Cat's Name & Age:
Simba, age 13 (14 in August)
Best Characteristics of the Breed
He is very playful and has lots of energy. He has plenty of personality.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
He has a haughty and somewhat aloof attitude. He doesn't like to be touched
When, Where and How I Got My American Shorthair Cat
Simba was all alone in a big cage in a pet store in Idaho, in 1996. I had gone to the store to try to find a bird, but they did not have any I liked. But when I saw this poor little kitten all by himself, mewing, my heart just melted and I had to take him home - though I'd never particularly liked cats before. He started out as a "Sabrina," because the pet store staff insisted it was a female. Upon my first vet visit, it was suggested that I make a name change!
I'd Describe My Cat As…
Although Simba is often aloof and does not sleep with my mom (whose cat he is currently... he began as my cat), he likes to spend time sitting in the living room with my mom and with me when I visit. And a couple times when I was visiting, I took naps during the day, and he did snuggle up in bed with me, which is very unusual. Also, when I went through some hard times about a decade ago and found it hard to get out of bed, Simba uncharacteristically sat on the edge of the bed to reassure me. He was a real life-saver.
Simba loves to play, even at his advancing age. He wakes my mom up early every morning just to play games. He can still jump high. And no arthritis for him - he loves to run up and down the steps.
He is the most finicky cat ever when it comes to food (my mom spoiled him). He decides which of the zillions of types of food in the house he wants, and turns down anything else. And his food must be extremely fresh, or he won't eat it. Back when he was my cat, he got his Iams, an occasional taste of tuna, and perhaps some cat treats once in a blue moon. Things sure have changed!
Simba always wants to be the center of attention. If my mom talks on the phone or uses the computer, he makes a pest of himself to try to get her attention. He used to do this when he was my cat, too; I had a leather computer chair, and he filled the legs with bite holes because he was angry when I used the Internet.
Simba is a character. I am sure he is not a typical cat for any breed. I wonder whether his aversion to being touched is because of abuse as a kitten. However, he does show affection by brushing against people's legs.
I miss Simba, but he is in good hands with my Mom.
Advice
- Consider temperament. If you want a lap cat, one like Simba, handsome and playful as he is, would not be for you.
- Interact with prospective cats as much as possible before making a purchase decision. See how you and they "mix." Consider how the cat would fit in with children, if appropriate.
- Don't make a snap decision (like I did with Simba - though I certainly don't regret it, even though he didn't turn out to be a lap cat.... he still has his wonderful charms). Don't just grab the first forlorn feline you see. It may turn out to be a big mistake.
