Tag: Cats of University Heights

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The Cats of University Heights: Tsuki

At one home, three kitties once lived: Booger (who was hit by a car in November 2017); Sebastian (who vanished in October 2022, possibly by coyote); and Ash (whose status I don’t know; my last photo of him is Feb. 8, 2023).

Few months ago, a Calico appeared but inside the home rather than roaming the lush yard. Presumably, with recent surge of cat disappearances in the neighborhood, the owners choose to keep her indoors—oh, but with great vantage to the outdoors. She is the one-hundred-thirteenth feline found behind door or window since the series‘ start in October 2016.

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The Cats of University Heights: Moonpie

Along a Mississippi alley, I spotted this fine feline on June 2, 2023. This rascal is the one-hundred-twelfth furball found behind door or window since the series‘ start in October 2016. Believe it or not, the animal is on the second floor.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 160, 1/125 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 7:38 p.m. PDT. What nickname shall we give? How about Moonpie.

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The Cats of University Heights: Twilight Twins

For several years, I have sought photos of one or both blacks that stay to the back of a cottage complex on Florida Street. But the shorthairs are always too far away. Then, unexpectedly, on June 10, 2023, while walking along the alley behind, I passed by the open back gate and there they were.

Problem: Timing and equipment. Deep dusk had already set in, with buildings blocking the last rays before official sunset at 7:56 p.m. PDT. The Featured Image is one-minute earlier. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can be prepped for such night shooting but wasn’t—and I needed to be quick on the shutter.

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The (Honorary) Cats of University Heights: Liberty

While walking along 30th Street in North Park, today, I came upon a San Diego police cruiser coming to a parked stop. As an officer climbed out of the vehicle, I coincidentally spied a white cat in the grassy courtyard of a connected-cottage complex. I thought to take a quick photo, but the cop approached and I chose otherwise.

He opened the gate and entered the same property! I couldn’t resist, pulling out Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and turning back. I peaked through the fence expecting to see space where was the beastie. But no, the white was still there, and the policeman stood a short distance away knocking on someone’s door. This was no scaredy cat!

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The Cats of University Heights: Nickel

After a long hiatus, Alabama returns to grace us with another kitty. This black-fur is the ninety-sixth feline from the street, between boundaries Adams and Lincoln, to appear in the series since its start in October 2016.

My neighbor Pat lives on the property, where once was the rusted Triumph Spitfire (the vehicle is gone now). He is nearly blind but nevertheless hardworking. Pat collects cans and bottles around the East side of Park Blvd. Most of the redeemables are face value five cents, although the redemptions are typically paid by weight (which means less).

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The Cats of University Heights: Mickey

While walking together today, my wife and I came upon Mr. Frankie, enjoying some sun with his owner. But they weren’t alone! Housemate Mickey was outside with them. She is two years old and joined the family at four months. By the way, Mr. Frankie just celebrated his fourth birthday.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to capture the Featured Image and companion. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 64, 1/120 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 3:46 p.m. PDT. Second shot: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/2900 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 3:45 p.m.

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The Cats of University Heights: Mouser

The problem with black pusses is identification. Is this shorthair Noire, who has consistently appeared in a nearby property? In more than a year of walking this stretch of Mississippi Street, I have never seen any kitty on these premises—until this May 1, 2023 sighting.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra‘s 10x optical zoom to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 50, 1/250 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 4:39 p.m. PDT. Does this cat look like a mouser to you? The beastie does to me—hence the nickname.

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The Cats of University Heights: Cuddles, Too

As my wife and I walked along Cleveland Avenue today, I spotted a tan shorthair on the other side of the street. We crossed and were greeted by an affectionately friendly feline that I hadn’t seen before. From behind us, a man coming along with a leashed dog, said: “That’s Cuddles”. A community cat.

By day, Cuddles hangs around where we met him; one of the neighbors put out a bed for him. At night he goes to parallel Maryland to his semi-permanent home, where there is a collection of other cats he doesn’t mix well with. I know them. Our long lost mixed-Maine Coon Kuma used to visit them.

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The (Honorary) Cats of University Heights: Oliver, Too

Today, while walking in the neighborhood of Hillcrest, along University Avenue, not far from Eli’s, I came upon a tabby wearing a GPS collar. He moved with assurance, not bothered by my following and unsuccessfully taking a good photo (I got plenty of his back). As he moseyed into a parking lot, someone called “Oliver” to him and said “That’s my cat” to me.

His owner had one of those meshy cat carriers that are often worn on the back. She is former military, from Portland, Ore., and lives here—having once been stationed in San Diego. The thirty-nine-year old was refreshingly friendly, particularly considering current American society’s stereotypes of animosity and division: Woman of color and aging white male are supposed to be enemies of gender and race.

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The (Honorary) Cats of University Heights: Floofy

Members of the Honorary contingent belong to a special group: twenty-three profiles (including this one) out of 535 since the series started on Oct. 17, 2016. By definition, these animals live outside the neighborhood boundaries, but usually not more than a few blocks.

But three are far beyond, and the farthest share something in common: Our daughter. Moophie lived nearby one of her apartments. Comber was seen in Pacific Beach, after my wife and I visited our girl in the community on Christmas day. Today’s kitty appeared nearby the hospital where our daughter recovers from a tragic, life-changing incident.

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The Cats of University Heights: Bristle

From the door we go to the window: Different resident owners and different wonderous pets. In August 2019, we met Misty, during her last days living in an apartment listed for rent. Same flat, on Jan. 21, 2023, a seemingly scowling tabby looks onto the world where he (or she) cannot go. That’s lucky, too, because it’s pup season and more coyotes hunt the neighborhood streets than is typical. These are dangerous nights (and days) for any of the scrawny scavengers’ potential prey. This situation also partially explains why so many of our recent profiles are indoor kitties.

The Featured Image comes from Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 40, 1/900 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 3:16 p.m. PST. For perceived manner and fur coloration that reminds me of a brush, this fine feline earns nickname Bristle.