My cat, myself...are we alike or complementary opposites?

As I've grown older, my cat preferences have evolved and changed somewhat.

Do you feel that what you are looking for in your cat has changed?

If you reach the sad transition from one beloved cat to another, do you now  feel the need to find something that ,breed-wise, promises a different temperament or level of demand, attention or care?

When I had to replace Emo, (it took several years and was not done lightly!), I had to consider what type of cat I could live with now.

Did I really want to start again with another young Siamese cross, with all his demanding,  or a mature Ragdoll? Or something that had a melding of these characteristics or something else entirely?

When I came to the decision, I had to take a dispassionate view of life, expectations and everything. Why did I want another cat?

In the end, I took an 18-month Bengal mated with a Siamese/BSH cross, who combines playfulness, lap-cat, independent-cat and  moosh cat, happy to be alone if I put on Radio 4, who snuggles with me and listens appreciatively as I read from my latest book.

On the more challenging side, he gets most frisky at 5.30 am and won't talk to anyone but me. (Yeah, I guess I feel special.)

Still, he needs more high places to jump from. He doesn't much like visitors. He plays like a kitten.

He is gorgeous.

Pictures to follow.

Have your cat choices taken a turn over the years, or have you set out to find one that suits you now?

I didn't have enough time between cats to really think about it!      I ended up with three kittens who sort of found us, not the other way around.  And then we took in cats after a friend died so I didn't chose them, either.   Even my first cat--who ended up being my 'only child' and best friend--was brought home by my stepson when he was 12 so I didn't pick her, either.

Your kitty sounds wonderful.  Looking forward to seeing the photos!

Agreed, betsygee, my first 'soul cat' came to me, not vice versa.

My Bengal baby follows me like a shadow unless my boys are around. The boys aren't kids - 16 and 17 respectively - and are nothing but kindness and consideration. Yet, my kitty won't leave the third floor when he knows the boys are around. Instead, I go upstairs to hang out with him.

I guess it just takes time, and I have had the boys bring him food, water and attempt to stroke and play with him and his toys, (he's especially fond of playing at 5.30 am!).

It's Half Term so the boys are home during the day and that seems to have upset Lexi inasmuch as he won't come downstairs with me.

Otherwise, he'll even on following me into the shower! Water doesn't bother him.

He's so affectionate and lovely, and there are no dangers here, but he's taking his own time working that out...

Yep, they take their own time getting used to things! How long have you had the new guy? What's his name?

We've had him for two weeks now. His name is Lexus - the name of the car his previous owner's dad had.

We just call him 'Lex' or 'Lexi'. I don't think he cares much. He lets us know when he wants attention, in no uncertain terms! He's hilarious. Cats are supposed to be graceful and light on their feet, but our boy is a bit of a klutz.  'Lexus' isn't really the name for him!

He's got his fave spots, his territory and his needs take priority, according to him.

Still, he's a bit shy when my teenage boys are around. He prefers my cuddles to anyone else's!