Meet one of the cutest cats on campus: Monguito Francine, or Monguito, for short. Monguito is owned by Kyleigh Dietrich, a first-year graphic design major at Elizabethtown College.
Monguito Francine may be considered an odd name, but Dietrich said it came to her out of thin air and just stuck. Over time, Monguito has collected a few nicknames, such as Guit Guit and Mondingo.
Monguito is a multicolored tabby with gray fur, black stripes and a white underbelly and face. Her stripes are almost tiger-like, which is very misleading considering her social personality. Among her many adorable qualities, Dietrich said her favorite is Monguito’s striking green eyes.
Monguito and Dietrich have been best friends since Dec. 16, 2020. However, Monguito is new to campus as of the Spring 2026 semester. Living away from home can be lonely, but having a familiar face can make all the difference. Since arriving, Monguito has become more than just a pet, she’s become a friend to greet Dietrich after a long day or fill the role of cuddle buddy when watching a show together.
While she’s a little bit nervous and still adjusting to campus, she has already endeared herself in the hearts of many, both on and off campus, including Dietrich’s roommate, family at home, Dietrich’s partner and several of her friends.
“Monguito is a sociable and talkative feline who is not afraid to show her feelings,” Dietrich said. “When in the presence of others, she is not afraid to show her bubbly personality.”
One of Monguito’s most loveable quirks is rolling on her back and “talking” loudly.
“She’s very vocal about everything,” Dietrich said.
One reason Dietrich would like to live in a dorm with thicker walls is due to Monguito’s loud personality. She’s worried that her expressive cat will keep others awake and distract them from doing assignments.
Many pets are particular about how they want things, Monguito is no different. Another quirk of Monguito’s is her biggest pet peeve.
“She does not enjoy being picked up when she is in the process of rolling on the floor,” Dietrich said.
Aside from expressing her feelings frequently and rolling around on the floor, Monguito lives a relatively quiet lifestyle. She isn’t one to pounce on a mouse toy or chase a laser, instead, she likes to make her own fun by rubbing against the corners of boxes, furniture or her loving owner’s legs and hands.
When Monguito seeks out Dietrich over a piece of furniture, Dietrich said they both love when Monguito presses her face against her leg or hand. Dietrich gets to pet an adorable furry friend and Monguito gets the attention she feels that she deserves.
“Monguito meows for attention,” Dietrich said. “She is loved though, attention seeking, for sure.”
Although Monguito is relatively new to campus, she’s already made a lasting impression on those around her. Whether she is rolling across the floor, singing to Dietrich with meows or cuddling with her, she makes life on campus brighter.
