As told to Anne Evans
Has it Really Been a Year? I am Suzie Star, a native Caymanian Cat and I have been “living the dream” with my 2 humans for the past year.
Revisiting February 2, 2024
I met Rick on February 2, 2024, when he came to the Cayman Island Humane Society (CIHS) to adopt a kitty, and it was love at first sight. Before I knew it, CIHS was part of my past, and I was being introduced to Anne and my new home. You can read more about my early days with my new family.
I can’t believe a whole year has passed! So, to celebrate, I have decided that I should share a little bit about what has happened.
Some Things Never Change
Certainly, my names are unchanged – “Suzie” is my every day name, Suzie Star (my full name) is used when I do something especially good, and “Little Miss White Paws” seems to be what Rick and Anne call me when I am being a bit mischievous.
Of course, my toys and Condo Comforts continue to abound.
Yes, I still love, love, love to purrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
And, more than anything else in this world, I still do and always will LOVE Rick! When he is home, I follow him everywhere. When he leaves the condo, I wait patiently by the front door for his return. I know the sound of his footsteps and can hear him returning long before the door opens. Indeed, my world revolves around Rick (although Anne is kind of nice to have around too.)
Some Things That Have Changed
One does have to assume that as one ages (I am now nearly 18 months old), some things will change …
I Found My Voice!
Other than my phenomenal purrrrrr, I didn’t have much of a voice when I arrived; maybe just a tiny “meow.” Then I grew into a rip-roaring “SQEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK”! Even though it sounds as though I am being beaten ruthlessly, it’s really my “oh, I am SO HAPPY” exclamation. Usually, it’s Rick that triggers my outbursts. Like when he comes in the door after being away for a while. Or, when he gives me the feline version of a combination Swedish and Sports Massage which is best administered while the recipient (me) rolls in ecstasy on a damp bathmat.
With Age Comes Wisdom
Anne keeps telling everyone how smart I am. That’s because I like to learn, and I master new skills effortlessly. For example:
Manicures
I have 4 dainty little white paws with a total of 18 pretty white and pink nails, so I learned to opt for a Feline French Manicure, and we maintain it at home weekly. First, Anne and Rick sit side-by-side on the couch, and I snuggle into Anne’s lap while facing Rick. Then Rick starts to give me my favorite treat,* and Anne gently wraps her arms around me, holds one paw at a time in her left hand and snips my nails into shape with her right. Before I know it – voila! (She is a former veterinarian, so I am in very good hands …)
Of course, I need to do a bit of daily maintenance on my own by rounding them on one of my 3 specially designed Feline Emery Boards that are in our home.
The Balcony & The Roof Top Terrace
Our condo has 2 private outdoor spaces – a 3rd floor balcony that stretches the length of the indoor living space overlooking the canal and a huge roof top terrace that has an amazing view of Grand Cayman in all directions.
Because I’m so smart now and understand that I am to stay on the balcony and not jump off, I can go out there pretty much any time during the day when Rick and Anne are around to keep an eye on me. What is really cool about the balcony is that I can see the boats come and go on the canal through the plexiglass barrier. Hey! there’s the Coast Guard again!
Even though the roof top terrace is a much bigger space, it has a stone wall on 3 sides that is too high for me to see over. Because Rick and Anne are concerned that I might try to jump on the wall (they’re right; it’s tempting) to get a better view, they only let me go up there under close supervision.
My Safety Collar
I have learned to wear my reflective “safety” collar. Anne puts it on me every evening just before my dinner, so that after my dinner I can go out on the balcony during twilight while they eat theirs.
It has my name and identification information engraved on a silver buckle (so stylish!) and has a reflective strip that surrounds my neck against a black fabric background. It is quite elegant as it matches my stripes magnificently. After I’ve had my balcony time, Anne takes it off and combs me while I have a little of my favorite treat,* and we are all in for the night.
My Harness
I have another piece of couture that I am in the process of learning about. It is my very own, jet black harness with matching lead that is adorned with a sterling silver bangle, engraved in black onyx with my ID. The bangle makes a pretty jingling sound when I move, and I look very cool when it is on. The black fabric matches my stripes while the bangle highlights my jade green eyes.
Apparently, my harness has a purpose beyond just being a Feline Fashion Statement. I have noticed that when I am wearing it, Rick and Anne take me out the front door to places I am not familiar with. It’s a little scary, however very interesting! I didn’t want our last lesson to end ─ I was so curious about where they had taken me!
By now, you are surely asking yourself, how come I am willing to learn all this nifty stuff? It all comes down to one word:
*Churu. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm!!! (as you can see above…)
Yes indeed, as one of my distant ancestors would say, it’s “grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat” to be me.
Suzie Star