Tell Me What You Really Think – Champ

Lots of SFSPCA attention on the annual Bark & Whine Ball this week; the cat side is pretty quiet.

I check in on some of my regulars. Shy guy Kentucky only takes a minute or two before emerging from hiding and admitting he likes to be petted (progress!). A man makes his way slowly along the corridor. He says he just had to say goodbye to his elderly cat last week. He’s just here to be around some cats.

I’m in with pretty little Gertrude, a friendly tortie, when a feline introduction next door goes bad, with sudden angry hissing and snarling. Staffers hurry the poor new fellow away, and the original cats quickly settle down. It sets some of the nearby cats on edge though.

I go in to sit with Jersey Girl and Harry, two friendly, active and curious black and white kitties. She’s got an oddly adorable face and she really does have cow markings. And he’s just a sweetie, long limbed and playful. These two don’t need to go home together, but they make a nice pair.

After awhile a young couple approach, interested in kittens. I explain about kitten season and offer to show any of the kitties who are just under a year old. Almost immediately, the pair on the verge of a fight, and stressed way out of proportion, it seems to me, at the idea of having to wait a few weeks for a better and younger selection.

They exchange clipped comments in lowered voices to each other, voices polite but a bit scathing. They depart almost aggressively close together, and I’m left wondering if the cats who were snarling over their territory aren’t easier to take with the honesty of their emotions.

I end up chilling out with Champ, who’s just moved downstairs. He’s a big gray and white 3 year old, who’s half asleep when I come in. He stretches all four paws straight out, and rolls on his back, big white belly out. But I’m careful to just pet his head and back – his notes say he can nip and might be best with an adult household.

Champ is built like a wrestler, barrel chested and broad shouldered, with not much neck and wide set green eyes that squint and make him seem to smile. He’s a bit shy, but also warm and friendly, a good solid cat who will let you know what he wants. And that's a good way to be.