Real-Life Claim Story

Sept-2018-Pet-Gazette-Real-Life-Claim-Story-header

A sudden, life-threatening condition couldn’t stop Mighty Max.

For anyone who’s ever thought of cats as fussy and aloof, Truman So would like to introduce you to his cat, Max. Or, as he’s known to his social media followers, Mighty Max the Siberian Cat.

“Most people have that first impression that cats aren’t friendly or don’t have personality,” says Truman. He speaks from experience: he, too, had the same preconceived notions before rooming with a friend who had a cat.

Now, Truman’s the one changing people’s minds with the help of his trusty sidekick, Max, a plucky Siberian Forest cat. First on the list? Truman’s girlfriend, Tiffany, a self-proclaimed dog person.

“I had never held a cat until Max came into my life,” she says. “So that was all brand-new to me [but] I was like, ‘Let’s try this out… Why not?’”

A thirst for adventure

Second in size only to the Maine coon, Siberian Forest cats are big and outdoorsy, with a proclivity for water and climbing trees, according to Truman. Max’s innately adventurous spirit proved to be a perfect fit for Truman, who has an “on-the-go lifestyle” and loves hiking and camping.

But knowing that it wasn’t safe—not to mention impractical—to simply take an unrestrained cat into the woods, Truman began training Max at just 2 months old.

“The first thing I did was get him used to being on a harness and leash,” he explains. “Just slowly building up with baby steps. First having him be comfortable going outside in the hallway, and then eventually bringing him in my little cat carrier to the park.”

Not long after, Truman took Max on his first of many camping trips and discovered that the fearless feline was a natural at hiking and exploring on-leash.

“The coolest place we’ve been with Max is probably Joshua Tree National Park,” Tiffany notes. “The rocks there are just so sticky and he can climb and not even worry about falling.”