Meet Ume
Ume’s foster has this to say about her: “Miss Ume Plum Blossom is a VERY unique little creature. She came to SCAT in 2021 at the age of one. In poor condition, she required a battery of vet visits and diagnostics but overall results showed no illness. However, after being trapped, treated, tested, etc., she had an intense fear of being touched. She may freeze, shut down, skitter away.
She’s only swatted and hissed at us (current fosters) a couple of times in 6 months and never made contact or attempted to bite. She may not have been socialized as a kitten; but now she’s accepting full body pets. Recently, she shocked herself with her first purrs, elevator butt, and even a “brrrrrrrp”! If I lean in, she’ll give me a nose sniff, whisker tickles, and a soft little purr-purr. She gets so excited for nap time and now curls up with her little paws and chin on me and if you chat with her she’ll chat back and give the loviest slow blinks. The most exciting update - I’ve been able to pick her up and hold her.
Ume has a condition known as Nystagmus. It refers to involuntary eye movement, in her case it can be a small vibration or, when nervous, a more distinct back and forth motion. Her eyes are also a little lazy at times, exotropia type - meaning they turn outwards. Although it sounds serious, these are common traits in Siamese and Himalayan blue-eyed cats. It does not require treatment and frankly…it’s adorable.
What does this mean for Ume? She isn’t blind, but has impaired vision. She appears to be sensitive to really bright light and isn’t as confident in low light. I believe this may have played a large role in her previous self-isolation. Yet it’s hard not to stare, her eyes are gorgeous.
Ume was transferred to us in June and has been blossoming; once the shell opened, the silliest nut popped out and has been entertaining us ever since. She’s curious, likes to be involved in household matters, and follows us. She’s playful, keeps herself busy with toys and scratch posts and adores catnip. One day, ears went back, tail came up, and we got our first taste of U-may Zoo-mays. She bounces a few steps, will ever-so-carefully jump a few levels of her cat tree, scratch attack on her post, carefully hop down, then sprints. Her eyesight makes her very cautious. No jumping on counters for this lil one, but she bounces around with joy while playing.
Our resident cat bullies Ume a bit. She wants to stalk and play, while Ume prefers to do that at a distance. Ume doesn’t hide from her, us, or strangers. She’s met kids and a dog; she has a few spots where she can watch. She will likely do best with a cat who isn’t as interested in play, or as the only cat.
Check out my Instagram page for videos of this delightful, mysterious, patchwork piece of living art. @carlykat_fosters”
About Me
Sex: Female
Breed: DSH
Colour/Pattern: Brown/beige point
Birthday: October 27, 2020
Likes: Wand toys, catnip, snack time, soft fuzzy ball toys, rolling around, being in the middle of things
Dislikes: Touching, being pounced on by her housemate, fast approaching humans, not being able to find her toys (and she will tell you - “Hello? Hello? Halp?”)
An ideal home would have: A loving and understanding home
Good with cats: Dependant on the particular cat
Good with dogs: Tolerates
Good with children: Tolerates
Would this kitty enjoy a companion?: Unknown
If you are interested in adopting please click here to fill out an adoption application, or email contact@streetcat.ca if you want more information on this or any other available cat