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You are here: Home / Diary / Flashback Friday: My Big Sister

Flashback Friday: My Big Sister

February 19, 2016 By: Summer Samba48 Comments

somali kitten in a cat judging cage

Although I never met her, I owe a lot to my big sister Samaraa because I might not be living with my human if it wasn’t for her. It was in January, 2013 that my human saw her at the San Diego Cat Show. She had caught site of her before, at a previous cat show, but my human had rented a vending table to sell Sparkle’s books and calendars and didn’t get a chance to watch her being judged. She went to San Diego that trip not to sell, but just to visit, and that is when she realized just how special Samaraa was.

two somali kittens in cat judging cages

Samaraa looked so grown up for a six-month old kitten, but what really struck my human was her calm and composure.

somali kitten being finaled in a judging ring

She was both beautiful and classy, and nothing in the huge, busy cat show bothered or upset her.

somali kitten and cat judge

And it is a good thing she was so calm, because a breeder from Russia flew out to pick her up that very day! My breeder had gotten to know this Russian breeder for a very long time before she was convinced that she could give Samaraa a good home. But even so, she was still very attached to her and was very sad when Samaraa left for her new home. For her part, Samaraa handled the long flight with her usual poise and calm demeanor. She grew up into a beautiful cat and is the mother to some very beautiful kittens.

My human was so enchanted by Samaraa that she wanted a cat with that sort of poise. She’d always dreamed of having a therapy cat, and a cat who could accompany her places. A year and a half later, she met me… and I had the very same parents as Samaraa.

somali kitten being looked at by a cat judge

This is me when I was the same age as Samaraa… I bet you notice a resemblance! My big sister has a more fiery coat than I do, and she is a truly outstanding example of our breed. I’m good too, but not as good as her — if we competed in the same class, she would beat me, paws down! She doesn’t do cat shows very often anymore, but when my human was looking over this season’s standings, she saw that she had done one, and finaled. If my human hadn’t seen her, she would never have known she could have a Somali cat with such a good nature — Sparkle was definitely a stay-at-home girl. But not me! I’ll probably never go to Russia, but I sure go lots of other places!

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Comments

  1. Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    Mowzers, Samaraa is lovely – but then again, we expected that since she’s YOUR sister!

    Reply
  2. LP says

    February 20, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    We are glad your human noticed Samaraa because you now have one another! Summer you and Samaraa are both truly beautiful, calm and exemplary examples of your breed!

    the critters in the cottage xo

    Reply
  3. jansfunnyfarm says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Every cat has a different personality. Wonder how you and Sparkle would have gotten along? You are certainly different. And each of you has been perfect for your human.

    Reply
  4. Craig s. c. okajima says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:23 am

    After thinking about this wonderful story, it reminded me of the 2013 Super Bowl Budweiser Clydesdale commercial.

    Summer, your human/breeder probably had a heavy heart, when she let your big sister Samaraa leave with her new human in Russia. Kind of like the horse raiser in said commercial felt, when he sent off the horse.

    And, when your human met you (Samaraa’s younger sister), I can imagine how she must have picked you up and petted you, just like how the horse raiser hugged the horse.

    If you made a commercial, like the Budeweiser Clydesdale commercial of Super Bowl 2013, that would tug at everybody’s hearts!

    Also, the way the gentleman in the commercial got a lump in his throat when the horse left, the way he got a lump in his throat three years later when he saw the horse in Chicago, well, if I see YOU at the International Cat Show next year, I’M going to likely get a lump in MY throat!

    Reply
  5. Marty the Manx says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:54 am

    Summer your sister is beautiful. You two are gorgeous and show us all what precious kitties Somalis are.

    Reply
  6. Mr. Chivers, Greyson, and Tabitha says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:29 am

    What a sweet story. Thz for sharing on this funfriday! Purrs

    Reply
  7. Sasha says

    February 20, 2016 at 5:24 am

    You are really special too

    Reply
  8. Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    You can see how beauty and purrsonality fur sure are in your furmily!!

    But to us, you are still the most beauteous…likely cause we know you, MOL!!

    Reply
  9. Kitties Blue says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    Oh my gosh, you do look so much alike. Samaraa appears as if she was larger than you at the age of six-months. Thanks for sharing with us. Have a meowvolous weekend. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

    Reply
  10. Layla Morgan Wilde says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    Never say nyet. You might hightail it to Russia one day. I know a fab pet photog there who would love to do a shoot with you.

    Reply
  11. Cathy Keisha says

    February 19, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    Whoa! Beautiful sisfur! I’m still not entirely down with breeders but you come from good stock. Looks like you have a stalker in the comments. MOL!

    Reply
  12. THe Island Cats says

    February 19, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    We do see the resemblance, Summer. You’re both gorgeous!

    Reply
  13. Silver, Miranda, Harvey, Phoebe and Dusty says

    February 19, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    We think your sister is superb, and yes you do seem to have the same calm and collected demeanour. We think you are even better – but we are Summer fans so that explains it!

    Reply
  14. Annabelle says

    February 19, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    We think you are both unbelievably gorgeous!

    Reply
  15. Colehaus Cats says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    That was awesome! Thank you for sharing some of your family with us!

    Reply
  16. Flynn says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Your big sister is beautiful.

    Reply
  17. Ellen Pilch says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    You and your sister are both gorgeous. Your human was meant to have you.

    Reply
  18. The Poupounette Gang says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Yes, Samaraa is very beautiful, but YOU are our very own Summer and that makes you the most special one to all of us!

    Purrs,
    The Chans

    Reply
  19. Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Nice to meet your sister !
    You do look very much alike.

    XOXO

    Reply
  20. Emma and Buster says

    February 19, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    It was difficult for us to differentiate. You both looked so alike. We don’t think we have seen this kitten photo of you – so gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. Sammy says

    February 19, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Your big sister is definitely gorgeous – but don’t sell yourself short dear Summer because you are quite a beauty too AND you know how to charm them in the shows like she does……who knows – maybe one day you will see her again – my Mom says “NEVER SAY NEVER” !!

    Love, Sammy

    Reply
  22. Katie Isabella says

    February 19, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I enjoyed meeting your sister and learning her story. I love learning more about YOU too Summer.

    Reply
  23. Marg says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Summer you and your sister are both good looking. We thought that Samaraa was you. We are so glad that your human got you Summer so we could see lots of you.

    Reply
  24. Craig s. c. okajima says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Summer, I think your human proved my thoughts exactly: I said after meeting you, “Be careful: When you meet Summer in person, she will captivate you so much, you will never want to take your eyes off of her.”

    Sounds like your human felt that way with your big sister, missed her, and fortunately, you ended up living with her!

    I “just” watched you, took many pictures, and got to pet you, and I miss your presence!

    Reply
  25. Brian Frum says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Beauty sure runs in your family sweet Summer!!!

    Reply
  26. Lola The Rescued Cat says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:28 am

    What a great Flashback Friday! Your sister is a beauty. You hit the jackpot with your human.

    Reply
  27. Lone Star Cats says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:20 am

    I can definitely see da resemblance!

    Reply
  28. Athena says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Your sister is very beautiful, Summer! We are so happy you met your human through her. It was meant to be 🙂

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

    Reply
  29. Tamago says

    February 19, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Your sister Samaraa is such a beautiful girl. Amazing she can stay calm always, at the show and in a long flight!

    Reply
  30. Cats of Wildcat Woods says

    February 19, 2016 at 9:17 am

    What a nice story about your big sister!

    Reply
  31. Madi says

    February 19, 2016 at 9:12 am

    ps
    Guess what guess what the Geek guy is allergic to C A T S…mol mol mol
    He started sniffling about 2 minutes after he arrived. That is ok I was allergic to him furs too

    Reply
  32. Madi says

    February 19, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Summer I can see the resemblance…you both have loving eyes and million dollar smiles
    Hugs madi your bfff

    Reply
  33. BeadedTail says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:45 am

    We’re glad it all worked out that you are now with your human! It seems like fate!

    Reply
  34. Random Felines says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:18 am

    we are so glad your human got a chance to meet your big sister which lead to her finding you Summer 🙂

    Reply
  35. selina says

    February 19, 2016 at 7:28 am

    NO going to Russia Summer! Just NO!

    Your sister is very beautiful. I can’t imagine being a cat flying that far away and being so calm and serene.

    Happy weekend my furriend!

    Purrz!
    Selina

    Reply
  36. Toby says

    February 19, 2016 at 7:18 am

    Your big sister is beautiful but so are you!!!

    Reply
  37. Craig s. c. okajima says

    February 19, 2016 at 7:13 am

    Summer, I would have believed that she was YOU, in those pictures!

    This is just like when a human family has siblings who are all good-looking, as you, Samaraa, and Chilly all are!

    Fantasy thought: You and your sister sleeping together, snuggling up: That is how kittens sleep, when they like each other!

    I can see why your human got attached to your big sister. I MYSELF got attached to you, when I met you at the Portland International Cat Show! Physical beauty was a factor, of course, but I think that PERSONALITY also played a huge part.

    With my kitten, a pretty brown female tiger tabby, I often wonder what her mother and sisters look like, and if they are also pretty cats like her!

    I would venture to say that your human got choked up when she had to say goodbye to Samaraa, just the same as how I got a heavy heart when I left the cat show in Portland!

    Reply
  38. The Florida Furkids says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:39 am

    Nice to meet your sister….she’s lovely!

    The Florida Furkids

    Reply
  39. Melissa, Mudpie & Angel Truffles says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:29 am

    Your sister is a real beauty!

    Reply
  40. dma says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:11 am

    you’re sister is definitely a looker.

    Reply
  41. Nerissa's Life says

    February 19, 2016 at 5:57 am

    Clearly, beauty runs in your family.

    Purrs,
    Seville

    Reply
  42. HaHnnah and Lucy says

    February 19, 2016 at 5:25 am

    It was lovely seeing your sister today – if we hadn’t seen your blog today we would have thought that she was you Summer.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

    Reply
  43. Punapippuri says

    February 19, 2016 at 4:39 am

    That is a very interesting story. I know shows are not for me and cannot imagine why anycat enjoys them, but Äiti tells me Sampo was extremely relaxed when he was at one. Äiti fell in love with brown burmese and sphynxies at shows….. And the temperament you have is indeed very special and you have a very important job to do. All these humans need us – and especially you!

    Reply
  44. The Swiss Cats says

    February 19, 2016 at 3:35 am

    Nice to meet your sister ! It looks like your calm temperament is a family feature. Purrs

    Reply
  45. Andrea and the Celestial Kitties says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:57 am

    What a nice flashback! She sure does look calm while she’s being waved around by the judge!

    Reply
  46. toby & leia says

    February 19, 2016 at 2:37 am

    She is a lovely girl, for sure.

    Reply
  47. The kitties of purring pines says

    February 19, 2016 at 1:43 am

    She is s beautiful too. You will make a great therapy cat. You are so special!

    Reply
  48. Mickey's Musings says

    February 19, 2016 at 1:10 am

    How nice to meet your sister.
    She is very much like you in looks.
    We think you make a great therapy kitty.
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

    Reply

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