Hello Kitty

My beautiful cat, Lily, is a British Shorthair. I was curious about her breed, so I looked up some facts about Brits. What I found answered many questions I have formed about Lily over the past few years. I sure wish I knew this earlier! I finally understand my cat.

A perfect white shorthair with no hint of any other color is a relatively rare, and therefore sought-after, animal. The orange-eyed variety, which does not suffer from the problems of deafness associated with the blue-eyed types, is regarded even more highly. Pet quality typically runs $400 to $600, while breeder/show quality costs between $800 and $1,500, sometimes more or less depending upon the breeder, bloodline, location, gender, and color and pattern. Since numbers are limited, most Brits are sold through waiting lists.

Brits tend to be quiet cats, and it’s amusing to hear tiny squeaks instead of hearty meows. They will sometimes engage in conversation with you, especially if it is getting near time to be fed.

Brits enjoy keeping an eye on their favorite people, as long as it can be done from a comfortable lounging position. Brits are affectionate without being clingy and playful without being hyper, and tend to treat the entire family as their clan rather than bond with one special person. They enjoy games and have a quiet sense of humor. But they also need room and time alone to be truly happy. They enjoy a game of chase with a small toy, and some will fetch it back to you for it to be thrown again. They are quite lazy at times and love nothing more than lazing about in the gentle sunshine or completely crashing out in a cool area.

Brits are not lap cats, preferring to curl up near you or sit beside you to be petted and stroked. They are a four-on-the-floor breed: when picked up they stiffen, rigid legs extended to push you away and head turned as if pretending you don’t exist. Kisses are not welcome; keep those lips to yourself if you want your Brit to trust you. Too much of the wrong kind of attention makes Brits anxious and they may vanish into their secret hiding places for awhile. A coaxed British Shorthair will make itself comfortable for a while; a forced British Shorthair will flat out refuse.

Brits do not like to be hugged and/or carried like a baby. They simply do not like to be "controlled". Being a larger heavy cat, they feel very uncomfortable off the ground.

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Now I know more about Lily. It will be hard not to smother her with kisses and cart her around like a baby, but I want to make her happy. Perhaps she will be more affectionate toward me if I show her the kind of affection she likes. 

The Knowledge I Can't Live Without

I love the stars. I get lost looking at them. I long for what's out there and for who's looking down on me.

I love bunny feet.

Movie music is amazing. It inspires me.

I love the smell of a new book.

I love my dog's nose.

When I was little, I couldn't pronounce my Ls. I was Yindsey, and the cereal I loved was Yucky Charms.

It is a fact that cat feet and dog feet smell like popcorn.

My grandma made the greatest candy in the world.

I love the Old West.

My dog hugs me.

The wind rustling through trees and grass is one of the most calming sounds in the world. Another is rain falling softly in the night.

I couldn't live without music. I would die if I lost the ability to hear it, play it, or feel it.

One of the coolest pets I ever owned was a Praying Mantis.

I miss the smell of Hawaii. When I was there I missed the smell of home.

I love a good campfire with good company.

I have always wanted to experience the 1930s-1940s.

Disease scares me.

I can immitate a recorder flute by using my voice.

One visit to Disneyland erases years off a person's life.

I love that my cat is pink and white. I love her tiny pink nose and her soft, pink feet. She is pure and perfect. It is hard to believe that she is even real, because she is so beautiful.

I want to go to Australia. I am fascinated by it. I love that it is not afraid to be different.

I could stare at the ocean forever. I love the sound of it, the smell of it, the feel of the water lapping at my feet, and the feel of the course sand against my skin. I love that it has a story; some great mystery that is just waiting to be solved. I love that it has secrets. I love that if I listen close enough, it just might whisper one to me.

I love to dream.

I long to be loved.

When I was little my big dream was to be a comedienne. I even had a business card.

I was not popular in school. I realize now that none of that matters. I wish I knew that then.

I love the smell after it rains. I go outside and I take it all in, and it renews me.

Sometimes it's healthy to have a good cry.

I am right-brained and right-handed.

I open bottles with my left hand, and never my right.

I prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate.

I love to hear about my dad's stories of when he was in the Navy on a submarine, and all the places and people he met along the way.

I hate mass quantities of onions, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, spinach, sauerkraut, and cauliflower.

I like to smile often.

My sister is my best friend.

I love listening to my parents tell their story...of how they met and how they fell for one another...at just 17 years old.

I collect stuffed animals, movie stubs, movie posters, clothing tags, bottles, and bottle caps.

The first major haircut I ever had was when I was in the sixth grade.

Seeing horses run lifts my spirits. Seeing them run in slow mode on film makes me tear-up. I love horses, and I would love to own one.

I hate to see animals harmed on movies. It kills me.

I was born in June. I drive a green VW Beetle. If I had a personal license plate, it would read "JUNEBUG." (No one steal that, please!)

The earth is so beautiful and so special. I want to do more to keep it that way. We have a great gift; let's cherish it.

I love anything vintage.

I want to find my own style and start a trend.

A few years ago I auditioned to be a Disney Character at Walt Disney World. I wanted so badly to be a Disney Princess. I didn't make it, but I enjoyed every part of it, and I learned so much. I instead got chosen for an Operational job, but I decided I was needed here...and I am glad I stayed.

I love my dark hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. One of these days, it just might come in handy as my ultimate secret weapon.

One of my favorite accessories is a headband, so it really drives me nuts when I'll be sitting with a guy and he tries to subtly pull it out. Uh, thanks...a lot.

I love Yoo-Hoo!

It would be cool if my wedding colors could be similar to a Lime Rickey...dark purple, silver, and lime.

I love The Killers. I find that their music always fits my life and how I choose to live it. They are wonderful and inspirational. I doubt I could ever live without them.

I recently discovered that I love red bell peppers and now I am hooked for life.

I figured out the official term for the type of music I love: "post-punk revival".

~~*This list is a work in progress.*~~