Cat's Name & Age:
Charlie Brown, 9 years
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Smokey Point Himalayan, sweet, soft paws, even disposition, loves children
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Shedding every spring. Voluminously.
When, Where and How I Got My Cat
Mother's Day 2002, Got Charlie at a Kitten Pet Fair in Vancouver, WA, over 100 miles away. He was worth the drive. Way too young, vet said next day that he was 4-1/2 to 5 weeks old and had not even been weaned. We found that there were many things he did not know how to do--use a litter box, drink water or milk from a bowl, eat canned OR dry cat food, or play. That first month was a challenge! But how can you refuse a kitten that falls asleep on your chest, over your heart, 30 seconds after you pick him up? That became his spot, till he grew from 6 ounces to 14 pounds, 6 months later.
I'd Describe My Cat As…
Soft, sweet, quiet, forgiving, and furry. Loves kids, the younger the better. Anemic when we first got him. Now healthy as a horse. Comes when you call his name, just like a dog. DD says he's the dog she always wanted. Always looks you in the eye and LISTENS when you talk to him. I swear he understands English. Easy to train. show him once, maybe twice and he's got it. Reprimand (like don't eat the neighbor's roses) in a quiet but serious voice, and the problem is solved. We also planted a couple of rose bushes just for him, along with the strawberry planter box. He loves ripe strawberries.
Advice
- Needs a Furminator to control that shedding.
- Never punish, a loud voice hurts his feelings and he'll avoid you.
- Pain he understands, but reassure him that it was brief and he'll NEVER use his claws again, even to jump up on your lap from the floor.
