Mr. Buttons

Entrant's First Name
Mr. Buttons

Pet's Age
14

Your Pet's Story from his/her perspective
In 2012 some bad person threw me away in a Chicago alley dumpster on trash day while the garbage truck was already coming down the street. I could hear it. Luckily, someone heard me crying and pulled me out just in time and found me a good home: my parents, Renee & Mike. Since no one knew exactly when I was born, my birthday was estimated as March 17, 2012 — St. Patrick’s Day — so my family officially named me Mr. Lucky Buttons. Most people just call me Mr. Buttons, or Buttons, Butty, and sometimes just … Butt.

From the beginning, it was obvious I wasn’t an ordinary cat. I look people directly in the eyes when I communicate, and I have rollerball eyes, just like a person - most cats don't have this ability. I absolutely understand attention and reactions. I greet visitors by saying “hello,” sing dramatically in the stairwell because I figured out the echo makes my voice louder, and carry my favorite kick toy around while humming and whimpering like it’s my baby crying. When guests come over, I hop up onto the kitchen stool beside them like I’m part of the conversation. If they don’t acknowledge me enough, I’ll actually look over at my humans like, “Why are they ignoring me?” Then I adjust my posture, make stronger eye contact, and say hello until they finally pet me properly. My family swears I understand exactly how to work a room — and honestly, they might be right. I'll be presented with a brush and using my paws I'll pull it exactly where I want it. I'm smart.

This photo captures my personality perfectly. My family had just brought out the carrier, and instead of hiding from it like a normal cat, I climbed right in, stretched out, and stared back at them like I was posing for a magazine cover. They started taking pictures, and once I realized I had an audience, I suddenly turned it into a full performance. My humans were laughing because they swear I knew exactly what I was doing.

I may have started life in a dumpster, but now I’m the spoiled, talkative, highly intelligent little panther king of the household — and I think I landed exactly where I was meant to be. I love my humans.