car. According to the NYPost, India “now relies on her human more than ever.”
“She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children,” Hodge said of India.
During the ceremony, Hode wore a tuxedo-inspired outfit to match India’s natural look. For the occasion, the cat wore a bow tie, cape, and gold lamé. According to Newsweek, the newlyweds celebrated with wedding guests with a picnic that sunny day. As you can see in the pictures, it was a gorgeous setting rivaling any wedding.
Deborah Hodge with India on their wedding day, Images: James Linsell-Clark / SWNS via NYPost
Heartbreak After Losing Furry Family Members
Of course, Hodge, who until recently worked as a life coach, knew that her friends and two kids found the wedding a puzzle. However, she wanted to show everyone she would never part with India after she says a prior landlord forced her to give up two dogs, Siri and Starshine.
Then, five years ago, she says her current landlord forced her to give up a cat named Jamal or face eviction.
“We lost Siri and Starshine, and then Jamal, and I do not want to lose another beloved pet. I vowed in sickness and in health, in death do us part, and I meant it.”
As we can all relate, losing her furry family members was heartbreaking.
“It absolutely broke my heart,” she said. “Your pets become part of your family, and it was just absolutely devastating having to say goodbye to them.”
🐈⬛👰🏼 What Friends Thought After She Married Her Cat 🐈⬛👰🏼
Eventually, she convinced her landlord to allow her to adopt India after sending numerous emails. Now, by marrying her, Hodge makes a statement that no man will tear her from her pet, come what may.
“Although some might think it a stupid idea, I wanted to be able to show physically, by holding the ceremony in front of my friends even though they thought I was bonkers that I am very serious.”
“I had a group of friends there for the ceremony – they all think I’ve gone batsh*t crazy, but we all had a lovely day. My kids weren’t there on the day, they just think that Mummy has lost the plot!”
Video by Animals Planet:
A Package Deal
Unfortunately, Hodge lost her job in mid-March. With the rent due in May, she fears she may be evicted. If so, she hopes her marriage arrangement prevents her next landlord from forcing her to give up India.
“I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I married my cat! Recited vows under the universe that no man will ever tear myself and India apart.
“I set out my intention that I would never be separated from the animal I adore, I can’t be without India. She is truly a sensation; she is so friendly and amazing.”
“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.”
Why She Married Her Cat
Possibly, Hodge may be evicted, but she has faith things will work out.
“I refuse to be parted with her. I’d rather live on the streets than be without her,” she says of the tuxedo cutie.
“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.”
So, is she crazy for marrying her cat? You decide, but we can definitely relate to the trauma pet parents face when landlords force them to give up pets who are family members. Given those circumstances, would you marry your cat? Would you think about it?
We hope this family will always be together. 💖
Video by Zenger:
