American Shorthair

Over by the 10 kwai DVD store, near Wendy's Shop where I often pick up a few groceries, including some pretty decent Chinese cheddar and excellent natural yogurt, is a cute little pet shop. Last night some of us went to Pete's Tex Mex for dinner, always a good choice, in honor of Sophia and my birthdays; I had a chocolate malt. Around 10:30, we decided to walk home to burn off some calories. That's when we noticed a crowd gathered around the brightly lit pet store window. On display for all to admire were mama and papa cat with their litter of what looked to be about 6 week old kittens. The large male was perched on the top tier of a fancy cat tower. His fur was marbed like that of the cat in the picture above, and he looked like he knew he was an extraordinarily striking animal. The mother was a tabby with strongly marked stripes. The kittens were beginning to show signs of developing distinct markings but otherwise looked pretty ordinary; most people at home would have had a hard time giving them away. "How much for one kitten?" we asked. 2,000 RMB ($300) came the answer. We left in shock, and I said in a not too loud voice, "Back in Minnesota some people would put those kittens in a gunny sack with a few big rocks and throw the bag in the river." Cathy pointed out that one of our students was standing close enough that she might have heard my remark. I don't think so.

Today I showed Jane the kittens on our way to Wendy's. She's from California, and needless to say, she was in complete disbelief when I told her what they were asking for one kitten. She had to confirm it herself. I decided to try to learn if the cats were some exotic breed that they should cost so much. Yes, the owner said...American Shorthair. Aha! That explains everything.

BTW...today is Mother's Day. Thanks, Celeste, for the hand-drawn, computer assisted card...complete with 2 beautiful American Shorthair cats...below.
Two famous American Shorthairs. On the left, Brita, renowned for her hunting ability; and Spencer, "the puppy cat" renowned for his lounging ability... he's a Garfield Wannabe. Celeste and Dave are on the lake...where many American Shorthairs have been known to disappear.