West Side Mews: Lord Wendall Kittycat of the Upper West Side

By Victoria Cumings

Meet … Wendall.

What a fine fellow! Wendall’s striking looks and luxurious black-and-white coat can likely be attributed to his being half Maine Coon, a breed known for a prominent “ruff,” rather like a lion’s mane. Adopted as a kitten seven years ago from the Animal Care Centers of NYC, Wendall now lives the good life on the Upper West Side, ruling the roost in the third-floor walkup he calls home in the West 90s.

Wendall originally began life as a female kitty, or so the shelter thought, assigning him the somewhat less distinguished moniker “Windy.” Turns out he most certainly was a male: poor Wendall went through being neutered twice, one at a time –ouch! Upon being adopted, however, he was given his far more suitable name and proceeded to join a 10-year old tuxedo kitty sister as another apple in his pet mom’s eye.

With an entire apartment at his disposal, Wendall sure makes good use of it. You’ll find him cuddled up in bed, in a basket soaking up the warmth from a radiator, lounging on a soft blanket, watching dogs and “enemy birds” from a window, or casting curious glances towards the construction guys outside.

Nothing gets past Wendall! He loves to follow his pet mom around the apartment and if a box or bag is left alone he’ll quick-as-a-flash be in it, likely harboring a small toy mouse. When dinner time comes around, Wendall lets out a “meow, meow” (interpreted as “okay okay . . . feed me), and in the morning he enjoys handing out face pats and bumps. Weighing in at a supremely huggable 22 pounds, Wendall’s diet starts tomorrow. He loves his treats, and they’re well-earned with his occasional “zoomies” and being so well-disciplined in sticking to a sensible 7am/7pm feeding routine.

Not unlike other kitties, Wendall is a clever escape artist. One adventure out the door led to him spending a lonely, and presumably rather hungry and boring, day in a stairway broom closet. He was mighty pleased to eventually be found and has since learned his lesson and is more shy about his supervised forays into the hallway, never straying too far.

Despite his playfulness, Wendall also has a strong work ethic. His ambition impresses the attorneys when he joins his pet mom as supervising “pawralegal” on her business video calls. Donning his snazzy collar and tie, Wendall enjoys being sociable and stays true to his guiding career motto – “dress for the role you want!”

Aunt Birdie’s Pet Watch have the happy task of visiting Wendall during vacation, lucky them! And lucky Mr. Wendall, who is loved to bits, celebrating his birthday each year in May and his “gotcha” adoption day each August. No doubt he dresses in his finest for these occasions. A very special outfit for a very special cat!

Handsome Wendall, the “Urban Sphinx” enjoying life on the UWS.