Meet Natasha, the spunky cat belonging to fourth-year Campus Life Editor Charlie Carberry! Natasha, affectionately referred to with a host of nicknames including Natasha Grace, Tasha, Kitters, Miss Thing and Sweet Pea by Carberry’s partner, is a one-year-old tortoiseshell cat brimming with personality.
“She’s super playful,” Carberry said. “Her favorite toys are the pompoms on her cat tree, but she also loves the little plastic springs.”
Natasha lives with three other cats: Goose, Ducky and Nala. Unfortunately for her, they’re much older or don’t quite share her energy, but that doesn’t stop her from chasing them around and playfully ambushing them from above.
In addition to pestering other cats for playtime, Natasha loves attention from her family.
“She’ll rub her face all over yours and chirp when she’s in a lovey mood,” Carberry said. “Her favorite place to be pet is the top of her head and her chin at the same time.” Carberry and their partner adorably refer to it as a “Natasha sandwich.”
Carberry and their partner didn’t expect to be adopting a cat, but after she was found outside near a barn and taken to the vet clinic where the cousin of Carberry’s partner works, they helped foster her. After caring for her and spending time together, they fell in love and decided to keep her.
At first, Natasha suffered from a host of medical conditions, which required her to be quarantined away from the other three cats. “She had a skin infection, upper respiratory infection, ear infection, fleas and was having seizures,” Carberry said. But with the vet’s help and by taking medication every day, she was able to recover.
Although she no longer needs medication, Natasha still has sensitive skin, so Carberry and their partner decided to wait on taking her to get the rest of her necessary shots. However, this means she’s not currently allowed outside.
“She loves the outdoors,” Carberry said. “Once she gets a bit older and gets the rest of her outdoor shots, we plan to take her on walks on a leash.”
For now, Natasha satiates her need for adventure by sitting in her favorite spot on the windowsill. In the summer, she enjoys the cool breeze and gets to watch the cars and birds outside. In the winter, it’s the perfect place to sleep with the heater close by.
Carberry describes Natasha as a “daddy’s girl,” referring to her especially close bond with their partner. “Despite claiming to not like cats or ever want a cat, he loves her so much and lets her get away with everything,” Carberry said.
Carberry also calls her a “spoiled princess,” which undoubtedly includes giving her lots of treats. She prefers hard treats and dry food because she loves the crunch.
Of course, if Natasha wants her family to spoil her, she has to let them know what she needs, but she doesn’t tend to make a lot of noise. “She doesn’t ever meow,” Carberry said. “The most she does is chirping and purring. She’s not very talkative, but she will find a way to tell you exactly what she wants.”
Since being adopted, Natasha’s vibrant personality has been a bright spot in Carberry’s life. Even though it’s still several months away, they are excited to celebrate her second birthday on Sept. 15.
