Cat's Name & Age:
Mr. P, 8 years old
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Mr. P is an American mixed-breed, medium-long fur, ruff and mutton chops.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Daily brushing to avoid fur balls and promote bonding.
When, Where and How I Got My Cat
Mr. P picked me by reaching through the bars at a no-kill shelter when he was 7 weeks old. His grey coat, golden eyes and purring cuddle won my heart on the spot. I adopted him for $75 to cover the costs of neutering and shots. He kept his claws.
I'd Describe My Cat As…
Mr. P is loving, affectionate, chatty, a great mouser who loves company, cuddling, play, respectful of all my bric-brac and protective of me. He is a great companion. He loves to sleep in paper bags, and leap onto the top of his cat tree and play lion, poised with head over the edge watching for prey. He is also Mr. Mom, the first kitten to welcome new kittens and introduce him to other resident cats, protecting them until they are accepted by the group. He also loves to have his daily massage and to have his head stroked while he eats. He's been declared in "perfect health" at 8 years old. A dearer cat I've never found. He even comes when he's called and if he awakens and I'm not in the same room, calls out to me to find where I am. If he sounds "human", well, he's all cat, even if he does love opera and lays transfixed with his ears forward listening. The only thing he refuses to consider is a bath, "Thank you but I can do it myself!" And, as for human food,"Thank you for offering, but what respectable cat would touch that!?!" "Tail up and off to my litter box, Mama, and then a snack and nap. Then, how about playing my favorite game of catch my paw as I dangle it through the drum hole on my cat tree?" He's fearless and adoring and even tolerates small children. Right now he's draped over the back of my typing chair, soaking up his praise:-)
Advice
- Treat a kitten with great gentleness and cuddle it often so it becomes accustomed to being handled.
- Start clipping nails early and it will become routine and not a battle.
- Set a few rules and be firm but kind and it will grow up to respect what is yours and what is his.
- NEVER mistreat or hit your cat or even ignore him.
- Make him or her feel your home is his/her home and his loyalty and love will be boundless.
- And, finally, find a vet who specializes in cats and keep all routine visits.
