Have you ever noticed the resemblance between this mustached feline and a certain someone? Take a closer look… That’s right!
Introducing Zappa the Cat!
If you’re familiar with the iconic rock musician and avid feline enthusiast Frank Zappa, then you probably already know what I’m talking about.
In our conversation with Lisa Williams, the owner of Zappa the cat, she revealed that Zappa is not her first feline companion that resembles a famous figure. She once had a black and white Oriental Shorthair with a mustache named Marceau, who was often compared to the legendary rock star Frank Zappa. Some even dubbed him as “Zappa Cat.” Here is a picture of Marceau…
Regrettably, Marceau succumbed to heart failure at the young age of 3 and passed away. Lisa was deeply saddened by the loss. However, shortly thereafter, she came across a black and white kitten with a unique mustache from a breeder in Russia.
She reached out to the breeder, who clarified that the puppy was not up for sale as he was being retained for breeding purposes.
However, Lisa’s determination never wavered. She persistently pleaded with her friend for weeks until she finally convinced her to give the cat to her. Reflecting on that moment, she fondly remembers, “I decided to name him Zappa in honor of Marceau, who was my first cat named Zappa.”
And with a graceful stride, the newest addition to the family made himself at home in her heart. What a striking and charming cat he was!
However, aside from their similar mustached faces, the differences between the two cats are quite noticeable. According to Lisa, “Zappa is a completely different cat compared to Marceau.” While Marceau enjoyed being picked up, Zappa despises it. Marceau was chatty, but Zappa is more reserved and quiet.
But he certainly has a personality of his own. Among all of Lisa’s feline companions, Zappa stands out as the most playful. According to Lisa, “He adores playing games like hide-and-seek and chase with my daughter. In the mornings, he can be found patiently waiting by her door, eager to start their fun together.”
Zappa thoroughly enjoys going for stroller rides or taking a spin in Lisa’s wheeled laundry basket. His eyes light up and he eagerly runs towards it every time, showing his never-ending excitement for exploring the house in his little mobile chariot.
In Lisa’s family, there are three additional furry felines who are also Oriental Shorthairs, just like Zappa. One of them is Keebler…
Thatcher, affectionately known as Thatchy…
Known as Peterbald LeMieux in full, this breed is commonly referred to as simply LeMieux…
Check out:
Oriental Shorthair: All About This Cat Breed
Lisa lovingly refers to them as her crew of Oriental Shorthairs and showcases their playful moments on her own Instagram account.
Zappa has a special place in his heart for all of his pets, but he especially adores Thatchy. They enjoy cozying up on a family member’s lap in the evenings, ready for some quality cuddle time.
Lisa mentioned to We Love Cats and Kittens that her cat is obsessed with stuffed animals. She revealed that Zappa loves to grab large stuffed toys and destroy them in the cat room. Interestingly, Zappa doesn’t care about the ownership of the toys he destroys. Lisa noted that Zappa has ruined many of her children’s beloved stuffed animals, with a particular preference for the ones that resemble dogs.
Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you that there are three dogs living here too! Zappa is like the unofficial guardian of the dogs. He gets along with them well, but he mostly keeps to himself and tries not to interfere with their daily routines.
Zappa, like many Oriental Shorthairs, has a natural athleticism that shines through. Lisa decided to invest in a running wheel for him, which he is now getting the hang of. He also enjoys the challenge of jumping over obstacles that Lisa’s daughter playfully sets up for him.
Nap-time is a serious affair for him, according to Lisa. When he’s in the mood for a nap, he prefers to snuggle under covers on the bed or couch, especially with another cat to groom.
And, there’s another cute thing he does as well.
“When there’s no cat around, he likes to lick the sofa pillows – especially the one made of alpaca fur. Even when his tongue gets stuck in it, he doesn’t mind and just keeps on licking!”
Zappa is a huge fan of watching TV shows and videos on his phone. I can’t help but wonder if he enjoys watching himself on screen too.
Lisa expresses her fondness for Zappa’s playful nature, describing him as unique just like his namesakes. You can catch a glimpse of Zappa and his siblings in action by watching the video.
We are grateful to Lisa for opening up and sharing her story with us.
