Another kitty "interview"

As some of you may recall, I was asked to "interview" my former foster kitty Bridge (who has since been adopted) for the rescue's newsletter, basically about his likes, dislikes, living with FIV, etc...The rescue received a lot of positive feedback on the interview, so looks like we're going to make this a regular thing with the goal of getting more of the the harder to place cats adopted and potentially educated people at the same time.

My next interview will be with be with Evie, another foster now living at the rescue. It will feature some of the same questions posed to Bridge, but we also want to get her take on the plight of kitties left behind when their owners move and what she wishes they would have done instead.

I'm used to interviewing people for my job, but kitty interviews are a challenge - being cute and creative is still a challenge for me. All suggestions for questions are welcome. You guys were a big help with Bridge's interview. Thanks!

I originally posted Evie's story in the PL, but here's her story: She's about 3-5 years old and hasn't known much love in her life. Her owners tossed her outside as a kitten, but pretty much ignored her. Fortunately, a neighbor fed her. Her owners then moved and left her behind. For a long time, she stayed put on the front porch of her house, hoping her owners would return. She then started following people up and the down the street, almost as if to say, "please take me home with you." Most people just shooed her away or ignored her. There is some evidence (an old injury to her mouth) that she was abused. Over the summer, I was in Evie's neighborhood when she ran across the street and literally hopped right in my car. Sensed I was a cat person maybe? I did some checking, learned her about her background from the neighbors, then brought her home to foster. She was in my care until late Oct., at which time we decided it would benefit Evie to spend some time at the rescue. She's a very loving little girl, but has some trust issues and is very scared of new situations and other cats. She's does well at the rescue with a steady supply of love and attention from the volunteers. She loves being sung and called "Baby Doll."

And, that's what I know about Evie.

Great suggestion. Thank you!

Thanks, Laurie. That helps a lot. I've been wrestling with this because I want it to tug at people's hearts, but don't want it to be a complete tear jerker. It was the light-hearted aspect of Bridge's interview that really appealed to people. I think Evie's case, though, it's really going to be her sad story and how she's learning to trust people again that will capture someone's heart.

Thanks for the great suggestion! I love the idea of highlighting what great care the cats receive, while at the same time noting it's not the same as a real home.

The interview with Bridge only appeared in our print newsletter, but here's a rough draft of what I submitted. It's pretty much the same, minus a few questions that weren't used due to space.

During his time with OAR, the large and loveable Bridge, who’s FIV+ (feline immunodeficiency virus) has become a volunteer favorite. He even managed to charm the fickle female kitties in his foster home – no small feat! Because of his many adoring fans, Bridge graciously agreed to be interviewed for the newsletter:

Q: Are you a lap cat?
A: I’m the ultimate lap cat. Any lap, any time, any place, will do. I’m a big, huggable guy, who loves to cuddle and give kisses.

Q: Do you prefer to be brushed or petted?
A: I definitely prefer petting (but I do love being brushed too!). The main thing is that I’m getting attention.

Q: What are your favorite treats?
A: I’m not picky when it comes to treats, or any food.

Q: What are your favorite toys?
A: My fuzzy blue mouse, crinkle balls and the laser pointer as long as I don’t have to move too far or too fast to chase it. I’m a pretty mellow fellow.

Q: What’s your favorite spot to sleep?
A: The nearest lap, or if one’s not available, a cozy fleece throw.

Q: What are some of your other favorite things?
A: Have I mentioned how much I like laps? And food and fleece? I love being loved and I love being cozy.

Q: What about things you dislike?
A: Being removed from someone’s lap before I’m ready. An empty food bowl concerns me too, although I’m very polite and patient until the situation is remedied.

Q: Do you like children?
A: I love them, as long as they pet me gently and tell me I’m a good kitty.

Q: Do you like dogs?
A: Not so much (don’t ask the volunteers how I reacted to dogs at the Petsmart adoption fair. It wasn’t pretty)

Q: Do you like other cats?
A: I love other kitties and really want to be their friend. Sometimes they might think I’m little scary since I’m so big, but they find out how nice I am and it’s ok. I really liked snuggling up to the pretty girl kitties in my foster home. Sometimes they even let me!

Q: On a more serious note, how did you get FIV?
A: I try not to think about how hard life was on the street, but I was attacked and bitten by another boy cat that had it. Even us friendly kitties tend to fight if we’re not fixed.


Q: Does having FIV affect you in any way?
A: Nope! I feel great and am very healthy. Having FIV just means that whoever adopts me will need to make sure I stay inside, have a healthy diet, go to the vet when I need to and take really good care of me.

Q: Does having FIV mean you can’t live with other cats who don’t have it?
A: It’s fine for me to live with kitties who don’t have FIV if we get along. The only way they can get FIV from me is if I’d bite them really hard, and that’s not going to happen because I’m lover, not a fighter.

Q: What would you recommend to people do to prevent other cats from getting FIV?
A: Get their kitties fixed at OAR’s spay/neuter clinic, of course!

Q: What are your biggest fears?
A: That people will be afraid to adopt me because I have FIV. It’s not scary. I promise!

Q: What would be your purrfect day?
A: There would be a lot of lap time, a little play, a couple of good meals and some bird watching from a big window. Did I mention the lap time?

Q: What do you want most in your forever home/family?
A: A lap to call my own, a nose to lick, a warm, cozy place to curl up, a full tummy and, most of all, a lot of love.