Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog: A Heartwarming Manga Review
Explore the heartwarming relationship between a veterinarian and a college student in the manga ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog.’ This review delves into themes of love, emotional barriers, and the importance of true intimacy.
Exploring the Heartwarming Relationship in ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’
The manga series ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’ offers readers a heartwarming exploration of the relationship between a salty veterinarian and a compassionate college student. Translated by Kat Skarbinec and lettered by Nicole Roderick, this manga delves into themes of love, emotional barriers, and the importance of finding true intimacy.
( Credit to: Animenewsnetwork )
Within the burgeoning subgenre of BL (Boys’ Love) manga featuring veterinarians, ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’ stands out as a heartwarming addition. Similar to other titles like ‘Therapy Game’ and ‘Honey Darling,’ this manga revolves around a young man, Momo, who discovers a stray kitten and seeks the assistance of a veterinarian named Okuro. However, unlike other protagonists, Momo is a college student who genuinely cares for the kitten’s well-being.
A Tale of Love and Emotional Barriers
The story takes place at a twenty-four-hour veterinary hospital where Okuro works the night shift. Impressed by Momo’s dedication to helping the injured kitten, Okuro agrees to keep her at the hospital since Momo’s apartment doesn’t allow pets. As Momo visits the hospital daily to see the kitten, a romantic connection begins to develop between him and Okuro.
However, the path to love is not without its obstacles. Okuro starts suspecting that Momo’s part-time job might be more than he lets on. Eventually, Momo confesses that he works as an escort, which complicates their budding relationship. While Momo claims to be comfortable with his profession, his actions and emotions suggest otherwise. Despite their physical attraction, Momo is hesitant to commit to dating Okuro, fearing that their relationship might end up like his previous short-term encounters.
The manga’s central focus shifts away from the kitten as Okuro becomes determined to find a way into Momo’s heart. He discovers that Momo is on a friend-finding app and decides to anonymously connect with him under the username ‘Salty.’ Through their online conversations, Momo begins to open up to Salty, unaware that Salty is actually Okuro. This controversial aspect raises questions about Okuro’s intentions and whether he is taking advantage of Momo’s vulnerability.
Momo, who struggles with emotional conflicts and a fragile past, finds solace in the anonymous friendship he develops with Salty. However, the real challenge arises when he has to confront his feelings in person. The manga explores Momo’s journey of overcoming his barriers and finding true intimacy.
A Delightful Blend of Romance, Emotional Growth, and Adorable Kittens
While ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’ is a pleasant read overall, it feels slightly rushed within its one-volume format. The character development of both Okuro and Momo could have been further explored to deepen their emotional connection. Additionally, Okuro’s profession as a veterinarian serves more as a catalyst for their initial meeting rather than a significant aspect of the story.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the manga offers a heartwarming story about two individuals navigating their emotions and finding each other. The artwork is visually appealing, and the explicit scenes add depth to the characters’ relationship. If you’re looking for a manga that combines romance, emotional growth, and adorable kittens, ‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’ is a delightful choice.
Conclusion: A Touching Tale of Love, Emotional Barriers, and Personal Growth
‘Love, a Kitten, and a Salty Dog’ presents readers with a touching tale of love, emotional barriers, and personal growth. While the one-volume format limits the depth of character development, the manga’s heartwarming story and beautiful artwork make it a worthwhile read. If you’re in search of a heartwarming BL manga that explores themes of intimacy and overcoming emotional barriers, this is a great choice.
