Where, with whom and how do you live?
I live in a nice apartment in Zwijndrecht, which is a small and quiet village ten minutes’ drive from Rotterdam. And I am really happy there, because I live in a quiet street with little traffic and a view of beautiful greenery. I used to live there with my dogs. I trained them and my mother babysat when I was at work. But unfortunately my mother passed away in 2018 and my last dog a month later. A sad time that was. It was immediately very quiet in the house.
And then Kenzo came into your life?
Yes, my son and daughter-in-law arranged that for me. My son didn’t want me to get lonely and he knows I love taking care of animals. That’s why he put me in touch with Kenzo’s first owner. The fact that my son – my great friend and hero – did that for me makes Kenzo even more special than he already is.
How did that first meeting go?
Kenzo’s owner at the time told me it was a stubborn animal – beautiful to look at, but otherwise shy and not playful. Not very nice actually. But when I came to meet him, none of that turned out to be true! I sat down on the floor and Kenzo came running to me, crawled on my lap and then let me cuddle him. We immediately clicked – a real match made in heaven. I also took him home immediately!
You just told me that Kenzo is special. Why is that?
Kenzo was already two years old when he came to live with me. He really is a big boy, because even for a Norwegian he is tall with more than ten kilos. So we first had to get to know each other and learn to trust each other. But that worked out really well, because we are good friends and Kenzo feels at home with me. And I would like that too – here he can be himself, with all his crazy character traits and flaws.
Crazy character traits?
Yes, it really is a nice crazy animal. For example, he loves water and loves to shower with me. And when I have already finished showering, he just rolls extensively through the puddle of water that is still there. He’s also a bit of a clumsy klutz every now and then. Sometimes he takes a run up to jump on the kitchen counter and then makes a mistake in estimating the distance. I always laugh terribly loud when that happens, but Kenzo thinks that is strange. He looks at me very arrogantly, like:” What are you laughing at? “I love that.
Oh yes, I sometimes feel soft taps on my head when I sit on the couch at night watching TV. That is Kenzo who is behind the sofa and indicates that he is in the mood for treats. He is so big that it can easily reach my head with its paws.
Does he sometimes lie with you on the couch?
Yes, Kenzo actually comes up against me on the couch every night. And he loves that, because he loves to cuddle and cuddle. But since I bought him a new large scratching post, I find him there every day too. He really likes everything about it: the baskets, the hammocks, the play rope and the extra thick scratching trunks. Everything is used.
And have you ever lost him?
Kenzo really only comes outside when I’m sitting on my patio myself. Otherwise he is an indoor cat, so fortunately I have never really lost him. But a while ago I really couldn’t find him. I searched the whole house and finally found him in my closet – in a basket of bras, t-shirts and sweaters. There he was snoring delightfully.
Can we say that you love cats?
Yes, but I actually love anything living. I did as a child. Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish and birds – I took everything home with me. So my motto is: every animal that comes in is allowed to grow old with me. And Kenzo of course makes it very easy for me. He is funny, sociable and incredibly sweet. And he really is a beautiful animal to see.
Jeannette bought scratch post Vista 180 Grey (now Vista 170) for Kenzo, because it is nice and high, sturdy and perfect for large cat breeds.
Meet Frostie, Hatchi and their owner Sigrid
Disclaimer: Petrebels does not consist of veterinarians or behavioral experts: all content, information and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and inform you. Does your cat have complaints or problems and do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Then always go to the vet or a behavioral expert.
