“The word cross-breed works just as well when you think about it. I understand where they get the term from, but it seems more… degrading to them, than just simply calling them a cross-breed. Considering cross-breed could mean more than just two types of cat.” Instead of just looking at the phone screen, Robert took the phone right from Summer’s hands, looking at the picture more closely. “A lovely feline. Truthfully, I don’t care too much what breed I get, as long as they’re in need of help, a good home, and I know how to take care of that certain breed.”
“I’ve never had a purebred at all. I love my kitties for their sweet stinker hearts and personalities, and I just know too damn much about how some of the breeds get fixed. Just, like … you know, one of the up and coming cat breeds is the Munchkin, the ones with the dachshund leg mutation? And I can’t stand that, actually, because there’s health problems associated with it, but nobody seems to care, it’s all about how cute they are with their little short legs. Same like Persians, with the flat faces, and those poor kitties struggle with nasal problems, and it’s just wrong.” She spread her hands, looking down into the palms. “Almost all the cats I’ve ever had have been strays or adopted animal rescue kittens — in some cases literally. Doc and Kronos were born basically on my doorstep.”
It occurred to her that she was babbling again. “Sorry. Sorry. Sometimes I get carried away talking about my furry stinkers.”
“You probably know, but every cat breed comes with health problems. It’s detecting them and taking care of them in the right way that keeps the health problem from becoming just that—a problem.” If Robert was truthful, he was pretty sure his cats weren’t purebreds either, but it sure didn’t mean he loved them any less. And so far, both had no trace of a health issue, but, that could change, and he’d be sure to bring them to a vet immediately to help them get better again. “Some people don’t pay attention to the health problems of the breeds themselves, sticking with the cute looks. But, even breeds that are better off, than say the Persians and Munchkins, have health issues of their own. So no matter what breed you get, problems can come about.”
A smile crept onto Robert’s face as Summer immediately apologized for her babbling. A shake of the head, and a larger smile was his reaction before opening his mouth. “Hey, it’s about cats. I’m good with that. In fact, I’ve been known to go on tangents about my own cats, that people have had to stop me.”
“I can’t imagine anyone would!” Summer laughed. She collected her phone back, glancing down at the screen. “Oh, shit, I didn’t realise it was that time. I can’t — I have to go. I didn’t mean to take up your time like this; I just wanted to give you the present.” Putting her hand over her heart, she gave Robert a little bow. “Happy birthday, Mr Downey.”
