Nino and Vinnie are picture purr-fect buddies! At four months old, these two tabby kittens are in their kitten “prime” and are more fun to watch than any comedy movie or television show. Whether it’s chasing toys, flies or each other, there’s never a dull moment with these two. But, as is typical with kittens, the play is fast and furious for about half and hour and then it’s time for a long nap…preferably together!
Purr-fect buddies
Nino and Vinnie met each other at the shelter. Nino arrived with his mom in May at only 3 weeks old. Staffers and visitors watched as he grew from a tiny sprout into a handsome red tabby with unusual spots, stripes and swirls. By the time Vinnie arrived in July, Nino already “knew the ropes” and helped Vinnie adjust to his new surroundings in the Kitty Kresh, the “creche” area in the Cat Palace where kittens reside until they are old enough to venture out into the main area. Vinnie was a quick study and the two of them graduated to the palace by the end of July.
Red and Mackarel Tabby
While Nino is a “red” tabby, Vinnie is a classic mackerel tabby. Mackerel tabby markings closely correspond to the patterns seen on African wild cats and are more reminiscent of the domestic cat’s origins. Mackerel tabbies have narrow striped rings around their tail and legs, solid or broken stripes down their sides and one or more ‘necklaces’ on the front of their chests. Some say that tabby cat personalities are distinct from other cats in the sense that they have a more “dog-like” personality. Tabby cats love to play and explore, they’ll follow you around like a puppy and some will even teach their humans to play fetch. Many consider tabbies more intelligent than other types. They are amusing, clever, warmly affectionate and make wonderful companions.
Classic M
Both Vinnie and Nino have the classic “M” on their foreheads that all tabbies carry. There are several legends about how tabby cats got their “M.” The most popular of these states that when the baby Jesus was lying in the manger he started to shiver with the cold. Mary covered him with blankets but still he kept shivering. Mary then asked all the animals to move closer so that their body heat would warm Jesus. The animals stood as close as they could but the baby Jesus remained cold and shivering. After a time a small cat with tabby markings jumped into the manger and snuggled next to Jesus. Before long the baby stopped shivering and was warm and sound asleep. In gratitude to the tabby, Mary made the mark of her own initial on the cat’s forehead so that tabby cats will forever remind the world of how they saved Jesus from the cold.
Legend
A legend from the Islamic world tells that Mohammed had a tabby called Muezza who once saved his master’s life by slaying a snake that had crawled up Mohammed’s sleeve. Later, when it was time to attend prayers Muezza had fallen asleep in the sleeve, so to avoid disturbing him, Mohammed cut the sleeve from his garment. From that day on all tabbies were born with the ‘M’ marking to remind everyone that Mohammed loved cats and that cats should always be respected.
Nino and Vinnie are ready to fill your life and your heart with fun and affection. They are available for adoption as a pair or individually. Come by the Animal Shelter Bonaire and meet this fun pair and all the other residents, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. non-stop, Kaminda Lagun 26.
