Fattest cat in New York City

Oh no, our CAPS column has succumbed to sensational tabloid gossip! I’m sure you are expecting me to reveal the name of some hedge fund giant who has taken over Wall Street. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but the New York fat cat I’m talking about is actually a cat.

Sampson is a four-year-old Maine Coon, who weighs in at 28 pounds and is four feet long. His dad assures everyone that he isn’t fat but naturally portly. According to his dad, Sampson has a tough guy attitude because he likes to play rough and wrestle. When no one is watching, he becomes a sweet, fluffy guy who enjoys petting. You can check him out at countryliving.com/ fattest-cat.

Maine Coon cats are considered the dogs of the cat world because they enjoy the company of people. Sometimes called “gentle giants,” they are big, gentle, intelligent and playful. They have a variety of meows, chirps and trills when they talk.

There are many legends about the origins of the Maine Coon. One is they are considered a descendent of the Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings in the 11th century. They are known as Norwegian Forest cats today.

Maine Coons have very distinct features. Their eyes are round, wide set and usually green or gold. Ears are large and tufted. They have huge over sized paws and a long fluffy tail. The male averages 15 to 17 pounds, the female about 12 pounds. They may not reach their full size until they are about four years old.

Wayne and Be Be, who frequent the dog park with their dogs Inka and Rocky, share their home with a beautiful Maine Coon named Ebby Mae. They describe her as the owner of the house who not only calls the shots but lets them know where they can sit. A dog has owners but a cat has staff, and Maine Coons really know how to work it.

WHO’S WHO

Diane Peters is our cat whisperer extraordinaire. She spends time petting, playing and socializing our cats. Diane also walks dogs and helps with our Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser. Kudos to Diane for her commitment to CAPS and our community.

WHO’S NEW AT THE CAPS’ ZOO?

We have kittens! Dickon, Jane and Sally are four-month-old adorable brown tabby kitties. Not only are they really pretty and playful, but these kitties have been socialized. They do very well with other cats, and they are a blast. If you want to have fun, come out for a play date.

CAPS’ policy, however, prohibits adopting out kittens under the age of 6 months to a home with children under 5 years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

Sadly we say goodbye to T.C. Petersen, who was Rogue’s dad. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rogue’s mom will take good care of her.

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon tree of your choice. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. Be sure to get your tickets soon. The drawing date will be Sept. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win.

CAPS is always appreciative of dog food donations. As I have mentioned before, we need food that has no artificial coloring. Some examples include Iams, Purina Pro-Plan, Taste of the Wild, and Nature’s Recipe.

CAPS will be at Walmart on Sept. 24 along with Ki at our Kissin’ Booth. Please come by and give our boy a big hug and kiss. We have caps, short-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers. You can also pre-order the 2017 Happy Endings Calendar.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89406. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society).

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.