Like any warrior, Okoye knows the high ground is ideal. Therefore, you will often find her on my head. Shoulders will suffice, but she much prefers the head. I hope her future parents appreciate her climbing skills, because I've done nothing to discourage this. I think it's adorable and love the head massage of tiny kitten feet. As a mommy of several full grown cats that like to jump on my head and shoulders, I know they can get heavy... so her future parents will need to be strong!
Okoye has been the favorite of many of my house guests, who love her markings and her friendly nature.
My neice tried to convince both of her parents she needed a new kitten... she absolutely loved how cuddly and relaxed Okoye is.
Update 1/26/20
New Year's Eve, we let Wakanda into the bedroom. As I was snuggled up, petting Okoye's head, I found a small scab. Everything was closed on New Year's Day but we verified it was ringworm on the 2nd. Okoye was shuttled off into the bathroom and we started a treatment of medicated baths and black light checks daily with our entire crew.
Okoye was miserable. She cried so loudly all night, we could hear her 2 rooms away in the bedroom as if she was next to our head. After a few nights, I couldn't bear it. We move her into office and I began alternating between sleeping with her and sleeping in my own bed. Okoye lived for those moments I could spare with her. As much as it hurt my heart to hear her crying, it hurt even more when she got quiet. She was so depressed, it felt like she was giving up.
After two weeks of treatments and being isolated from all of her friends, the unthinkable happened. Somehow, her brother developed a spot. Nearly 2 months without symptoms... we had no idea how they were getting it, but the results were undeniable. M'Baku was moved into the room with Okoye, who rejoiced with the company. This left poor Shuri all alone- but with very careful sanitizing routines, she continued to show no signs. Sadly, she was never reunited with her siblings before getting fixed and adopted, but at least she is no longer alone.
Between work, bathing cats, and trying to keep every surface clean to prevent the spread of ringworm to all of the pets, my time with Okoye was very limited for the past few weeks. We lived in 3 zones... Okoye, her brother, and our housecat who also got infected were quarantined in the freezing cold game room. Shuri was isolated in the office. The rest of the house was for the rest of our pets. Trying to keep them all from darting through doors into the other zones while carting around medicines, food, and bags of poop was not an easy task. Remembering to put on protective clothing layers whenever heading into the quarntine zone when also running around in a morning rush to get things done and get to work on time was also a pain... but with Shuri adopted, we were able to move the quarantine zone into the office. Better heat and comfort, and less zones to divide my time between has allowed me to spend most of the day with these kittens, much to Okoye's delight. I didn't get much done, as she insisted on my attention, making me a playground.
When they finally got tired of sprinting around me, they settled in for a nap beside me, where they are still laying while I type this. These guys are going to be with me longer than normal, as they have to be completely symptom free at least 2 weeks before they can get fixed- and they still have't completely recovered. It's going to be really hard to see them go.. they're the most social, loving kittens I have EVER encountered... and I've encountered a LOT of them.
Update 2/16/20
It happened!! Okoye's has been ringworm symptom free since Friday 2/7/20. Her 2 week clear date is 2/21/20 and she should be able to get fixed and adopted after that. I've gotten so used to her hanging out on my shoulder, it will seem so empty without her.. but she needs a home with someone she can love full time.
Okoye has no personal space issues. There is no personal space in her world. All of the space is her space. Her new family will need to understand her deep desire to cuddle, particularly face cuddle. It would be amazing if she and her brother were adopted as a pair- they love each other as much as they love people.
Update 2/25/20
Okoye and her brother M'Baku have been in my home longer than any other fosters, and they're so full of personality it's going to be really hard to adjust when they leave. Okoke is scheduled to get fixed in 2 days and head to the adoption center in 4 days. Unfortunately, M'Baku is a week behind her. I want them to get adopted together because they'll both be happier and less likely to cause trouble if they have each other to keep them entertained... but it's harder for kittens to get adopted when they're listed as a bonded pair.
I don't truly think they're bonded in the sense that they can't function without the other. They get along very well and they're well matched in energy levels. But both could also get along with other pets or very interactive humans who are home all the time. What neither of them will handle well is being the only pet or in a home with humans who are rarely home. They'll get bored, then destructive, then likely abandoned or returned-which is my greatest fear. They are SOOOOO loving when they're tired... but they have tons of energy they must expel before they're ready for cuddle time.
I truly hope the right family takes the time to read this bio and understands what Okoye has to offer, and what Okoye will need in return. Like her namesake, Okoye from the Black Panther movies- she is a very strong willed, sassy, and fiesty... but she's incredibly loyal and capable of great love.
Okoye only has a few days to run freely in the house after being quarantined for so long. Toasty Marshmallow, my orange floof, is thrilled to have playmates with kitten energy. He was constantly at their door, trying to play with them. They passed toys back and forth, despite my protests while I tried to keep them completely separated! They're currently sprinting back and forth around the room together and have been for the past 2 hours. They have to be almost ready for nap time... right?!
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