Camillo is my chat de gouttière, my domestic short-haired orange tabby, and the oldest of my cats at nearly 9 years. He is clearly and undoubtedly the Alpha cat personality of my boys. True to the Alpha type, Camillo is curious, independent and smart, no, scarey-smart, as I always say. He's almost psychic in the way he can quickly discern my moods and interpret my body language. You can tell from his intense gaze at the photo to the left (it's almost like his stare burns right through you) that he is sussing you out.
Alphas are not for the faint-hearted. It's not that they don't love you; I know Camillo truly loves me and is bonded strongly to me (I sometimes wonder if, of the three boys, he would actually fall into a depression if something were to happen to me and I would not be around for him), he will find ways to manipulate me to get what he wants. Alphas are curious enough to figure out how to open doors and cabinets. Camillo has learned to jump up to the front door handle and put his weight on it to open the door, and I have resorted to taping some cabinet and wardrobe doors shut. He has a "vocabulary" of about 20 words (including a few choice Italian words!) and has been intuitive enough to "know" which of the past visitors to his home were toxic to his Mummy (and he wasn't shy to let them know either).
Camillo is also impatient. He won't hesitate biting or scratching if he's had enough caresses (he also has mild hyperesthesia syndrome, commonly called Rippling Skin Disorder) and he does have a fiery temper. He is also the bravest of the three cats and has been quick to come to my defense. I am also convinced that he is truly psychic and has healing ability, which I will cover at another time. He is my hero kitty.
Alphas are not for the faint-hearted. It's not that they don't love you; I know Camillo truly loves me and is bonded strongly to me (I sometimes wonder if, of the three boys, he would actually fall into a depression if something were to happen to me and I would not be around for him), he will find ways to manipulate me to get what he wants. Alphas are curious enough to figure out how to open doors and cabinets. Camillo has learned to jump up to the front door handle and put his weight on it to open the door, and I have resorted to taping some cabinet and wardrobe doors shut. He has a "vocabulary" of about 20 words (including a few choice Italian words!) and has been intuitive enough to "know" which of the past visitors to his home were toxic to his Mummy (and he wasn't shy to let them know either).
Camillo is also impatient. He won't hesitate biting or scratching if he's had enough caresses (he also has mild hyperesthesia syndrome, commonly called Rippling Skin Disorder) and he does have a fiery temper. He is also the bravest of the three cats and has been quick to come to my defense. I am also convinced that he is truly psychic and has healing ability, which I will cover at another time. He is my hero kitty.
Figaro - "Fig" for short - is Olaf's older half-brother. True to the Beta cat personality type, Fig loves companionship and is usually the first to meet visitors. Beta cats are what are usually described as dog-like because they follow their humans around, much like Figgy does. He comes when called and loves to engage in "conversation" with me. All my cats love me, but Fig is the most demonstrative, and is prone to giving headbutts and appears to be the happiest of the three boys. Well, I like to think they all three are happy but Fig will actually jump, wiggle and chirp his pleasure! When most folks look for Skogkatts to adopt, it is this bouncy, happy personality that they are looking for, and Fig is the best Skogkatt stereotype!
If Fig has a flaw, it is that he is getting a little pudgy. He does like to munch, particularly when he gets bored. I have tried to cut down on the kibble and limit the boys' meals to wet food for breakfast and wet again for dinner, with just a bit of the dry stuff out for a midday snack, but I think Fig practically inhales the kibble when he goes for his snacks.
If Fig has a flaw, it is that he is getting a little pudgy. He does like to munch, particularly when he gets bored. I have tried to cut down on the kibble and limit the boys' meals to wet food for breakfast and wet again for dinner, with just a bit of the dry stuff out for a midday snack, but I think Fig practically inhales the kibble when he goes for his snacks.
Despite all of Olaf's disabilities, he is a sweet but dignified boy. His pedigree name is actually Magnus Olaf von Skara Brae, so I call him "Prince Olaf". "Fafaf" for short because he is so cottony fluffy. He has the Gamma personality of my three boys, so he is the most timid and quiet of them. That's probably due to his deafness though. He is still very sweet but is not as frequently and openly solicitous as his older half-brother Fig.
What his lovely about my Prince is how much he loves to be caressed and fussed over when he does solicit attention. He has an endearing habit of wanting me to lay down a little white towel in the bathroom sink (his blankie) so that he can take his morning nap.
I hope and pray that I have many healthy, long years with my sensitive little boy.
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