In 2022, Shaggy landed at Tabby’s Place along with his brother, Juel. The whole world shifted and did a double-take. On March 11 of that year, fantastic staff member and fearless leader of reception volunteers, Sharon processed their intake into the software program where some of the data about Tabby’s Place cats’ are kept. That program provides only the tiniest inkling of the truth about any of the cats. Felis Catus, the Tabby’s Place blog, allows the telling of stories that give us more insight into their lives. Recently, dynamic Development Director Angela gave us an update on Shaggy’s brother Juel and other FIP survivors, but this is not their story. This is Shaggy’s story, and Juel is only one (albeit a fabulous one!) of many players lucky enough to live with Shaggy in their midst.
Looking into the past with the way-way back machine of memory, we are reminded that Shaggy used to seem extremely high-strung. Some of that was simply about visit timing – time of day, other recent visits, last cat nap, meals, treats, veterinary attention, etc. Some of that certainly had to do with several of his much-younger, possibly much-sillier (The jury is still out on that.) cohabitants of Suite E. That’s E for ENERGY, as in E=mc². Watching Shaggy zip around in those days – chasing a ball, crashing into boxes and cat trees, and even me on a multiple occasions – was mind boggling and adorable.
Shaggy remains mind boggling…also adorable. He came in as a rambunctious 10 year old. Now, at nearly 14, Shaggy is not exactly rambunctious, but he is also not not-rambunctious. For many cats, 14 years could be considered an advanced age, yet each cat is uniquely cat and age is timey-wimey-wibbly-wobbly. For Shaggy, 14 years seems to be the prime of life.
It is possible that every age has been and will be prime for this furry flurry of activity. But, for those who have known him since his arrival, Shaggy does seem to be slowing down ever so slightly. This shift in time-phase doesn’t seem related to his age, though. At every visit, Shaggy seems more and more comfortable with everyone and everything, including his own self. He no longer seems to be trying to keep up with or dart away from anyone. Motion is his means of rejoicing in toys and fellowship with (or in complete disregard of) fellow felines and visiting humans.
This beautiful boy, with a shining white chest and highlighted by brown and black stripes, is still extremely active and very playful. Ball chasing, wand whapping, and mad dashing are all parts of his daily routine.
Shaggy’s days are replete with crashes into people, other cats, and things. Waiting for meals on the cat tree near the door, hanging out in the solarium, and greeting human friends with whizz-bys for brief pets are also parts of the regular rhythms of his days.
True, there are times when Shaggy crashes like a tidal wave. True, there are times when Shaggy would prefer to maintain a distance from scritching fingers. More and more, though, Shaggy enjoys hanging out for a few longer seconds than previously. More and more, Shaggy enjoys door watching with his suitemates in anticipation of treats and meals.
More and more, Shaggy is proof positive that age is in the mind of the beholder. Shaggy beholds himself as a kitten with 14 years of experience. He has four more toes available to keep track of his years of kittenhood. After that, he’ll need a counting board to keep track, or to bat the beads about (An abacus is likely a better option.). Shaggy doesn’t know that he doesn’t need to keep count and he can kitten as long as he wants. He can also count on amazing staff and fantastic volunteers to provide him with everything he does need.
Shaggy might be unaware that he is also counting on someone recognizing that he is a perfect forever family member. Who will be lucky enough to live with Shaggy in their midst? That is yet unknown. What is known is that, like many fine things in life, Shaggy will just keep getting better with age. We’re counting on it.