Even when out in the wild – that is to say, not at Tabby’s Place – cat-themed shirts, socks, and earrings are attention grabbing. People love to ask the obvious questions, “Are you a big fan of cats?” The obvious answer is YES!
As a Tabby’s Place tour guide, wearing cat stuff is an extra pleasure, especially when it is sanctuary-specific merch. Such outfits are a fun expression of the joy of cats themselves and of the ark that Jonathan built to save those felines in the circumstances considered to be hopeless. So, when away from the sanctum sanctorum, but dressed for a shift, questions about cat fandom are pretty standard. Such questions open the door more broadly than, perhaps, is intended. Coming from the position of “If you didn’t want to know, you shouldn’t have asked” and doubling down with a natural gregariousness, I’m happy to answer…in detail (emphasis on “tail”).
“Oh, yes, I’m a big fan of cats.” That’s the starter. Sometimes I’ll mention how many await me at home. Always, I’ll mention that I volunteer at an amazing cat sanctuary in Ringoes, NJ. For the truly interested, I will wax poetic about the cats, the people, the building, the location. For the deeply engaged, in return, I will listen to their tales of rescues, adoptions, furry soulmates, and lost loves.
When the mutual outpouring eases, I’ll tell them about Corduroy, the little buff wonder whose seizures don’t stop his full-force outpouring of love and cuddles and purrs (and attempts to climb on shoulders, which, although endearing, is not endorsed).
And then there’s the first time I got to play with Willow.
There are zero amusement park rides that are as much fun as playing with Willow. Full disclosure, the wand toy now has a slightly shorter wand than when we started.
Willow is unapologetic.
So am I.
But, oh, it is not just about the energetic younglings either. Anyone who keeps up with the blog knows about Juel, AKA Jujube. His belly! His cuddliness! His bad habit of sneezing in my face!
For better or for ick, big fan!
Of course, there’s that great fellow, Bello. He’s a cat that likes to sit upon a lap. Lap cats rock! He also love tummy rubs. He also has an adorable held tilt, and who cares if it’s the result of bad ear infections in his past.
Big boy, big fan!
A
nd then there are the untouchable or minimally touchable cats (as yet) like Gopher, Roberta, and Bruno. We don’t usually talk about Bruno. However, he is one of those whose discomfort with humans is heart-wrenching.
There are many people at Tabby’s Place who, including me, are big fans of these shy or nervous, hissing or hiding cats. Maybe, someday, perhaps, hopefully, they’ll become big fans of us too.
We’ll wait.
Love has no timetable.