Felicity was a pure-bred Burmese.
The Burmese is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Burma.
In 2014 on a visit that took us to Southeast Asia, we visited Myanmar. On the tour we visited a temple where I snapped this photo of a Burmese Cat, in Burma which is now Myanmar. I brought the photo home to show Felicity a connection to her ancestral lineage, but she was not impressed.
Felicity was Camera Shy
Due to her reluctance to be photographed, there are few, if any, clear photos of her. What we have are out-of-focus shots because they had to be taken quickly.
Felicity the Counselor
Felicity was attuned to the needs of her humans.
Whenever we had visitors to our home, be it a single person or a roomful, she had to attend to each one. She did not do this as a canine – rushing in, leaping and licking – instead she let everyone settle into place, get comfortable and engage in conversation. Then, she would ‘work the room’. She would slowly approach each person, circle their chair, rub against their legs, and possibly leap into their laps. She needed nothing from them – but they needed her. Guests have remarked how comforting her presence was, and how it was sorely needed. Several had no particularl fondness for cats – until they met her.
Finally paying attention to the way she paid attention to others, I made a discovery. In a room full of people, she spent the most time with those who, for whatever reason, had a heavy heart. If someone had a special concern or loss, Felicity sensed it as she sat with them providing her comfort.
Felicity on computer duty
As she monitored our lives, she often monitored my computer activity.
Her Care
Due to our frequent travels either to visit family cross-country or to explore the world, Felicity was often left in the hands of Cat Sitters. The Sitters have ranged from teens to professionals. Her last sitter was a professional dog walker, Linda, of Your Shandon Pet sitter, who loved and accepted Felicity.
Here is a tongue-in-cheek application for her care:
Cat Sitter Needed
Duties: The care and feeding of a 13 year old feline named Felicity. She sleeps a lot during the day but needs some daily care: checking her food and water supply at least twice a day (morning and evening), giving her a vitamin tablet once a day, spending quality time playing with her (with a toy) and cuddling with her. Every three days she needs to have her litter box cleaned. This means using a scooper to remove clumps of litter and disposing of it in the trash. If more litter is needed, it should be added.
Preferred qualifications: must be a person who genuinely likes animals, and Felicity in particular. The applicant should also display responsibility and dependability, as Felicity’s life will be in this person’s hands.
Salary is negotiable and will be based on experience.
Interested applicants should submit a completed application. A CV may be attached.
Full Name
Address
Telephone / Email
Related experience
Reference – provide name and contact
Explain why you would be the best person to care for Felicity.
I certify that the information on this form is correct. Applicants are subject to final approval by Felicity.
Signature
Felicity’s Portrait
Introducing the Burmese
Burmese – is a breed of domestic cat, originating in Burma, believed to have its roots near the Thai-Burma border and developed in the United States and Britain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_cat
Cattery – an establishment for the breeding and boarding of cats. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cattery
CFA – The Cat Fanciers’ Association is currently the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats and known as the most prestigious pedigreed cat registering association in North America. https://cfa.org/
Characteristics of the Burmese – Stocky and well-muscled, people-oriented, and affectionate.
Coat Colors of the Burmese –
The CFA recognizes the following coat colors of the Burmese:
- Sable—rich, dark brown, the original color of the breed
- Champagne—warm beige
- Platinum—pale gray
- Blue—medium gray with fawn undertones https://www.rover.com/blog/burmese-cat/
Small in size, but muscular – This trait has led them to be described as
“Bricks wrapped in silk.”
https://www.rover.com/blog/burmese-cat/
