April 2004 Cat Connection Winner
Voted "Cat of the Month" by The Cat Connection Shop Cats.

Owner: Teya Walkker
Name: Zemba
Breed: Bengal
Age: approximately 9 years

About the Winner
Believe it or not, our beautiful Zemba was a rescue cat. He was found wandering the streets, appeared to have been recently altered, and was suspected to be a former "stud cat" due to the nicks on his ears. He was adopted and returned 3 times to our local cat shelter by other potential owners and was labeled "difficult to adjust", and "not good with other pets".

My husband had never lived with a cat before, and despite the significant warnings we received, we fell instantly in love with him and were quite sure he was the "one" for us. I kept him separated from our older cocker spaniel, Serina, for almost four weeks. Zemba lived in my study, where I spent lots of time with him, and where I slowly introduced Serina's scent and belongings. He sprayed once on his first night and after I explained the rules and expectations, he never did it again.

When Serina and Zemba were finally introduced, it was really uneventful. They spent a lot of time together, and were genuinely affectionate and loving, with an occasional game of "chase the kitty" thrown in. Serina died two years later at age 14, and Zemba talked and howled pretty much non-stop for two months after her passing. We finally realized he was lonely for his doggie friend, so after some deliberation, we decided to bring home a rescue dog from our local Santa Barbara Cocker Rescue. Zemba is IN LOVE with our new dog, Marlowe, a young and very energetic male cocker spaniel. They sleep together, play together, kiss, rub, and all of it. It took less than one hour for the introduction. They are the fastest of friends, and he doesn't talk or howl very often now, unless we go outside and leave him.

Zemba likes to walk on his leash in our large yard. He loves to climb the trees (even on his leash) and check out all of the bird feeders (kitty entertainment units) that keep him occupied from behind the glass of our home during his day. Everyone that meets him falls in love with him. He is extremely loving and affectionate, and also extremely playful. He likes to steal pens when I am writing, and run off with them in his mouth. Sometimes he takes a pen, tunnels under one of our small area rugs, and tries to slowly sneak away with the rug on his back to "hide" himself. He also loves to put his paws in the water bowl and drink using his paw as a cup.

His fur is like silk (truly!), and he is the most remarkably intelligent cat I have ever had the privilege to "own". Of course, the truth is, he owns us.

Owner: Becky Sherman
Name: Odie
Breed: Scottish Fold
Age: 4 years

About the Winner
Odie is a four-year-old Scottish Fold from Dallas, Texas. He is laid back, loveable, and likes to greet everyone who comes to the door. His favorite pass times are eating and drinking water from the faucet. He has a three-year-old brother named Felix that he loves to play with and sleep with. Odie is a great cat with an awesome personality!

Click here to see our May contestants!