I have always believed that silver shaded British Shorthairs have a unique charm, and my cat, Xiaoliuli, is no exception. In fact, I sometimes wonder if all silver shaded British Shorthairs are a bit dazed. Xiaoliuli has a slightly longer coat for its breed, and it’s been with me for less than a year.
Xiaoliuli is incredibly obedient, to the point of seeming almost in a daze. But there are two times when it transforms completely. In the morning and after 12 o’clock at night, it becomes extremely energetic. However, even when it’s in its hyperactive state, it still retains that endearing air of being a bit silly. It runs around the house, looking as if it’s on a mission, but with a goofy expression on its face, and when it tries to be fierce, it just comes across as “silly fierce.”
When Xiaoliuli was a kitten, it unfortunately contracted feline panleukopenia. It was a tough time, but thankfully, it was blessed with good fortune and managed to pull through. However, the illness left its mark on its body, specifically its hind legs. For a while, it couldn’t walk properly. But over the past few months, through consistent massages, there has been a remarkable improvement. Now, it can even jump up like a lamb, and it has learned to prop itself up on its front legs and slowly rise beside the bed. Every time I watch it walk, it looks like a determined little creature, a bit like a disabled but persevering little pig. It’s hard to believe that when it was a kitten, it was as delicate as a fairy.
The problem with its hind legs also brings some difficulties in daily life. When it comes to using the litter box, it often gets messy. Sometimes, it can’t manage to stay inside the litter box and ends up tipping it over. I have to be extra careful and help it when I see it’s about to use the toilet. Even so, I frequently have to clean its bottom. Because of its unsteady gait and the way it often drags itself around, its fur gets relatively dirty. Lazy as I am, I’ve even bought a vacuum cleaner to clean the living room every night. And after every time I hold this little stinky cat, I have to wash my hands.
Despite all these challenges, Xiaoliuli is an absolute delight to cuddle with. There’s no need to approach it tentatively when I want to hold it. I can pick it up casually, just like holding a baby, or even hold it by its bottom, and it doesn’t mind at all. When it comes to taking a bath, it doesn’t make a fuss, and it’s the same when I’m drying its fur. I can keep it on my knees for as long as I want, and it won’t run away. I can even lift it up and spin around with it, and it just takes it all in stride, as if it’s willing to be “bullied” by me.
This poor little thing still hasn’t fully regained its ability to walk properly, and I sincerely hope that it will get better soon. By the way, its name is Xiaoliuli, but it’s a bit of a mouthful, so I usually just call it “cat,” “kitty,” “catty,” or “mao jiu.” It seems to understand that any name with “cat” in it is referring to it. Xiaoliuli has brought so much joy and warmth to my life. Its resilience in the face of difficulties makes me love it even more. I will always be by its side, taking care of it and looking forward to the day when it can run and play freely.
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