VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Luke Fleawalker
What’s your name, and do you think it’s as awesome as you are?
Luke Fleawalker. I'm much too dignified for that name and don't need to be reminded of my time on the streets covered in fleas. My human sibling calls me Luke Alexander and that fits me much better.
Who is your human and what is their role at the veterinary college?
Robyn Fox, she's a licensed veterinary technician and is the Clinical Research Coordinator.
What kind of critter are you, and what makes your breed (or mix) totally pawsome?
I'm a handsome tuxedo cat. I'm always dressed for the occasion and looking my best.
How many candles are on your birthday cake this year — or are you keeping that a secret?
I'm 6 years old.
Where did you find your human, and what made you pick them?
You may need tissues for this story:
I was a very sick 10-week-old kitten found on the side of the road and brought to the VTH by a concerned stranger. After deciding that I didn't have a family and, though they tried their best to help me, I wouldn't live without a blood transfusion, my kind human offered to foster me and help me. She took care of me and helped me get a blood transfusion. It was a rough road to recovery but I never stopped purring to let her know I appreciated her help. I was so grateful I decided to stay with them forever and how lucky they are to have me since I'm the best cat in the world.
How would you describe yourself: a snugglebug, a wild child, or the boss of the house?
I'm an expert snuggler. I love a warm lap and to show everyone how happy I am to be snuggling and to be alive, I suckle my tail.
What’s your signature move to get attention — puppy eyes, zoomies, or something else?
I'll teach you: You make eye contact with your human, slow blink to let them know you're ready to snuggle. Walk over and basically become liquid by laying yourself across their legs. Now you've got a nice warm spot for as long as you like, or until something scares you and you need to run to higher ground.
Do you have a favorite toy that you’d fight a dragon to keep?
I'm pretty chill but love playing with my sister, Winx, a one eyed gray cat.
What’s your go-to snack, and how do you convince your human to hand it over? (Do you have a secret trick?)
Unless my humans are standing there with me I'm not big into meals. I'll go for some catnip every once in a while, but really a good piece of paper, plastic, or charging cable to gnaw on is my go to treat. That's pretty readily available, but I don't know what all the fuss is about, it doesn't cost them anything for me to chew on stuff and they're always buying the dogs toys.
What’s the most epic adventure you’ve had with your human?
Living through my flea anemia. I'm told a PCV of 8% is pretty bad and that transfusion reaction left me feeling super hot and uncomfortable for many days. But here I am!
What’s something you did that left your human totally speechless — good or bad?
I don't know what the big deal was, I was chewing on whatever was on the table and they said the cord I chewed through was needed to charge some computer or something, whatever, I was just enjoying some gum massage.
What’s your best “I’m too cute to handle” pose for the camera?
I'm so handsome it doesn't matter
Describe a day in your fabulous life. Do you work hard or hardly work?
I hardly work. They put a bed for me on the tallest cabinet so I can watch over my domain. I cuddle and play a little with my sister during the day. The hardest thing I have to do is not attack the bigger dog. She's never done anything to me but she offends me.
Do you have any rituals with your human, like belly rub o’clock or snack time at sundown?
When it's time for my human sibling to go to bed, I go in his room and settle on the bed near his legs to listen to stories. I also suckle my tail to let them know I'm enjoying my time.
What’s your relationship status with other animals? BFFs, frenemies, or “it’s complicated”?
My sister Winx is my best friend. The humans got her just for me.
I don't care for the bigger, smelly dog, Maggie.
The smaller dog, Milo, is still smaller than me, so if need be I could take him.
The chickens are outside, so I can't chase them around but I like to watch them from the window.
Do you have any party tricks that wow the crowd?
I can destroy paper really quickly.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To fly. I love being high up.
What’s one thing your human should learn from you?
How to relax. That's why I lay on her legs, so she can't go anywhere and has to take a break.
What’s the best thing about being your human’s sidekick?
That she adores me and tells me that I'm handsome.
Anything else you want to bark, meow, chirp, neigh, or squeak to the readers? (This is your moment!)
If you know of any handsomest Tuxedo cat competitions, let me know.
