Chaos Critter: Family Profile - Aki

Aki is ready to take on the world, while we're at Superstars Writing. Discover the secret life of the senior Chaos Critter, Aki the princess calico!

It was Superstars Writing conference this week, and who is more of a superstar than our wonderful AKI? After all, we did a poll asking for which Chaos Critter profile should be done next. Aki won! (As is only right.) She informed us it is only to be expected, because cats are best. She was the first pet that I got as an adult after I finished college, before I even meet Tod. So her being first is appropriate. Also, I figured since she won we can do the rest in Alphabetic order A to D (plus F).

Aki

• Species: Felis catus

• Breed: American Short Hair Mix

• Coat Color: calico with large orange and grey tabby patches on a white base.

• Eye Color: Yellow

• Distinctive Features: Sounds like Darth Vader when breathing.

• Temperament: Sweet, prissy, and lazy.

• Profession: Queen Napper

Who is Aki?

Aki is named after the Japanese word for Autumn. I was trying very hard to find a word that was short but also cute when I named her. She is a calico princess and I love her coloring, because it reminds me of my favorite season. Before I decided, I ended up going through a few language dictionaries. I hadn’t started studying Japanese yet, but when I saw “aki”, it just fit. Plus I liked that it was close to the way you say aquí (here) in Spanish. One always wants their kitty, here, on your lap. But as a kitten Aki liked to hide, so I often had to say “here” or “Aki, aquí!”

She is the princess, or sometimes the queen, of the family. Aki rules us from on high. Regal in a way only a calico cat can be, she’s is a tiny little thing weighing in at seven pounds.

She is getting to be up there in years, but she is still sweet and feisty in turns. She is a little particular. Aki will not eat treats from the hand, they HAVE to be put in her bowl. Before we got Crokell, Aki refused to drink from any dish that was “dirty”. She definitely tried to live up to her second name of princess. (Now, she only drinks from Crokell’s dog water. You realize, Newfies drool, right, Aki?)

What does the family think?

Well, Aki was the first so everyone knows she is in charge. They are willing to let her have the first go at all items - whether it is water, food, or treats. It is not uncommon to see two or more of the other Chaos Critters in line, waiting for her to finish drinking, so they could get water themselves.

Dante thinks she should play with him more, Crokell thinks she is a good friend, and Beleth thinks… his “big” sister needs to get out of bed more often so they can take over the world. Bwhahaha!

But then Aki thinks the rest of them have too much energy and should let her sleep in. After all naps are the best things in the world. Anyone that says otherwise is mistaken.

Aki thinks Frank can be intrusive, running around with his video camera as he works. But she’s usually sleeping up high, so Frank doesn’t usually disturb her.

What does Aki need?

Aki actually needs a lot. When I first got her from a group, she was really sick. It was sad because I had picked her out a week before and she had been in good health. But they required her to be spayed before I could take her home. However, she was just a kitten and while staying at the facility she contracted kitty herpes. I guess they didn’t notice or the surgery caused a huge flare up and when they handed her to me, she was barely breathing. I had to take her to a vet right away and then force feed her and nurse her for several weeks. She ended up with scarred nasal passages, so she sounds like Darth Vader whenever she breathes. She pretty much has had a head cold her whole life but she is still sweet.

So, in addition to daily food and water. Aki needs subcutaneous fluids three times a week. However, she is really well behaved and will let you give them to her just laying in your lap. She’ll wait for you lift your leg before heading back to her bed for a nap.

Other than that she needs pets, grooming, and regular nail trimming. Her nails get long fast and are very sleek.

Does Aki work?

No. Aki works for no one and thinks anyone that would think she would lift a toe for a treat and beg like a dog should be jailed.

She after all is a princess and that means we (all the silly monkeys) and annoying canines (including Beleth) have to cater to her whims.

She isn’t far off but she does “beg” for treats in her bowl each night. Update: She has informed me that is not begging but “demanding” her right and honest tribute.

While Tod and I work she naps. While Tod and I sleep she naps.

Basically if napping was a profession she would be queen bee, when she isn’t finding any and all unattended plastic to chew on, but that is a story for a different day.

Tod here. Aki did slip and was nice when we first got Beleth. I brought Anna home with a horrible migraine. As we walking in, Aki jumped on Beleth and held him down until we got Anna to the bed. Then Aki climbed up and guarded Anna until the migraine passed. So, she is also the guarder of naps.

Chaos Tip of the Week

Keep all plastic items under lock and key. Some calicos have an inexplicable desire to consume plastic like it's a delicacy.

Remember, every calico is unique - they come in two primary flavors: crazy sweet or absolutely bonkers. Often both. Embrace the chaos!

Critter’s Weekly Question

What's the most bizarre/expensive item your pet has ever eaten that made you question their sanity and your pet-proofing skills?