
A Best Friend
-Amanda Jenkyn, KAS adopter
I adopted my cat Zander from KAS the day after Christmas of 2020. My beloved ragdoll cat, Nemo, had crossed the rainbow bridge earlier that fall, and on a whim I did a search on Petfinder for adoptable kitties. I was not sure I was ready for another cat, but I missed having a feline best friend with me at home. When I saw Zander’s little face, it was love at first sight! I immediately contacted KAS and Helen and I started our correspondence about this special little cat.
-Amanda Jenkyn, KAS adopter
I adopted my cat Zander from KAS the day after Christmas of 2020. My beloved ragdoll cat, Nemo, had crossed the rainbow bridge earlier that fall, and on a whim I did a search on Petfinder for adoptable kitties. I was not sure I was ready for another cat, but I missed having a feline best friend with me at home. When I saw Zander’s little face, it was love at first sight! I immediately contacted KAS and Helen and I started our correspondence about this special little cat.

Once I brought Zander home he made himself comfortable, quickly finding all his “spots” in the house and carving out a special spot in my heart. Zander is my best friend and just like a human best friend, it’s really a unique experience how a relationship with a cat can grow and evolve over time! Zander didn’t start out as a lap cat. He started as a very social and curious cat, always wanting to be close to me, but not usually wanting to be right on me. Over the last few months he has become a daily lap cat. When I get home from work, all he wants to do is curl up in my lap, lean against me and rub his face on my glasses. Prior to this, we have a ritual of when I open the door (he’s always there to greet me!) I immediately sit down on the floor and let him walk all over me, checking out where I’ve been for the day. We chat about where I went, and how he presumably had a relaxing day on the couch! Zander talks a lot! We have long chats where he meows and chirps answers at me.

Zander bounces back and forth between sleeping on the bed with me at night, sleeping in his cat condo or sleeping on the couch. Right now the couch is his absolute favorite spot. Just like a good best friend should, he never lets me hit the snooze button on my alarm. He hears the alarm in the morning, comes padding into the room, jumps on the bed and tickles my face with his whiskers. All in great hopes of getting his breakfast sooner! He also knows how to guide me (gentle paw swipes on my calf) to his treat bowl for his dessert (Churu squeezable treats!) Once this is done, he enjoys playing coach while watching me do my morning workout. I actually imagine him thinking: “why are you jumping around at such an early hour lady?” Best friends have great trust in one another. Zander has shown his trust in me when I bring him to my mom’s when I go away. My mom’s house was a strange house for him (not anymore!) and there is a DOG there! He stuck close to me, but soon grew to exploring all over by himself. He even learned to cohabitate with a DOG! He loves going to my mom’s now. There is more space to wander and more windows to watch nature outside! I always tell Zander how brave and resilient he is. I am proud of him in the same way you might be proud of a close friend for trying new things. I love my cat more and more each day. A kitty is unconditional love and makes the perfect best friend. I would encourage anyone not to miss out on this special experience and relationship with a cat.