This rather intense-looking fellow is Satsuki, a name more often given to girls since "satsuki" is a type of azalea. However, it is also what we used to call the month of May according to the old Japanese calendar, and that was when our Satsuki was born.

Now 6 years old, Satsuki arrived at ARK with two other cats in October 2018, after his owner had to move to an assisted-living center. All three cats are still at the shelter.

Satsuki was terribly shy but has grown considerably bolder. He is quite the gentleman and is not at all scary, as his photo may suggest. Food is definitely the love of his life at the moment, but at dinnertime he still remembers his manners and politely waits his turn to eat.

Satsuki has also finessed the use of the litter tray, and he gets on very well with other cats, especially his lookalike buddy (and likely sibling) Marumaru. Satsuki, though a gentle spirit, is indeed as Shakespeare put it, "As full of spirit as the month of May." He deserves to have a home in which to bloom to his fullest.

If you are interested in adopting Satsuki or any other pet, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Tokyo ARK is an NPO founded by Briton Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are requested to undergo a screening process. Web: www.arkbark.net