When I first laid my eyes on my long – haired silver shaded British Shorthair “brother”, I never expected that this little ball of fur would grow into such a charming and beloved companion. Now, at just eight months old, he is already delightfully plump. Weighing in at 8 pounds, with his long and thick fur, he has truly transformed into a “silver shaded piglet” of sorts, and I couldn’t be more smitten.
As a novice pet owner, he is my very first foray into the world of pet – keeping. I’ve been incredibly lucky. Ever since I brought him home at two months old, he has been remarkably healthy, never once falling ill. The only minor issue we’ve faced is that occasionally, his insatiable appetite gets the better of him, and he gobbles up things he shouldn’t. This usually results in soft stools, which can be a bit of an embarrassment for his long fur.
I’m not very well – versed in the concept of a cat’s “appearance quality” or “pedigree”. I got him from a cat breeder recommended by a friend. It was an acquaintance of my friend, and the price was quite reasonable at 1800 yuan. However, the deal didn’t include vaccinations. But since I got to see his parents and siblings, I felt at ease. Among the litter, he was the most good – looking and the largest in size. His parents and siblings all had short hair, while he, uniquely, had long hair. After some research online, I learned that this is likely a case of atavism, a return to an ancestral trait.
His mother must have been an excellent teacher because from the moment I brought him home, he has been impeccably well – behaved. In the two months since he arrived until now, he has never once defecated or urinated outside the litter box. He buries his waste, whether it’s a small or large one, very thoroughly. He is also incredibly brave. When he first came home, he showed almost no signs of stress. When strangers visit our home, he approaches them out of curiosity, sniffing around. He allows strangers to pet him, but he is rather aloof. Once his initial curiosity fades, he pays them no more attention. He tolerates being touched but won’t actively engage with strangers. However, with me, it’s a completely different story. He actively seeks me out to play. He follows me wherever I go in the house. He only allows me to touch his belly, and he only “steps on milk” (a behavior where cats knead with their paws, often a sign of contentment) for me. Even my mother isn’t given the same privilege.
Our days are filled with simple joys. In the morning, he greets me with a soft meow, as if to say good morning. In the evenings, we play with his favorite toys, and he chases after a small ball with great enthusiasm. His presence has filled my life with so much warmth and laughter. Despite not being an expert on cat breeds, I know that I’ve found a precious gem in him. He is not just a pet; he has become an integral part of my family, and I look forward to many more wonderful years with my lovely long – haired silver shaded British Shorthair by my side.
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