​ ⁢ While browsing through ​online listings of cats available ‌for adoption, Michelle Lam came across one that piqued her ‌interest. Suki was ⁣described as “a ‍petite lady with⁣ big eyes,” which resonated with⁣ LamS feelings at the time.‍ She decided to foster Suki initially.⁢
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‌ “When⁢ I ⁢first brought ‍suki home, I was navigating a breakup and had been dealing with anxiety for several years,” Lam​ shared in an exclusive interview ‍with PEOPLE. “I grew up with pets but hadn’t had one for a couple ‌of years before adopting Suki. I’m so grateful I ⁢found her ​because ⁣she complements my life in⁤ many ways.” ⁤

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⁢ ⁢ With hopes ‍of ⁤easing her emotional struggles through companionship from a‍ furry freind,⁤ Lam made⁣ the decision to adopt a cat.
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“I‌ knew right away that ⁣I ‌wanted⁣ to keep⁤ Suki; fostering was just⁤ the first step,” she explained. “At first I wasn’t sure if I’d end up ⁢adopting her permanently but⁣ fell ​in love as soon as she arrived.”

⁢ ⁤ Though, it became clear over time that both were more similar than initially thought—Suki also deals with⁤ anxiety issues.
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‍ ​ In a now-popular ⁣TikTok video highlighting this ironic twist of fate,
⁢ Lam shared⁤ clips showing an anxious-looking Suki​ alongside⁣ the caption: “the cat I⁤ got to⁣ help me cope.” She describes Suki’s⁢ personality as ​“avoidant,” preferring solitude over social interaction.

‌ ⁢ “She gets anxious‍ when there are too many people around; she’s agreeable only⁢ around familiar faces,” admits Lam.
⁤ “Whenever ⁣someone⁣ new ⁢arrives at our home,
⁣ ​ she’ll often ⁢retreat⁢ and hide in the basement.”

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⁤ ⁤ “You might never see her in public settings; we both​ have our struggles,
⁢ ⁣though ‌hers‌ manifest differently than mine.
​ She’s not affectionate by nature—her displays of⁢ affection feel somewhat ‍forced.”
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‌ For nearly three years⁣ now,
‍ Lam has⁣ enjoyed‌ life with​ Suki and even adopted‌ another feline companion named Kabuki just months after ⁢bringing
⁤ Suki into their family.
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“I find joy simply watching them go about their⁤ daily‍ routines,” says
lam about ⁢her⁢ beloved⁢ pets.
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⁤ ‌ Yet she ‌candidly admits that there are times when
things can ‌be tense between
‍ ​ them ‌since they don’t always get along well.
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‌ “Suki has quite an ⁤attitude! Despite appearing ‍timid and scared most times,
‍ ⁤ she’s actually quite mean towards Kabuk​ who ‍tends to take⁢ it all without retaliation,” lam ​explains.

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‍ ​ You can​ never predict how ⁢pets will behave;
⁢ ⁣⁣ ​ having them ⁤around ensures you’re never truly alone.”
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p ID=’MNTL_SC_BLOCK__32-o’>Stay informed — subscribe ⁣to“PEOPLE’s ‍free ​daily⁤ newsletterto ⁢keep updated on all ⁤things ​PEOPLE offers—from‍ celebrity news to captivating human interest⁣ stories!

lam reflects on‌ how different life ‍is now as a pet owner ⁢but emphasizes it’s been for the better.

“It feels marvelous having this ⁢little creature waiting at home⁣ for ‌me—a being who depends on me.”

Lam encourages those struggling with mental health⁤ issues to ⁤consider ⁤adopting or fostering animals—even if only temporarily.

“Pets provide unbelievable stress relief—they’re true companions ‌who ⁢understand you deeply,” lam shares candidly.“It takes time adjusting⁢ together;⁢ sometimes I’ll look ⁢at Sukie ‍and ‍remind myself everything will be okay—essentially talking myself through it.”

“They’re always there when you need them most—it doesn’t matter what challenges you’re facing—you have this small being whose existence relies entirely upon your ‌care.”⁢ lam concludes.