Hamish was born on the 13th of January 2003 at Mirkwood Cattery, Wanneroo, Perth Western Australia.
Jeanne Wheeler was HamishÕs breeder and was the only person in WA at that time who bred Selkirks. Thanks to Jeanne for my beautiful boy.
I was keen to adopt a Selkirk Cat after seeing a ÒRoad TestÓ of the breed on BurkeÕs Backyard. My impression of a Selkirk were that they were placid, and lap loving cats. Little did I know that Hamish was going to be a cat with ÒCharacterÓ and was going to put his own personal stamp on what a Selkirk ÒshouldÓ be!!
Hamish stood out from the crowd from the moment I laid eyes on him. His brothers all had black curly fur, where as Hamish had black tipped, blue, straight fur.
I was informed by Jeanne that when Hamish grew up he would look very much like a British Shorthair Cat. I had no idea what a British Shorthair looked like but I thought that must be good thing.
His interest in playing soccer with a ping pong ball started in Kittenhood. The first day I met Hamish he showed great skill and control over the ball for such a young player. He was not afraid to take on the role as captain, and to show his brotherÕs how the game should be played. His short legs have proved an assset to the game as he is able to get down low and keep the ball close to his chest. One of his favourite moves is to act like a chicken and sit on the ball, in order to fool the opposition into thinking the ball has gone out of play.
Hamish has several endearments, from Haymers to Haymie, Pumpkin and Tinker. He seems to respond better to Haymers but that is dependant on how busy he is with his Royal duties.
Hamish was knighted for his services to Funky Cat Furniture and at official occasions he is known as Sir Hamish of the Hollows. Sir HamishÕs subjects have frequently seen him viewing his kingdom from the top of his Funky Hollow. Rarely has he had to clear the ramparts of invaders, word has got around that Sir Hamish is not to be crossed.
Sir Hamish is fond of his newly built country residence which is known as an ÒenclosureÓ. It has a secret tunnel that only his royal paws can be walked upon. The ÒenclosureÓ is fitted with royal black outdoor carpet and a hammock from which he can lie on and view his royal gardens.
Hamish has had a varied life to date and has tried out various activities which include parading at Cat Shows, (he soon tired of that, once he had a few Rosettes under his kilt), walking on a harness and leash, (he thought he would leave that to the dogs) and attacking the human species (he found out that they were not that bad after all or was that due to the medicine he was given?) Hamish continues to be involved in inspecting cardboard boxes and takes his duties seriously. He also keeps his hunting skills well tuned by chasing and catching flies, and has kept the soft toy population in check by frequently giving them a good licking and dishing out any bunny kicks that might be required.
Hamish can be a very busy feline and getting enough rest is paramount. He is grateful in that he has experienced no problems in relaxing. As a kitten, he soon mastered the art of lying belly up, whether it be on the floor, a magazine rack, a blanket or a doona.
Winter can be rather chilly, as it can when the air conditioning is switched on. He has discovered that a human lap can provide a constant source of warmth and should be utilised at every opportunity, even when they are trying to eat dinner.
Hamish can be a mischievous cheeky monkey and has me roaring with laughter at some of his antics which include him looking intently at a "phantom" insects, waiting until I get up to find out what he is doing, then running away, wanting me to chase him!
I love Hamish with all my heart and nothing can beat the unconditional love he gives me in return. Love you Heaps Haymers, Helen x
