Cat of the Month, February 2019: Mudhoney
Mudhoney, a nearly 6-month-old shorthair tortoiseshell kitten, is the delightful surprise that came to stay. And we are delighted to have selected this cutie as our February Rainier Veterinary Hospital Cat of the Month.
This little bundle of energy was originally named Turbo due to her speed as she zipped around the house. Later, she became Mud and then Mud Puddle since her coat, well, looks like a mud puddle. Mom, of course, had the final say. Connie Watts (aka Mom) is a fan of the ’90s Seattle music scene, Mud finally morphed into Mudhoney.
Regardless of what her official name is, she has tons of nicknames—like Muddy, Little, even “%$*itten.” (She’s a typical tortie with “tortitude,” so the latter name works from time to time, Connie says.)
How Mudhoney ended up with her new family was definitely the surprise part: She was born in September 2018 right inside the family home. When Connie’s stepdaughter temporarily moved back home from out of state, she brought along her new cat who, unbeknownst to her, had become pregnant before the move. The kids were afraid to tell the family about the kittens so they kept the babies a secret until they were finally discovered. With the “cat out of the bag,” as they say, the family then actively found new forever homes for Mudhoney’s two siblings. Mudhoney, though, had stolen the hearts of her new family, so she was there to stay.
Now the youngest of three cats, Mudhoney has taken to learning all that she can from one of her new, older siblings, who show her the best way to be a cat. Mudhoney also has a dog brother, a cockatiel brother, and two lizard sisters in addition to all the humans (three kids, two parents). Quite the happy, busy family!
While Mudhoney loves all the fellow pets, she truly LOVES her toys—crunchy sparkle balls catnip mice, and, of course, boxes and paper bags. All of these lead to good times for this sweet kitty.
“She is always either completely busy and wild OR asleep,” Connie says. “Her new thing is that she’s excellent at fetching! I’ve had cats my entire life and I’ve never had one so good at fetch. She is mostly wild and feisty—that is until she gets tired; then she is cuddly and a love.”
Mudhoney had her first Kitten Wellness appointment with Rainier Vet not long after she joined the family (pictured at right). Here’s to a long, healthy life filled with love for Mudhoney!
About Our Cat of the Month Program
Here’s how our Cat of the Month program works: Each staff member provides a nomination for the distinguished honor, and then we vote. The highest vote wins! Any kitty patients who visit us during the prior month are eligible.
