Cat of the Week: Esme!

Esme in her model era with the pose entitled 'when will my husband be back from the war

This week, we’re throwing it back to basics with a tabby taking the crown for Cat of the Week! Honestly, I’m a bit stunned it took this long for a tabby to claim the spotlight, but order has been restored, and here we are.

Before we delve into Esme’s journey, a quick backstory: for the past two years, I’ve been volunteering at SARA Animal Shelter in Redcar, and every week, without fail, I fall hard for one (or two) of the cats in our care. I used to keep track of my “favourite of the week” on a calendar and with countless phone pics. But my phone pleaded for mercy, so I decided to share my weekly Cat Crushes with all of you! Thus, welcome to the Cat of the Week series, where I get to show off these furry stars and maybe—just maybe—help one find their forever lap.

Flashback to Last Week's Star: Flora

Flora wishing she were back inside already

If you caught last week’s post, you met Flora—the delightfully chunky queen of sass. In classic Flora fashion, she seems even larger and a tad grumpier this week, which is probably the result of too many shelter snacks and one too many side-eyes from the other cats. When I took her out into the catio, she told me off loudly and made it clear that she’s in charge here. (Let’s just say I’m equal parts in awe and a little scared of her…).

Now, onto this week’s winner…Esme!

A tired Esme with her very tired titties

We first met the lovely Esme in early September, and she promptly surprised us all by giving birth to five kittens on September 9th! As cute as her kittens are, I think it’s safe to say Esme’s feeling a little overwhelmed by her chaotic brood. This week, we had to separate them temporarily because, well…they were getting on her last nerve. Esme’s got this classic “I love you but please give me five minutes” mom vibe—she misses her little rascals when they’re not around but needs a moment to breathe when they are.

When I was cleaning out the pens this weekend, Esme kept us entertained with her dramatic serenades, constantly meowing as if she were calling her kittens back to her, then turning to us for some well-deserved attention. It’s clear she has a lot to say, and we’re here to listen!

Esme showing she runs the cattery by intimidating Manuel (black and white) with just a look

Stay tuned to see if Esme and her kittens can repair their family, and in the meantime, keep her in mind if you’re looking for a sweet tabby with just the right amount of post-natal regret and star power.