Camillo

May 4, 2008 at 3:05 PM

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.