There are some that would argue with me, but it’s true. Not all cats are created equal. Exhibit A is Maggie, who was created just a little more equal in both size (15 1/4 pounds) and personality.

Maggie arrived at Tabby’s Place in May of 2006 and from day one she proved to be quite a pistol. This description might put off a few people, so we have a euphemism for cats like her:  ”challenging.”

My interpretation of Maggie has always been that she likes people, but has a serious lack of manners, in addition to an excitable disposition. She is and always has been very social and curious of people, which makes her all the more dangerous.

It’s not uncommon for Maggie to see a visitor and waddle right up to them to introduce herself. This will make people that know Maggie a little uneasy, but when Maggie first came to Tabby’s Place this was a sure sign of trouble.

Maggie can be cute as a button. Irresistible, really. You just have no choice but to pet her when she stares at you with those big green eyes and starts rubbing on your legs. Then, BAM! She strikes. At first, just little nibbles to taste and tenderize the flesh. Next, Maggie will square up for the kill.

I’ve suffered quite a few injuries from Miss Mags over the years, but fortunately the incidents have grown fewer and farther between. Maggie used to lose her cool within seconds of interacting with a person. I was persistent, however.

Eventually, I discovered that Maggie liked gentle, little pats on her head (conveniently close to her mouth). So, that is where I started. Whenever, I visited Maggie I would pet her just a few times on the head and let her be. Now and again, I’d give her a few treats to to tip things slightly in my favor.

Maggie isn’t a small girl and certainly has never said “no” to anything edible. Crunchy treats, chicken, Bonita flakes, canned food, they’re all Maggie’s favorites and she’ll do just about anything for them. Put a treat out and she’ll stand up on her hind legs like a large, unsteady ground hog or she’ll jump up and take it from your hand. Her most endearing “trick” is when you say, “Maggie kisses,” and hold a treat up, she’ll give you a big kiss on the face. Sadly, this affinity for food has landed Maggie Moo in our Weight Management Suite.

Slowly Maggie has learned to tolerate people for longer and longer periods of time without getting overstimulated. Now, even when she gets a little feisty she’s good humored about it. She’ll lick and nibble rather than completely savage a person’s hand.

Being a person that has and works with multiple cats, I really don’t like to throw the word “favorite” around. Although, let’s face it, all cats are wonderful in their own way, but some develop a deeper bond with us then others. Over the years I have really developed a close relationship to Maggie, and yes, I guess I would have to call her a favorite.

Thanks to the TP staff and volunteers Maggie has made marvelous progress since she arrived. At this point, although it would break my heart, I’d love to see my Mags find her forever home. She certainly deserves it.

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