Elian Habayeb, DJ, event producer and co-author of the coffee table book Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets, calls Sami his life partner. Sami is a gentle two-year-old ginger-haired Persian cat with startling round orange eyes. Persians are known for their long luxurious coat and smushed face, which gives them that mean, snobby look, but in actuality they are laid-back and very sweet. They are also not prone to loud vocalizations or rambunctious activity, making them the ideal pet for bachelor pads.
PHILIPPINE STAR: How did Sami come to join your life?
ELIAN HABAYEB: My friend Ann Jaleco-Lyon’s cat had a litter and Sami was one of the babies. I never had a cat before, and my mom (who lives in the US) has a fear of cats, so I never got to play with cats as a kid. But Sami was sooo furry and cute that I couldn’t resist. My mom still doesn’t know I have a cat... I don’t have the heart to tell her.
What are his hobbies, interests, and passions?
Sami is a very meditative cat. He loves just chilling and watching life pass by. He also sleeps all day and large parts of the night (he needs his beauty sleep).
He’s never met another cat before (except his mom, who I’m sure he doesn’t remember), so I’m not sure if he knows what he is. All he knows is humans. He’s a very social cat when it comes to humans. He’s not timid or afraid of them. When he sees someone new, he immediately makes pa-cute. Once he met a baby (human) and he was completely fascinated by her. ”I didn’t know they came in ‘small’?!” he must have thought as he played with her.
Once, there was an alley cat outside the door that kept meowing to get his attention. Sami has the softest meow I’ve ever heard, yet the alley cat had a loud and annoying “MAW,” an indication of the hardships it’s had to endure. I left them alone. After a while, I noticed Sami started “moew-ing” as well, trying to emulate the alley cat. At that point, I had to step in and shoo the alley cat. ”Oh, no... you’re not picking up that street accent!” I told him in a stern tone. That was the last contact he’s had with a member of his species.
In my opinion, he won’t miss what he doesn’t know and he seems to be a pretty content cat, especially since I had him neutered. Everybody should be neutered!
What are his pet peeves?
There’s actually very little that annoys him. He definitely hates water (like from a shower).
His favorite tricks and treats?
His favorite food is tuna. He gets two cans per week. He like “tuna flavor Whisker Lickins” treats by Purina. He also loves mouse-looking toys, although they get old fairly quick for him.
The highlight of his life was when a poor little mouse found itself in my condo one day and Sami sniffed it out. He had never seen anything like it in his life, yet he somehow knew that he was destined to chase it. He would catch it and pad it around. He would even pick it up with his mouth, put it down, give it a head start and chase it again. He never had the intention of killing his new toy. The battle raged on for a few hours, until the poor mouse finally give up from exhaustion.
There was only one other mouse incident that must have happened while I was sleeping. Sami still hopes every night that another mouse stumbles into my apartment.
Most lovable trait or habit?
Sami loves playing hide and seek. He also likes to look out the window at passing cars and people. If you don’t play with him for a long time, he’ll remind you with a little “miew?” as in “Hey, I’m here if you want company!”
He always greets me when I get home with one (and only one) soft “meow!”
Also, he loves sleeping in the most stretchy, contorted positions, especially when it’s hot. I guess that cools him off...
Most annoying trait or habit.
Although Sami likes to be held, it’s never for more than 20 seconds. He’ll let you know that “it’s time to put me down, buddy.” He also doesn’t like hanging out on the bed, one minute tops. Maybe he likes harder surfaces.
Does he have any special maintenance requirements?
Just kitty litter. The rest he’ll do.
If Sami were a person, he’d be....
Paulie, from Goodfellas. Paulie didn’t move fast... coz Paulie didn’t have to move for anybody.
What does Sami love about his owner?
He loves back massage sessions!