The Story Behind The Name

The winner of the Name That Cat! contest, Holly Steese, has graciously shared her story behind her submission name, Shamus.

Shamus was adopted by the Steese family in October 1996 from an Apopka breeder. He had the typical Persian flat face and looked like a tiny fruit bat but according to his Momma, he was the "cutest little kitten in the world!"

Before he was a year old, the Steese family moved to Germany and Shamus took the move in stride and never made a sound the entire flight.  This would be one of many trans Atlantic flight that Shamus would make, racking up those frequent flyer miles.

While in Germany, Shamus somehow managed to catch a few birds off the second floor balcony and was so proud of his accomplishments he would bring us his "catch". We of course being the loving and supportive parents we are, we would praise him, send him on his way, then go bury the poor little birdie in the backyard.

After 7 years in Germany, Shamus moved with us to New York and he just loved it there.  He had a yard to skunk around in and plenty of sunbeams for him to curl up in.  After almost a year in New York, we decided we missed Germany, so Shamus was back on the plane, a seasoned traveler at heart. We of course had to adopt a shelter kitty we named Adalaide.  Much to his dismay, Shamus now had a playmate.  But he was patient with her and whether or not he would ever admit it, a bond between them soon formed.

Eventually we moved back to Florida and as usual Shamus adjusted quickly.  In what seemed like such a short time, little Shamus was suddenly considered a "Senior" at his vet appointments.  Soon he was diagnosed with the early stage of kidney failure and was promptly put on a prescription diet.  He seemed fine with the new food as he was never very particular about what he ate.  After two years on the special diet his kidneys had dramatically improved and Shamus would spend his days curled up on the bed or in a secluded sunbeam.

The Steese family had a trick that they could use to test how Shamus was feeling. Even as a kitten Shamus would come running if they whistled a song.  And for some strange reason the one song that he couldn't resist was "Close To You" by the Carpenters.  If he felt sick he would lift his head and look at you but if he was fine he would always come running when we whistled this song.  It was an incredible little tool and it never failed to be accurate.  

A few months ago, Shamus seemed on top of his game and was very active social.  Then, just like that, he had passed away peacefully in one of his favorite spots.  It's the type of quiet passing that we always dream our pets will be blessed with.  Thank God he took such a gentle little soul in such a gentle way.  The Steese miss Shamus so much and very happy that his name will go on through the PAAH comics.

We are too!