Davis, CA - Oriental. Meet Athena a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Oriental

Color

White

Age

Kitten

Sex

Female

Pet ID

–

Hair Length

short

My details

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Athena. 8-12 month odd-eyed white female Khao Manee cat
Check out you tube: http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/cats-101/videos/khao-manee/

Athena is a dainty little pixie of a cat; she probably doesn't weigh more than 4 lbs. The shelter had her listed as 1 year but if that's the case, then she will be one of the tiniest adult cats her foster mom has ever seen. Since cats get their full dentition by around 7 months, and that is what shelters often use to age a cat, there is an equal likelihood that Athena is a mere 8 months old. Regardless, she will be a petite kitty.

Athena is the rarest of the Khao Manee types of cats, the odd-eyed white. She has one pretty blue eye and one rich golden eye. It's quite striking up against her white fur. Although many cats with blue eyes are deaf in the ear on the same side as blue eye, this doesn't appear to be the case with Athena. She has the slightest of a gray smudge on the top her head which should fade with age. This little touch of gray is likely the reason that she is not deaf. Genetics are funny. The coat on this kitty is one of the best things about her and also one of the reasons we believe her to be a purebred or a mix of purebred cats: it is plush and soft like the finest mink coat your grandmother ever wore. Most domestic cats don't come with this type of pelt. It's mainly found in cats that have been deliberately bred for such traits.

Although her pictures and breed identification will compel you to read further, it's really Athena's personality that sells her. Her "purr machine" is bigger than she is! She sounds like a 15 lb cat when her motor gets going. She was initially very shy; shelter staff described her as shy but handle-able which does not always portend sociable cats. Within a week of arriving at her foster home, however, she has blossomed into a confident and affectionate kitty. Each day brings new fun discoveries about her personality, and she becomes more and more confident about allowing strangers to reach out to her. Indeed, she is becoming a bit computer oriented and wants to study online just like her foster mom. Athena has a sweet demeanor that makes a person just want to pick her up, tuck her under an arm, and wander around the house with her. She will be a lifetime love-bug for the right family.

Athena is currently not loving other cats. She hisses and growls at them. Surprisingly, she is merely curious and cautious around dogs. At this time, we believe young children won't be a match, but if she's not adopted immediately, further assessment may change at opinion.

Most people have never heard of a Khao Manee cat; a rare breed originating in Thailand. In fact, they are one of the most ancient breeds of cats, tracing back hundreds of years. Khao Manee means "White Gem." These cats are also known as the Diamond Eye cat. Khao Manee are mentioned in the Tamra Maew, or Cat Book Poems.

Khao Manee cats are pure white with a short, smooth, close-lying coat. They can have blue eyes, gold eyes or odd eyes with one of each colour. The odd eyed Khao Manee is the rarest variety. They are muscular, athletic cats of moderate foreign type and are reputed to be active, communicative and intelligent. Although the breed is well known in its native land, it has only recently been adopted by Western cat breeders, gaining registration-only status from TICA in May 2009, and is currently enjoying "Advanced New Breed" status. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Manee)

Please contact Ellen by email if you are interested in adopting this dainty darling. Thefawls@yahoo.com