VILLAGE PET PAGES

Betty

By Joy and Brian Pape

Little Betty the cat on her Big City stroll on Pier 45! Photos by Morgan.

We meet many of the Village pets (mostly dogs) you read about while out and about—but it’s not so easy to meet cats. So, on a cold day we were excited to meet Morgan and her lovely cat, Betty, on Pier 45 looking over the Hudson River.

Is this your first cat?
I’ve had a few family cats but I consider Betty my first pet. I knew a cat was the most practical companion for me living in the city. We are alike in so many ways, I really believe she was made for me – like my offspring, LOL!

Why did you choose Betty?
Like so many others, I have an allergy to cat dander. I needed to be as sure as possible that the animal I was bringing into my life would not affect my own health or impact others visiting with us. I researched hypoallergenic, or at least lower allergenic breeds, and landed on a Siberian cat. They are substantially sized, gorgeous, and very smart.

Why did you choose the name Betty?
I learned that there were ‘golden’ coats of cats. I thought they were the most beautiful looking animals. I used to live in South Africa, and they have such a similar coloration to African lions. This had me reminiscing on my many visits to the bush, and memories from that chapter of my life. I knew I wanted a golden girl. When I found her, it felt appropriate to name her Betty, after the iconic golden girl, Betty White!

Where did you get Betty?
While I am an avid supporter of adopting animals and know how many shelters are in need, the animals that are born in a breeding environment are also in need of a forever home. I had lots of trouble finding a trusted breeder. Many will cross-breed their animals, breeding an allergenic litter and scamming pet parents. I finally found Betty through a trusted Siberian breeder in Bethlehem, Connecticut. It was love at first sight! I picked up Betty when she was two months old and weighed 1.8 lbs. She is now 9 lbs. Female Siberian cats can weigh up to 13 lbs. and typically continue to grow until they are 5 years old. Betty had her first birthday on February 2 and is a true Aquarius.

Where is her favorite place to go?
Betty loves to explore anywhere she hasn’t been before! She loves to watch birds or squirrels or hunt down flies in the grass. We are usually on the West Side Highway’s Christopher St. Pier, but I take her to different locations along the highway to keep her enrichment high.

Betty loves to hang out at cafes and restaurants!

What does Betty like to do most?
Betty loves to lead the way! I allow her to explore as she wants. She loves watching birds, often mimicking their calls and hoping they will give her some attention. When we are at home, Betty loves to patrol the floors and halls of my apartment building. She loves to observe and is very friendly with our neighbors both humans and dogs alike! She is also a big fan of hide-and-seek. We trade-off who hides and will spook each other when we finally find each other – it’s so fun!

What are Betty’s favorite foods and toys?
Betty is a huge fan of squeeze treats. I try to stick to brands made with natural ingredients and no fillers. She is simple when it comes to toys, her favorite right now is a cat dancer. She enjoys hunting down the rolled cardboard pieces while I scurry it around my apartment.

Does she get along with other cats?
Betty has not had the pleasure of playing with other cats but she gets along great with dogs, kids and other humans. Once I have a larger apartment, I will absolutely find a sibling for Betty.

Is there anything about Betty that annoys you?
I wish she cuddled with me every time I wanted her to. We do have scheduled morning cuddles, which I look forward to every day!