By Seta Club
Arguably AUB’s most popular and recognizable cat, Westie is a fluffy black domestic longhair – also known as a Void Floof. She resides in the area around West Hall, to which she owes her name as well as her status as local cat celebrity: whether you’re on your way to Nicely or Bliss for classes, you’re heading to the ID center, going to a club room or event in West, or checking out the year-round booths and stands in front of the building, you’re bound to encounter Westie one way or another. And if you’re a cat lover like us, you’re in luck! Westie is a friendly girl and a huge fan of scratches and pettings – you will be a fan too the moment you sink your hand into her luscious pelage.
Westie plays an important role in SETA’s outreach program: she assumes her position on our stands as a greeter and PR operator, catching passer-by’s attention with her trademark black coat. And just like that, she has the potential to convert even the most hesitant students into cat enthusiasts, and hopefully to recruit them into the club, where they will be helping take care of Westie’s friends all around campus (and Bliss street!).
How old is Westie? Well, we’re not sure, but we have been seeing her as a fully-grown adult cat for at least five or six years, which places her in the pretty old for an outdoor cat age bracket. That’s the equivalent of 40 years in human age, so yes, you can think of Westie as a cool, mysterious middle-aged auntie who likes to hang out with her nieces and nephews (AUB students) but also has a lot of personality and sass.
The AUB community is proud of the longevity of its cats, just like Westie, and many others around campus. To support these cats’ survival into their golden years, a lot of effort is being put out by many cat lovers and animal advocates on campus. This included providing cats with acceptable food, treating them in case of illness or injury, and, as of last summer, vaccinating them against the most common diseases that, although deadly, are easily prevented using these vaccines. And of course, most importantly, the love that each of us gives to these cats, the quick pats and the long snuggle sessions, all contribute to their happiness among all the humans occupying their territory. And for that, cats like Westie will reward us with their affection, their stress-relieving vibrations, and their comical antics.