In a wicker handbasket
red velvet lined,
brought home to my husband
the kitty for who he pined.
In grief he lost his dear Oddball,
born on his father's foot.
Hardly functional overall,
with unexplained feelings hard-put.
Into the basket, Erasmus hopped,
he meowed in confirmation.
Stared me down in mechanic's shop,
my heart melted in detonation.
Born in formal wear,
so handsome bedecked and well dressed.
Pedigreed, an American Shorthair
a perfect tuxedo, my husband impressed.
He claimed two humans, not one~
kingly prince of kingdom mine.
Vocal, intelligent, intuitive son,
if he had thumbs he would live just fine.
Police car, fire hose, arresting other cats
his resume is quite long.
Antics and spousal spats,
with Pixy his mate, who is sadly gone.
Now he claims the whole bed,
blocks my way as I move room-to-room.
Attention in large doses, he's quite well fed
seems I've nursed and sealed my doom.
Above is my "sugarpuddy" my sweet well-dressed, Erasmus. we call him, "Razz" or "Razz-ma-tazz." Officially, he is registered as Erasmus Mc Keon of the Bennett Cattery. A "breeder" he sired 36 show quality kittens, before he was "retired"(neutered) in 2002.
He is now 8 years old. The background-border, is a pic of him at four weeks old. He's a complete ham with the ladies. He has even won the comfortable laps of sworn cat haters successfully. I'm 32 years old.
About the Breed:
Often confused and mistaken for their British Shorthair and 'domestic' shorthair cousins, American Shorthairs have a rather "work-a-day" appearance, regular stocky build, and no exaggerated features. The differences are distinct. British Shorthairs have rather rounded ears, and are a bit stockier, with a rounded body as well. 'Domestic' ie, the common barn or alley cat, are of many breeds, and bloodlines are hard to trace, without a DNA test. 'Domestic' are rather featherweight by comparison. The difference is (to me) rather apparent. American Shorthairs, have a distinctive 'M' on their forehead, between the eyes, but that's not the only distinction. American Shorthairs are generally 'bigger' (between 11-15 lbs. breed standard)with more rounded cheeks, and generally have the tabby pattern. They come in many colors and patterns, but only a few are allowed by judges in competition.
For more info on this breed:
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/american-sh.html
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