When Zuraina Ahmad received her PhD last month, it marked the culmination of years of late-night studying and relentless dedication. But she wasn’t alone during those long hours—her faithful cat, Tenet, was always by her side.
“He’d sit on my books or by my table, almost as if he was telling me, ‘It’s okay, I’m with you,’” Zuraina, 52, told FMT Lifestyle. “When he was around, I could study longer without getting sleepy—even though he was the one napping!”
So, when she finally earned her doctorate, Zuraina decided to honour Tenet as well. She had her sister-in-law sew a miniature version of her graduation gown and cap for him. The family even held a professional photo shoot to commemorate the moment, which went viral on TikTok with nearly 200,000 views.
“I was so happy for him because he truly deserved the recognition—he’s been a loyal companion all these years,” Zuraina said. She even acknowledged Tenet in her thesis.
Tenet, now six years old, has been part of Zuraina’s family since birth, alongside his mother and grandmother. The cat has formed a particularly close bond with her, once sleeping on her chest as a kitten and still curling up beside her at night. He has even been a source of comfort during difficult times, such as when Zuraina’s father passed away earlier this year.
Today, Tenet enjoys a peaceful life alongside his seven feline siblings, including Gigirl, the stray cat that became Tenet’s grandmother. Zuraina and her husband take Tenet on daily brisk walks, where the perceptive cat even knows when they’re dressed for exercise.
“To me, he’s not just a pet—he’s my BFF and companion,” Zuraina said. “Tenet has made me a happier person, and I couldn’t imagine life without him.”
