The Red Tabby Queen Wears Her Jeweled Crown With Great Reluctance
A round-faced red tabby Exotic Shorthair stares out from beneath a tall gold crown set with rubies, sapphires and pearls. A white ermine cape drapes over her shoulders, and beneath it shines a gold-patterned robe in forest green velvet. Her copper eyes are wide and unimpressed, and her tiny pink nose gives her a look of quiet royal disapproval, the kind that only a queen can pull off. Every jewel on the crown has its own tiny spark of light.
Exotic Shorthairs are often described as the easygoing cousins of the Persian, with the same sweet, flat face but a shorter coat that is easier to care for. They tend to be calm, affectionate and happy to curl up nearby. Their short noses can lead to tear stains and breathing sensitivity for some cats, so keep their faces gently wiped clean and talk to your vet about any concerns.
What makes the portrait work is that grumpy, serious expression set against so much glitter. The jewels flash in the candlelight, the fur trim looks cloud-soft, and the face in the middle stays perfectly composed. It is the look of a cat who has been told it is time for a photograph and who has agreed under very specific conditions.
Long may she reign, preferably from a warm cushion and with someone nearby to hold the crown. A queen this serious clearly deserves the best seat in the house.
