top of page
Writer's pictureKeefe Tay

Cat Family Story #36: Hamish

What is the name of your cat?

Hamish Van Schneider


Where is your cat family located in?

We are in Queensland, Australia.


What is the breed of your cat?

It's listed on his adoption information sheet that Hamish is a domestic shorthair cross. (We're assuming he's domestic short hair x dog x human)


How old is your cat?

He is just over 1 year old.


Where can we find your cat on social media?

On Instagram @hamishadventurecat.aus


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

Hamish is very inquisitive, super smart, and incredibly brave. It's a constant challenge to keep him stimulated at home because he gets bored with his toys very quickly. I need to find creative ways to make them more challenging and interesting to keep him engaged (and from climbing the curtains!)


He lives for his outdoor adventures and usually gets two or three walks a day either at home in the garden or surrounding neighbourhood. He also loves his walks in pet-friendly environmental reserves and green spaces in our area.



How has your cat transformed your life from the moment you've met him till now? Hamish has completely taken over our lives. We are outdoor people with an active lifestyle and are constantly trying to come up with ways we can include him. Everywhere we go we are on the lookout for new places that are 'Hamish friendly' and we can't look at a tree without considering if it's one he would enjoy climbing.



What does your cat mean to you?

Hamish is our little boy and a huge focus of our lives. We have never wanted children and in 27 years never had a pet together. But, he is such a blessing and we couldn't be happier to have him as a part of our family.


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

Bruce is a commercial meter reader and met Hamish in a pet store in Brisbane while he was working. Hamish was in an enclosure with other kittens but demanded Bruce's attention and he couldn't resist.


He came home that night to show me Hamish's profile on the Animal Welfare website to see what I thought. There was never a question there...bring him home! When he went back the next day the people at the store said he was very lucky because Hamish had been adopted the afternoon before (after Bruce left). But, returned that morning because he didn't fit with the existing pets in that household. Clearly he was meant for us!


What do you think your cat thinks of you?

I'm fairly confident Hamish considers us his family. We talk to him all the time and it constantly amazes us how much he understands. I suspect he thinks we're a bit dopey, but he definitely trusts us to keep him safe when we're out adventuring and that is a huge privilege.



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

Hamish wants to be wherever we are. He tries very hard to communicate with his dopey humans either by meowing or by bringing us toys when he wants to play. More than anything it's the look he gives, the slow blink, the head bumps, the rubbing against us that says 'You're mine'!

What are some accounts your cats like to follow on Instagram?

@bryson_burmese_adventure_kitty

@muppy_the_cat

@pepitotuxedo

@jett_blackcat

@princesshoneybelle

@lozventures

@bodhi_theadventurecat

@tg_socalkitties

@2cat2curious

@kimi.the.adventure.cat


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

I know people think we're crazy or that we're secretly wishing we'd had children... or a dog..., but the truth is that it is such an honour to know another creature as well as we know our little boy.


People seem to accept that dogs are fully integrated into the family unit and don't question their right to access, but cats often seem to be relegated to a lesser importance. If we can help others understand the joy it gives us to experience the world with our cat and accept the presence of cats out in the community and the natural environment - that would be a wonderful outcome.

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.

Here's how...



Comments


bottom of page