“Hi! Come in, come in! I love people, not too many, not too much. I greet you. I sniff you. That’s how cats learn who and what you are. Ah, yes – who am I? I am Willemijn, likely named for a Dutch opera star. Pronounce it ‘Will – uh – mein’ – sort of like chow mein but not. And, no, I’m not edible! I am, however, fluffy and friendly – although I’d rather that you not try to pick me up. Makes me feel trapped. Maybe when we really get to know each other – and we will, won’t we?”

“You may pet me, please. I am affectionate, but don’t try rough stuff with me, OK? I am a cat, and I do have teeth. You may sniff me if you’d like – how else will you understand me? I feel safe enough with you to stop and eat a few munchies. I think I’d like to study you further. I sniff your arm. I sniff your feet – uh, oh, I smell other cats! I sniff your stuff – other cats on it, too! Person, I think you spend too much time hanging out with cats!”

“Have you noticed my remarkable eyes? I say they are opals – light lime green with random patches of light brown. I’ve looked at myself in the window – I am fascinated with my own eyes. They see you – they see me – and they are true jewels. Look into my eyes and see infinity. Look into my eyes and see the strong self-sufficient Willemijn to whom they belong. You have noticed my long tortie fur, too, right?”

“I like you. I like people who understand that cats are not people – and people are not cats. I like people who respect me and my sister felines – even though, to tell the truth, I don’t like most of them all that much. But I respect them – I surely do. I’d like to go with you – give your home a good sniffing – see what you’re made of and what you eat. Would you like to take me with you?”

“Come to Feline Rescue, and bring $120, and we can do it! Just one thing: you aren’t buying me. You are paying my room and board. Willemijn owns Willemijn. She would be proud and pleased to share herself with you – her forever people!”