My favorite breed of cat is Crybaby (domestic smarmy shorthair).

by heather whitaker
(albuquerque, nm)

I have had one for 14 years. At this point, he is my child. We have been through some rough times together, and because he has persevered right along side of me, I have come to appreciate not only his unique personality, but also the traits inherant to his breed. He/they are VERY smart. You might as well forget trying to hide anything, or deny them anything. If it isn't guarded by a lock, or hard to turn doorknob, then it's as good as found. You had also better watch carefully when eating. The domestic smarmy shorthair has evolved into a primarily indoor hunter, and his favorite food is "what's for dinner". In our house, that makes him an appex predator. With thick, powerful claws, and foreboding, muscular arms, this breed takes what he wants, when he wants it, if you are foolish enough to allow him within striking distance.
Being a formidable hunter/gatherer is not this breed's only good quality. They are both loyal and affectionate. Even when having had a small squable over a morsel on my fork, or a quick bath, Crybaby will return, apologetically, to seek physical reafirmation and swift resolution to any negative feelings (cuddling). And, because of his massive scale and lucious fir, he makes an excellent cuddler/pillow. The only drawback is, when having his cheeks scratched vigorously, he sheds... a lot. But it isn't intentional, and he very much loves a good brushing! Incidentally, he will also seek to comfort me when he senses I am not well, by pushing me to a prone position and then nesting on my chest.
An excellent communicator, a tool using mammal who is perpetually evolving more survival strategies AND ways to enrich the quality of their own lives, self sufficient, but not selfish, and always keeping me on my toes: the domestic smarmy shorthair (Crybaby) is my pick for favorite.