Description
Chimichanga has a rather grand full name for such a tiny cat, although most of the time he simply goes by Chimi.
Chimi was found living on the streets in poor condition. He was extremely dirty and suffering from ringworm, meaning that before he could simply enjoy being a kitten, he first needed treatment and time to recover.
Thankfully, his ringworm has now completely cleared and that uncomfortable beginning is behind him.
Chimi is currently living in foster care in a busy household with multiple cats and dogs, and he has adapted extremely well to sharing his home with other animals. Being in foster care has also given everyone the opportunity to discover just how much personality can fit inside such a small and remarkably quiet cat.
One of Chimi’s most distinctive characteristics is his voice, or rather the lack of it.
He is one of the quietest cats you are likely to meet. Chimi almost never meows and, on the rare occasion that he does decide he has something to say, his voice is so quiet that you can barely hear him.
Fortunately, Chimi has discovered plenty of other ways to make his presence known.
He is an incredibly involved little cat who wants to know exactly what his humans are doing at all times. Chimi does not appear to understand why any household activity should happen without his participation.
If you are working at the computer, Chimi wants to be there. If you are doing chores around the home, he will investigate. If you sit down, there is every possibility that he will decide your lap is now available for his use.
Personal space is not particularly high on Chimi’s list of priorities.
He loves being close to people and is extremely affectionate. He can happily spend large portions of the day sitting or sleeping on someone’s lap without becoming bored of the arrangement. For someone who genuinely wants a cat who enjoys physical closeness and being involved in daily life, Chimi has exactly that kind of personality.
His affection does not mean he spends all day sleeping, however. Chimi is also a playful little boy who thoroughly enjoys his toys.
Anything involving feathers immediately has his attention. Feather toys are his particular favourite and give him the opportunity to chase, pounce, stalk, and practise all the normal hunting behaviours that young cats enjoy. Regular interactive play will be important in his future home, both to keep him physically active and to provide appropriate stimulation for his curious mind.
Chimi also has a very important possession in his foster home: his cardboard scratching post shaped like a car.
Rather than simply using it for scratching, Chimi frequently sits inside it in a position that makes him look as though he is driving. Considering his need to be involved in everything else happening around the house, perhaps it should not be surprising that he has apparently decided he also needs his own vehicle.
Beyond being funny, his love of his cardboard car also demonstrates how important appropriate scratching areas, hiding places, toys, and enrichment will be for him. Chimi is curious and enjoys having things around the home that he can investigate and interact with.
His experience in foster care has already exposed him to the normal sounds, routines, animals, and activities of a household. He currently lives successfully alongside multiple cats and dogs, making him accustomed to sharing his environment with other animals.
What stands out most about Chimi, however, is how much he wants to share everyday life with people.
He does not need an elaborate activity to be happy. He simply wants to participate. Something as ordinary as sitting at a computer can become a joint activity once Chimi decides to settle on your lap and supervise. Household chores may gain an additional inspector, and relaxing on the sofa is unlikely to remain a solitary activity for very long.
His future family should therefore genuinely want an affectionate and involved cat. Chimi is unlikely to be someone who spends the majority of his time independently in another room. He likes knowing what his humans are doing and being physically close to them whenever possible.
After beginning his life dirty, uncomfortable, and suffering from ringworm on the streets, Chimi is now healthy, safe, socialised to home life, and surrounded by other animals in foster care.
The next thing he needs is a permanent home where his affectionate nature will be appreciated, his feather collection can continue expanding, and there will always be a lap available when his important daily responsibilities become too exhausting.
Preferably with parking space for his cardboard car.