Cat Family Story #27: Diego

What is the name of your cat?

Diego

Photo (above): Diego out in his favourite bush. Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

Where is your cat family located in?

We are in New South Wales, Australia

What is the breed of your cat?

Diego is a Domestic shorthair.

How old is your cat?

He is 8 years old.

Where can we find your cat on social media?

On Instagram @diego.bagel

Photo (above): Diego when hearing the can of tuna opened. Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

In a few short words/sentences, tell us about your cat's personalities.

The biggest personality of any cat you'll meet! He is playful, adventurous, cheeky, but secretly a big softy. He has definitely got several screws loose, but at the same time is so intelligent. He plays fetch, brings his favourite toys to you to play, knows to sit when it's food time, but at the same time will get distracted and trip over his own paws while walking.

How has your cat transformed your life from the moment you've met him till now?

He constantly makes me laugh, he is always surprising me with his wacky personality and new little quirks that I still discover to this day. He always comes to greet me when I get home, by standing up on his back legs and giving me a big smooch right on the lips.

Photo (above): Diego thinks hanging out here is fern-tastic! Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

What does your cat mean to you?

They are my children, I affectionately call Diego "my son". I've had cats my entire life and they make my life so much richer. They are my entire world, I couldn't imagine life without a cat.

Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

How did you and your cat first meet? Tell it to us in the form of a short story.

I went to the RSPCA to adopt a kitty, as I did with all of my cats throughout my life. And this little grey and black tabby was rubbing himself up against the cage bars, trying to kiss at my fingers. The worker took him out of his cage and handed this elongated, snaggle-toothed, disco ball eyed, mini snow leopard to me and said "This is Diego" and I knew straight away that he was the one.

Photo (above): Diego when he was younger! Photo by @diego.bagel

He was curious, looking around everywhere, and let me pick up and cuddle him to my heart's content. He came home with me that day, and later in the evening I heard a little mew at my bedroom door, I turned around and this little kitten had caught a mouse (almost as big as him!) and brought it to me. He has never caught a mouse since, and I believe to this day that he brought me that gift as a thank you for taking him home. The rest is history! He has moved house with me nearly 7 times and has been my best friend and sidekick throughout many ups and downs.

Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

What do you think your cat thinks of you?

He definitely knows I'm his mama.

Your cat is part of your family. What are some things they do that make you think that he considers you part of theirs?

He asks for different things when he needs them, he has different ways of asking to go outside, asking for food, asking to play. He knows our daily routines and knows what time we get home from work.

Photo by Furry Munchkins Pet Photography

Why do you feel that it is important to show the world that Cats are Family?

There has been a narrative for centuries that "dogs are man's best friend", but there are so many animals (like cats!) who also bring so much love and joy into your life. A lot of people are deterred by what they perceive as an aloof personality, but there is such a deep connection between a cat and their human that is there if you are willing to be gentle and open yourself up.

Over to you...

YOU can start making a difference to Cats and their families everywhere!

Join the Cats are family campaign and SHARE your cat family story with the world.

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