Dragon’s Lair has always had a shop cat since I first started going there in 1994 and it was just a big house in Hyde Park. After Mayday passed away, I can’t remember if it was pre-, during or post-COVID, the current owners waiting a long time before replacing her. Then they adopted a pair of tortoise-shells but for months they preferred to hang out in the office, lounging on their spacious towers, taunting us humans via the window. I bet they really enjoy patrolling the store when its closed, going wherever they please.
Today, one was hanging out on a table. I calmly approached her, let her see my hands, let her sniff them to detect my five cats and then she was cool. She enjoyed the petting even if I couldn’t hear any audible purring. She does make it difficult to take her photo if you want one with her face directly looking at you. I’m glad they chose this type of cat, I’m not sure they’re a breed, I figured the name is just for the coloring since tortoise-shells can have long or short hair, standard or flat faces and their size varies from my tiny Isis (under 10 pounds) to huge (I’m talking Mane Coon which can be around 30 pounds). I do hope this kitty will let me visit her more. I know not to pick her up like my monsters. Shop cats are always on duty, they don’t have time for frivolous attention from us dumb humans.