It was a beautiful, hot summer day in East Texas. I was in my late twenties. I was still living at home. At least once a week, my mom took me, my younger brother, and my sister to Lake Daingerfield in Morris County.
My youngest brother grew tired of swimming at some point, so he struck out to walk around the lake. I was too busy enjoying myself. Swimming in the lake. I don’t know how long my brother was gone.
Chosen by an orange Tomcat
He was walking the trail around the lake when he heard the mewing. Minutes later, he heard the sounds of a cat crashing through the brush. The first thing my brother saw was a long, bushy orange tail that curved into a question mark. A lost cat found its new family.
We had a black cat named “Midnight” and a Doberman named “Barney.” Midnight felt cool as long as he remained alone. “Barney the Vicious” Doberman was willing to be friends with anyone cool with him. “Perry” fit right in.
Perry and Barney, best of friends
After a year in East Texas, we decided to pack and head to Florida. We rented a place with a fenced-in backyard. Barney and Perry would be outside. Perry would head to the middle of the yard. He would yowl. He would fall onto his side.
Barney would come running. He would run his long nose all over Perry. Slobbering and licking the cat’s orange coat. Perry would take it for a minute, then he would swat Barney across the nose. It was the start of one of many rounds of “Tag” they played throughout the day.
He loved everyone; he would plop down and roll on his back for belly rubs
Perry wasn’t shy. He never met a stranger. He loved laps and strokes of his fur. My family had so many cats and dogs in our lives; they all were special in their own way, but Perry was in a category of his own.
We were always animal lovers. We loved Perry. He didn’t waste time endearing himself. Researchers link cat personalities and fur colors. Orange cats are one of the most talkative breeds.
He made himself known and demanded attention
Perry mewed and purred loudly. He had to have attention from a human or his dog, our Doberman. He wasn’t neutered, so he always fought outside and engaged in what tomcats are known for doing. He was a lot of fun to watch.
Perry loved my brother. They slept in the same bed and stuck close to each other whenever my brother was home. Perry was the most outgoing and affectionate cat I had ever seen. He loved everyone.
It’s in their genes; they’re born cool
Most orange cats are male. They owe their color to a specific gene called the “O” gene. The “O” gene. The gene also handles certain behaviors. Their sociability and temperament. I saw it up close. Orange cats are chill and fun to have around.
Orange cats are so friendly and chill. It’s not uncommon to read about orange cats and zoo animals becoming best buds. A quick Instagram search found a few real videos; the reader will need to search through the AI dreck to find them.
They’re so chill, they make friends at zoos
It’s not just orange cats; cats of different colors and breeds have been known to befriend zoo animals.
I don’t know what adventures Perry had before he joined our family. I can see him making friends in a zoo, on a farm, or anywhere else.
Final Thought:
All cats are cool, but orange cats may be the most relaxed house cats. They have a genetic predisposition toward being male. Perry came into my family’s life forty years ago, and he wasn’t with us long, but he made an impression. If you love cats, adopt an orange one. They’re the sweetest, most chill cats you will ever love.
Lawson Wallace is a freelance writer specializing in Resumes, cover letters, blog posts, and emails. lawsonwallacewrites@outlook.com
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