Gilberté Brigs

• Gender: Female

• Colour:

• Born: 1 May, 2023

• Weight: 6.5 kg

• Diet:

• Personality: timid, makes me biscuits, like being alone

The Ginger Queen with a Heart of Gold

The story of Gilberté began in an unexpected but unforgettable way. It all started when my best friend, knowing how much I adored ginger Maine Coons and had been hoping for another boy, gave me a special Christmas gift in advance—an adorable ginger Maine Coon kitten. She made it clear that this surprise would be something I would cherish, so in November 2023, I set out on a journey that would forever change my life. I drove from Newport to Swindon, parked my car, and boarded a train heading east toward London. What awaited me was a red-haired kitten that would steal my heart.

When I first laid eyes on Gilberté, she was a bit of a mystery. She quickly ran and hid inside a room, making me believe she was a timid little kitten. However, I didn’t mind. My heart was already set on this little creature, and I was excited to bring her home. On the train back to Swindon, she settled so comfortably in her carrier that passengers around me couldn’t help but smile when they saw her. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement. She wasn’t just any cat—she was my cat, and I couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take us.

The Vet Surprise: A Gender Twist

On the drive back, I was delighted to see that Gilberté had quickly warmed up to me. She even started giving me biscuits—little affectionate paw gestures as if she were already bonding with me. It felt like a beautiful beginning to what I hoped would be a long and fulfilling companionship. But then came the surprise that would change everything: the vet visit.

When I took Gilberté to the vet for a routine check-up, the vet smiled and casually asked, "Are you sure it's a boy?" I was stunned. At first, I didn’t understand. A boy? But I had always thought of her as a boy. It took a moment for the realization to sink in. Gilberté was actually a girl. I’ll admit, I felt a bit disappointed—this was supposed to be my boy. But then I thought, "Why not? I always wanted a girl, and she's so special." I was even more blessed than I initially realized. After all, ginger female cats are rare—only about 20% of them are females. I was fortunate to have one of them.

The Name That Stuck: Gilberté Brigs

The breeder was equally surprised. She had assumed that all ginger cats were male, which is a common belief, but the truth was right in front of us: Gilberté was a gorgeous ginger girl, and I was thrilled. Since I had been calling her "Gilbert" up until that point, I decided to keep her name as "Gilberté Brigs." It was a combination of my grandfather's name, Gilbert, and my best friend Liza's father, Brigs. It felt right, and it suited her perfectly.

A Gentle Heart with Unique Quirks and Preferences

From the very beginning, Gilberté was a playful kitten, though she turned out to be more timid than I initially expected. However, that didn’t stop her from forming close bonds with the other cats in the household. Phoenix, my gentle giant, instantly took a liking to her. Despite being a large and already grown cat, he followed her around like a tiny kitten, showing a playful interest in the little girl. Gilberté also enjoyed giving me little biscuits and pawing at my toes when I was in the bathroom, an endearing habit that always made me smile.

One of Gilberté’s favorite things was milk. She loved it so much that I bought her special kitten milk just to keep her happy. While she didn’t quite enjoy wet food like the other cats, she was very fond of dry food, and I suspect that may have contributed to her impressive size. At 6.5 kg, she is the largest of my girls. Gilberté also has a particular routine: whenever I'm in the kitchen, she hops up onto the kitchen counter, looking for treats and giving me little biscuits as she waits. I soon realized this was her thing—so I made sure to keep her stocked with her favorite snacks.

One physical trait that I absolutely love about Gilberté is her strong, distinctive Maine Coon muzzle. It's one of the features that makes her stand out, particularly among European or Russian Maine Coons, and I think it gives her a regal, commanding look. There’s no mistaking her presence in the room, and her beauty never ceases to amaze me.

When it comes to affection, Gilberté is a bit of a mystery. She loves her own space but is also very cuddly, especially with Phoenix and my tuxedo domestic cat, Felix. The three of them can often be found snuggling together in bed. And though she won’t admit it, I know deep down that Gilberté is a mama’s girl. She follows me around, demands attention, and loves to snuggle up next to me.

Overcoming Obstacles: A Struggle and Triumph

Unfortunately, not everything has been easy for Gilberté. At just over a year old, she was diagnosed with pyometra, a dangerous condition that required immediate surgery. I was devastated, fearing the worst. I rushed her to the vet, and after a tense period, she came through the surgery with flying colors. It was heartbreaking to see her go through such a tough experience, but Gilberté is a fighter. Today, she’s as healthy as ever, and I am incredibly thankful for her recovery. Despite all the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Having Gilberté in my life is a gift, and I’m so grateful that I get to share my days with this sweet, strong, and loving Maine Coon.

A Gift I Will Always Treasure

In the end, Gilberté is more than just a pet. She’s a companion, a confidante, and a reminder that sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be even more beautiful than you expect. From her unexpected gender reveal to her delightful quirks and deep connections with the family, she has added so much joy to my life. I’m thankful for every moment I get to spend with my ginger queen.