Meet Sammy the cat, mama’s boy . . . to a point
Most adoring pet owners would do anything for their cherished companions, but could they speak for their pet friends and tell us what they are thinking? To find out, we’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist, Marcel Proust.
Among her peers, Natasha Wodak is affectionately known as the “crazy cat lady.” The Canadian long-distance runner currently divides her time between training for the Summer Olympics in Rio, and volunteering at VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association). As the current national record holder in the 10,000 metres, Wodak is also known for donning cat ears and painting on whiskers to run in VOKRA half marathon fundraisers. Adopted from the SPCA, Sammy has been Wodak’s companion for eight years. Despite being a “mama’s boy,” Sammy feigns indifference when it comes to Wodak’s accomplishments.
Life for Sammy revolves around roughhousing in the garden with Wodak’s foster cat, Feeona, and hurling Bluetooth speakers off counters on a whim.
Sammy does, however, encourage everyone to cheer Wodak on during the 10,000 metre event in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12. What does Sammy consider his greatest achievement?
Probably that day last summer when he caught a mouse and brought it into the house and dropped it in front of me — and we couldn’t find it for the next 24 hours until 6 a.m. when it was running across my bedroom floor. What does Sammy consider the most overrated virtue?
Cleanliness. He doesn’t give a s--t, his litter is everywhere. “Oh look, I’ve got s--t on my paws, I don’t care, I’m going to walk on the bed now. Oh look, poo stuck to my bum, I’m going to wipe it on the floor.” What is Sammy’s most marked characteristic?
He either loves you, or won’t give you the time of day — he’s very snobby sometimes. And he’s only really affectionate with me, so he makes me feel very special. What is Sammy’s greatest fear? That his food bowl will be empty. Which talent would Sammy most like to have?
He’d like to be able to feed himself and let himself out whenever he wanted — so, to have thumbs so he could open the cupboard and the door. What is the quality Sammy most likes in a woman?
That we’re more caring, so more likely to feed him when he wants, and give in to his meowing when he wants to go outside. He’s got me wrapped around his little paws. What is Sammy’s most treasured possession?
Probably my pillow — he likes to sleep on it. What would Sammy’s favourite occupation be?
A food critic. What is Sammy’s motto?
YOLO (you only live once) — do it up!