West Side Mews: From West Coaster to Upper West Sider: The Cool Life of Clash

By Victoria Cumings 

Happy anniversary, Clash! Almost exactly a year ago, this fine feline fellow was on a plane from Los Angeles to New York, brought by his family to kick off some grand new adventures in the Big Apple. Arriving in style via business class, Clash has since settled into life on the Upper West Side, making friends with local doormen and neighbors, and keeping one and all at home entertained with his playful antics.

Clash was given his feisty name for two reasons: first, he has a pet dad in the music industry who is a fan of the famous 80s band. Second, 17-pound Clash acts more like a rambunctious dog than a cat – darting here and there spilling things, rollicking around his duplex apartment, and, when he feels the urge, stealing shoes (no offense meant to dogs, of course!). One awesome name not being enough for this special boy, Clash also goes by Gatito, co-opted from the label on a box of cat food, and Mr. Meowy, fitting because of his delightful chattiness.

Clash’s warm and friendly personality was evident to his family from the get-go. Adopted from a “Clear the Shelters” event in Pasadena in 2018, the moment his soon-to-be dad spotted him, Clash immediately jumped onto his shoulder. Game, set, and match-made-in-heaven! Clash went home with his new family to a lovely house in Burbank opposite the Time Warner Studios, enjoying a few years of suburban bliss in Cali before moving to the East Coast.

Clash has adapted well to life in the city. Now around five years old, he spends his days chillin’ by the window watching the birdlife, getting cuddles and belly rubs, diving into and out of Amazon boxes, and leaping after his feather-on-a-wand. His favorite season being fall, one might recently have found Clash burying himself under a pile of leaves, or, with the onset of winter, dipping his paw into a patch of fresh snow forming on a patio chair.

Though he has plenty to occupy him at home, given his love of the outdoors, occasionally — under the watchful and curious eye of his stay-home mom — Clash ventures beyond the apartment to investigate next-door buildings and offer a friendly hello to passersby. Donning a pretty collar, a little tinkle from his identity tag will indicate Clash is around the corner. In fact, Clash has quite the assortment of collars. His holiday collection includes bow ties and collars for Christmas, St. Patrick’s, Easter, July Fourth, and Halloween!

In the warmer months, Clash is taken on trips to Riverside Park in his pet stroller. He loves watching all the activity, with kids playing and soccer balls being kicked around. He gets a little alarmed hearing the helicopters (don’t we all!) but aside from that enjoys his trips around the neighborhood. Once home, Clash may be offered a tiny dab of cream cheese, a special treat given his usual diet is somewhat restricted due to some UTI issues.

Clash’s family are lucky that he is a true lap kitty, which means plenty of snuggle time and opportunities for a relaxing brushing. A creature of habit, each evening Clash likes a little catnip on his bed before he sleeps. Most of the night he’ll stay in his kitty crib, but by morning one might find he’s moved or sleepwalked over to the sofa. With his little pink nose, beautiful coloring, and charming personality, it’s no wonder Clash once converted a family babysitter from cat phobic to cat lover.

That’s not to say Clash doesn’t get up to his fair share of mischief. Like all cats, Clash will find every opportunity to have some playful fun. A wrapper set down when opening a carton of water bottles — Clash is in there like a flash. Shoelaces left unattended — Clash will soon be tugging at them. Kitty litter — not a problem now, but on one occasion a minor tantrum saw it flung out of the box. Clash also managed to squeeze out of his carrier briefly in the airport lounge on his trip to New York. Always on the lookout for new friends, Clash certainly brightened up the day of some weary travelers.

Clearly, Clash is a cat of many talents. Ever the star of the show, he plays cards, makes tik-tok videos, and is on the list for a photo shoot with his catsitter’s husband (how Hollywood!) He’s also a dancer. When his pet mom plays the song “All I Have to do is Dream” by the Everly Brothers, Clash puts his paws around her neck and they gently float together around the room.

Clash the Cat — the most welcome of LA transplants now living his best life every day on the Upper West Side…