Jenn is getting a cat today!

I’ve been thinking about getting my own cat since April. My mom first emailed me Monty’s profile mid/late April because she thought he’d be perfect for me and my shoe-box apartment. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I would be willing to commit more than a decade to a cat, especially since I’m still renting and since finding a pet-friendly apartment anywhere in Vancouver is so difficult. (I should add here that my lease states I’m not allowed a pet, I’ve slowly convinced my landlord through pleas, cat photos, stories, and begging into let me have one.) I also planned to travel in the next couple of years so I thought it’d be unfair for the cat to simply pass him around cat-sitters.

Last month, I was cat sitting a co-worker’s cat named Bob. He is one of the sweetest, funniest cat I’ve ever met. He loved everyone! He loved getting petted, cuddling and getting brushed. Bob was such a character! I realized that I want my own and that realistically, I had enough time and money to care for a cat.

On Saturday Bryce, Bernadette (my little sister) and I visited the Burnaby SPCA. I was finally going to meet Monty! I’ve been secretly checking on his profile at least once a week to see if he’s still at the shelter and nobody has claimed him since April! It was a complete gong show going there but it was all worth it.

Upon arriving, I simply looked at him and he looked back. God he’s lazy! Which was perfect for me and my apartment…there isn’t much room to run around for a cat. I decided to play with every other cat before falling in love with Monty.

There was Vanessa, Charmin, Bert, Ernie, Smokie, Mikey, Buddy, Princess, Whisper, Pepper, Pookah, and other cats. Some don’t have their profile up on the website just yet. They were all really, really sweet! Ernie was friendlier than Bert. Smokie was the cat in the cage above Monty, he was such a big suck that purred when you pet him and any other cat around him. Smokie would stick his paw out to be petted to get your attention. Mikey was a really shy one. Buddy was lazy. Princess was super friendly and very vocal. Her “meow” sounded more like a low, raspy hiss (but non-threatening). Whisper was curious but cautious. Pepper was eating like there was no tomorrow. Pookah was a big, big fluffy cat (she was asleep the entire time). Vanessa wanted everyone’s attention and loved being petted and the same goes for Charmin.

To anyone looking to adopt a pet, please visit the SPCA first. The animals in there are so loving and deserve a good home. Also, please consider an adult cat, one who has a personality that will be compatible with yours. Kittens are cute and everything, but you don’t know what kind of personality they’ll have and truth be told, many people that get a kitten on impulse have no idea how to raise and train one.

After petting all the other friendly cats, I went back to Monty. He was still just lying there. He was so content since Bryce had been petting and scratching him the past 5 minutes. He brought him out of his cage and he proved to be a very big fluffy cat. He was as big as Bryce’s torso (and I’m sure it wasn’t just all the fur)! He loved being petted and would headbutt you lovingly if you pet him enough! I’m certain I’ll be suffocated in my sleep one night, I’ve accepted this fact and am prepared when the night comes. If you don’t see me online on morning, Monty got me!

I walked up to the front and said, “I want Monty!”. I filled out an application and was told that I’d be notified by Sunday if/when I can pick him up. Sunday rolls around and I haven’t received a call by 2PM. I started calling every hour to check on my application. Finally at 4:30, I was told that I’m a good candidate for Monty and that they are simply awaiting a call-back from my landlord to verify that I’m allowed a pet but I could schedule to pick him up for Monday. I gave my landlord’s emergency only cellphone number. I believe Monty’s welfare counts as an emergency!

So in conclusion…(now remember to read this in a sing-song tone)…I’m getting a cat today! Doo dah! Doo dah!

Photos and updates to come. I will spare no details!