Pets of Quarantine: Maisie and Kelli
Phil Tonseth ‘22
Editor-in-Chief
After almost a year of quarantine, most people have either learned to live alone, or altered their life circumstances to find ‘safe’ friends. While Love in the Time of Corona featured how many different couples are thriving in their romantic pursuits during ‘these trying times’, this feature is for those who choose to shop an animal shelter instead of Tinder for companionship. Like this pandemic, love still lives on, so we welcome you to learn about and meet all of the new furry friends adopted during quarantine, and potentially add a new member to your own family. This is Pets of Quarantine.
This week's guests are Kelli Finnegan ’22 and Maisie, a ridiculously cute and sassy cat.
Hey ya’ll! I’ll go to you first Kelli, what inspired you to adopt?
Hi Phil! My sister called me from a Petco in Blacksburg last spring, and she was crying on the phone because there was a lonely cat there that she wanted me to adopt. I knew nothing about cats, so I didn’t go get her (I hope she found a good home!), but I couldn’t shake the idea after that. Quarantine provided the perfect time to adopt because I was always home and spending so much time alone.
What exactly drew you Maisie particularly? Did you look for a specific breed, age, or different characteristic?
I knew I wanted to give an older cat a chance since most people adopt kittens. Maisie is a bit younger than I was looking for, but I saw her on Petfinder and knew I had to have her. After a FaceTime date with her foster mom, I was sold.
Was it love at first sight?
No! She hid from me in the shelter and kept me up all night for two weeks after that. We definitely love each other now though.
Kelli and Maisie. Photo Courtesy of Kelli Finnegan '22
Maisie, you’re up. Getting straight to the point, what is your favorite thing about living with Kelli?
Well, we’re on the same nap schedule! Other than that, I’m just here for the food.
Kelli, how difficult of a houseguest is Maisie?
I can’t complain. Except for when she’s scratching my couch or tearing up paper towel rolls or yelling at me in the middle of the night. Dramatics aside, she fits right into my life here and is the perfect roommate for me.
Maisie, have you made an appearance in class yet? Or are you more of a “lay on Kelli’s lap during class” type of cat?
Every single class! I like to be as distracting as possible, and professors think I’m cute.
Have you learned anything so far, besides that law students should take more cat naps?
Nah, this stuff is pretty boring. More people should show their pets on Zoom so I can watch them instead.
Slight follow up, but also unrelated. What is with your newfound obsession with plastic grocery bags?
They’re noisy, uncomfortable, cold, and potentially dangerous—what more could a cat possibly want from a napping spot?
Okay, so which store has the best bags that you’ve experienced so far?
Target (they do everything best).
Kelli, how has Maisie changed your life for the better, or worse? Knowing cats, this could go either way.
Depending on the day, it definitely could go either way. Quarantine has been really tough, and Maisie has made it endurable for me. She makes me laugh and likes to cuddle, and that’s all I could have hoped for, so I am really grateful to have her. She inspired my sister to start fostering, and my parents are considering adopting a cat of their own, which is exciting.
Has Maisie made you become a more responsible parent? AKA how often do you really clean out the litter box?
I like to think so! I clean the litter box almost compulsively—I refuse to have an apartment that smells like cat litter. Maisie is pretty spoiled, and the money I’m not spending on nights out at Bilt covers the vet bills.
Speaking of food, are you more of a kneader (AKA making biscuits with your paws), or a scratch pad type of cat?
I’ve been hard at work at the bakery for weeks. Why would I use a scratch pad when there’s a perfectly good couch to scratch, though?
Okay Maisie, let’s see if you can focus long enough to do a lightning round!
Box, or cat bed?
Bed–it’s softer!
Favorite spot to sun-bathe?
The windowsill. I can chatter at all the birds from there.
Laser or string?
String, always.
What’s the name of your favorite toy?
Worm.
Biggest pet peeve?
When Kelli tries to brush my teeth.
What time at night do you prefer to do the ‘zoomies’ and run around the apartment wildly?
As soon as Kelli gets in bed!
On a scale of one to ten, how sassy would you describe yourself?
Nine.
Lastly, soft or crunchy treats?
Crunchy, but I want all the treats.
Kelli, is there any parting thoughts about Maisie you’d like to share, or further convincing you think your readers will need to follow in your paw prints to adopt?
Adopt a cat (or two)! The CASPCA has plenty, and you can speak with their foster parents to find one that is a perfect match for you. If you’re thinking about it and have questions, I’m happy to answer them.
I’ve always loved cats, and now I want to adopt another. Many thanks to Kelli and Maisie for joining us on Pets of Quarantine and sharing their coronavirus experience. Are you a pet owner that adopted a furry friend during quarantine? A roommate that’s taken on the additional role as a surrogate pet parent for your classmate? Or an existing pet owner that’s grown even more attached to your best friend? Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and we want to hear about it! Email pjt5hm@virginia.edu if you or someone you know might like to be featured on Pets of Quarantine.
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pjt5hm@virginia.edu