When I first decided to bring a pointed British Shorthair into my life, little did I know that this adorable feline would become the center of countless amusing conversations and experiences. One of the most common remarks I receive whenever I show off my cat is, “Which ancestor of yours had a tryst with a Siamese?” It’s a humorous question that never fails to make me smile, and it perfectly captures the unique charm of my special pet.
Before my cat joined my family, the previous owner sent me some photos of it. At that time, I couldn’t help but think that this little guy looked rather scrawny with its pointed face and thin features. I remember wondering if it would ever grow into a more robust and typical British Shorthair appearance. Little did I know that its appearance was about to undergo some fascinating changes.
In early December of last year, my cat finally came home with me. The very next day, I pulled open the curtains, and it was as if it was struck with wonder when it saw its reflection in the mirror. (By the way, why was that picture upside down?) Its innocent and curious expression was simply irresistible, and it immediately melted my heart.
However, as January rolled around, in the middle of the cold winter, my cat went into heat. Without hesitation, I took it to the vet to get neutered. Every time I showed the photo taken during this time to others, it would never fail to charm all the girls. They would exclaim, “So cute! So cute! So cute!” At that moment, there were already some subtle signs of it darkening, but it was still relatively light – colored and incredibly charming.
During the pandemic, when I had to send my cat to a boarding facility, it still maintained a relatively clean and white appearance, looking rather innocent. When I picked it up in March, as the flowers were blooming and spring was in the air, I was in for a big surprise. “Who is this?” I exclaimed in disbelief. “Whose cat is this?” I couldn’t believe my eyes. It had darkened so much that it was almost unrecognizable. Because of its rather “unpresentable” appearance, I took it for a bath and gave it a deworming treatment the very next day. Although it seemed to look a tiny bit better, the change was still quite significant.
In April, I took my cat back to Wuhan. With the better lighting at home, I noticed that it started to gain weight and become rounder. Now that it was a year old, it also became more mischievous. It was no longer the scrawny kitten I first saw in the photos. Instead, it had transformed into a round and dark – colored cat, gradually taking on the appearance of a “middle – aged uncle.”
Every time I call it “Baibai,” people around me would question, “Is it white? It’s clearly gray!” But I would proudly reply, “It was very white when it was young!” Looking back on the journey with my pointed British Shorthair, its growth and transformation have been full of surprises and joys. Despite its changing appearance, it has brought me countless precious memories and filled my life with warmth and laughter. It’s not just a pet; it’s an important part of my family, and I cherish every moment spent with it.
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