There is much more to Vanilla than meets the eye of a casual observer. Based on her beautiful coat and striking green eyes, you might assume that she's a lady of luxury waiting for some lucky person to dote on her. Well, you would be partially correct. Let me explain...
Vanilla loves nothing more in the world than to be brushed! If you call her and she sees you holding the brush, she will come running, hop up beside you, meow, and eagerly await the beginning of a good grooming session! She rolls all over the place to ensure that you don't miss a spot and she encourages you to brush from her chin, down her belly, and to her hind legs! Sometimes if you simply just hold the brush, she'll brush herself by rubbing up against it repeatedly. You have never seen a cat in true bliss until you've seen Vanilla being brushed - the volume of her purr says it all, but to see her rolled over on her back and kneading the air in ecstasy while you brush her tummy is priceless! It's so funny - no matter how much you brush her, she still looks a little disheveled! She's also a good girl when it comes to getting a manicure/pedicure (pawdicure?). She sat on a volunteer's lap and purred away while her front nails got clipped and happily kneaded with her front paws while her back nails got clipped! What a good girl! If there were a kitty spa, Vanilla would definitely be there all the time!
Although Vanilla does enjoy her brushing time and would allow you to brush her until your arm fell off, she is far from a foo-foo kitty. Vanilla has a playful streak that comes out whenever you throw something at high speed. It's so funny to see her run - she looks like a big ol' ball of fur on legs. Although she has been known to dabble in furry toy mice, feather wands, and even something as mundane as a pen, she adores crinkly sparkle balls that make an irresistible noise when you squish them in your hand or in Vanilla's case, her mouth. She has superb paw-eye coordination and will smack that crinkle ball right back at you when you toss it to her. Throw it across the room and she gives chase like it is her sole purpose in life to catch it. The funniest thing though is when she really gets into playing, she'll start to pant a little and stick her tongue out!! It alarmed us a bit at first, but apparently that's her game face when she's having a really good time!
Vanilla can be a pretty mellow gal too...nothing says mellow more than walking past a love seat and seeing a cat (Vanilla) lying there on her back, belly up, with all 4 paws sticking up in the air. Vanilla can also frequently be found napping in her favorite box. You see, Vanilla adores boxes...she likes jumping in and out of boxes, pouncing on them, hiding inside them or behind them, and taking naps in them. If boxes aren't available, she is perfectly content to lie on plastic grocery bags, tissue paper, or any other type of paper. Vanilla also loves to lounge around and look out the window to observe all that is going on. When Vanilla talks, it's fun to listen because her meow falls somewhere between a squeak and a chirp! Vanilla doesn't mind being held for a bit and on occasion will dole out some kitty kisses to let you know just how much she loves you! Don't forget to give her treats in return - she LOVES treats and will stand on her hind legs for them!
Vanilla loves to spend time with her people. If you're working at the computer, she sleeps at your feet under the desk. If you like jigsaw puzzles, are you in for a treat - Vanilla sits at her own chair at the table and watches fascinated as you move the pieces around! In the evening as you settle in to watch some TV on the couch, she knows it is time to get some pets and loving. She marches back and forth so you can pet her, and after awhile she flops down when she finally finds a good snuggling spot. She LOVES it if you have a blanket over your legs - all the more cozy for our girl! Come bedtime, Vanilla sleeps by your feet or curled up against you.
So there you have it folks! That's our Vanilla - part princess, part tiger, part couch potato, and 100% lovable companion! The best part of her though is the love and affection that she gives to the people who love and take care of her! Of course, if you want to be her favorite person, brush her and she will become putty in your hands!
