From Corporate Burnout to Cat Band Creator: How My Siberians Helped Me Rewrite My Life (and My Playlist)
When I brought home my first cat at the age of 50, I never imagined it would lead to me creating an AI-powered virtual band about cats. But here we are.
Like many people, my life took some unexpected turns during the pandemic. I left a demanding corporate job, dealt with family loss, received a life-changing health diagnosis, and was learning to manage adult ADHD — all while trying to figure out what came next. What I didn’t expect was that the answer would be… cats.
Specifically, two Siberian Forest Cats named Lucifer and Missy, who would not only transform my daily life but also ignite a creative spark I didn’t know I had.
Falling in Love With the Hypoallergenic Fluffball
I had always wanted a cat, but severe allergies and frequent travel had kept that dream on hold. Then I discovered the Siberian breed, known for their lower allergen levels. I reached out to a breeder and was invited to spend time with the cat mum and kittens to test my reaction. The moment I met Lucifer, a mixed black fluffball with golden eyes and a curious stare, I knew I was a goner.
Once he came home, I started an Instagram account just for him, mainly to keep my personal feed from turning into a non-stop cat reel. It was meant to be a quiet side hobby. But the cat community online had other plans.
From Kitten Updates to Catfluencer Status
What started as a few playful posts quickly became a daily ritual. I was struck by how warm, funny, and welcoming the global cat community was, especially on Instagram. I shared imaginary conversations between Lucifer, his human dad, and me, humorous photo edits, and candid reflections on life with a cat-shaped shadow.
When we adopted Missy six months later, the dynamic between the two cats was irresistible. Lucifer took on the role of patient older brother while Missy brought chaos and charm. Their antics had followers commenting like they were watching a soap opera (and honestly, sometimes it felt like one!).
Before long, we were collaborating with pet brands, reviewing gadgets, and getting offers for campaigns. From lickable treats to smart litter boxes, our inbox was filled with opportunities, and so were our hearts.
Creating a Virtual Band (Yes, Really)
As someone with a background in marketing and communications, I’d been exploring AI tools for my day job in pharmacovigilance software (a field where artificial intelligence is being used to improve the safety of medicines). One day, on a whim, I decided to see what would happen if I combined my love of cats with the music-generating tools I was playing with.
What started as a joke quickly turned into something surprisingly fun and touching. I launched Kirsti and Her Cats, a virtual band that creates songs with a combination of human creativity and AI, inspired by my two cats and their online friends. The music, which is now distributed via DistroKids, blends synth-pop, playful lyrics, and the kind of unfiltered joy that only cats can inspire.
To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Cat lovers from all over began sharing how much the music made them smile. Some even told me they played it for their own cats (who approved, of course).
Rediscovering Joy, One Meow at a Time
Looking back, this all started with one decision: to finally bring a cat into my life. I couldn’t have predicted how much that choice would reshape my identity, not just as a pet parent, but as a creator.
Lucifer and Missy helped me find joy during a time when life felt uncertain. They gave me structure, inspiration, and a sense of connection, not just to them, but to a community of humans who love their cats as fiercely as I do.
And while I never imagined I’d be making AI synth-pop songs about felines in my 50s, I’ve realized this is exactly where I’m meant to be: at the intersection of science, creativity, and cat hair on everything.
Tips for Anyone Starting Their Own Cat Journey
Whether you’re considering adopting your first cat or simply looking to deepen the bond with the one you have, here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Let them change you. Cats have a way of helping you slow down, observe, and feel more present.
- Embrace the silly. Talking to your cat, creating voices for them, or making up songs? Totally normal, and wildly therapeutic.
- Find your community. Online cat people are some of the kindest, most hilarious folks around. You don’t have to do this alone.
- You’re never too old to try something new. Whether it’s adopting your first cat, learning AI tools, or launching a music project, do it for the joy.
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Kirsti Harefallet is a London-based marketing strategist who currently works in in real-world evidence and healthcare insights. At home she serves as human assistant to Professor Lucifer Fluffovich and his young colleague Missy, the Siberian cats behind the Kirsti and Her Cats creative universe. Their adventures in feline science, music, and household research are shared on Instagram at @LuciferFluffovich, @ArtemisWuffovna, and @KirstiandHerCats.
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