French Birman cats tend to want to 'choose' where they wish to belong. Birmans, Moka and Latte, were left relatively uncared for to fend for themselves by their owners who went overseas and left a teenager to 'look after' them. They wandered the streets, tending to go in the direction of being semi-feral.

Moka from the very start choose where he wanted to be - at this place, which already was caring for 3 'orphaned ' cats (which did not get on and had to be kept separate). No matter what was done to discourage Moka (chasing, taken home each evening for 2 months, putting up netting barriers) he continually kept coming back. So after 2 years we gave up and let him in when we could (with the others separate).

Moka is not a 'pretty' cat. He looks rough and ready. His face looks like Mickey Rourke's -- beaten up and moon cratered. But he has a strong and unshakeable sense of being 'settled', and 'at home'. He was confident. Not scared of people. Very laid back. Good self-esteem, secure, even though he might be regarded by cat purists as an 'ugly' Birman -- He is playful. But he was never socialised into sitting on people -- he just wants to 'be around' -- preferably in the same room as 'his chosen people'. Moka knows who he is and responds when his name is called.

Moka Click or click photograph

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Latte was like a lost soul. For a while, he did not seem to identify any place as 'his home'. He roamed around the neighbourhood and appeared to get food from whoever, whenever he could. He is pretty, but has a short tail, making him appear also not a 'top' Birman. He is restless. Not confident. Afraid of people. Timid and skitty. Poor self-esteem -- seems to be on the bottom of the local cat hierarchy and gets beaten up from time to time. He seeks to hide in high places and in covered holes. He does not respond to cat toys and play very much. He does not seem to want to be near any people -- he is more approachable when hungry and in search of food. Somehow he was not helped to develop a 'home base' and key people to lock onto, and therefore seems to have no secure 'internal' cat identity .

Latte does not know his name. He does not respond to it -- yet.

Latte Click or click photograph

Identity development? Identity recovery? Identity rehabilitation? Latte is an example of low cat self-esteem. Finds security in high places and holes -- may even hide in the kitty litter box. Rehabilitation has been tried -- talking to him, patting and lots of human contact (which he initially shunned).

Latte was making progress. Visited more and more frequently and seemed to be wanting to call this place 'home'. Was more responsive to affection and became more affectionate himself.

Tragedies averted. In late April, Moka was hit by a car. In June, Latte was poisoned by something he ate. Both almost died. After surgery, Moka began to recover with a steel plate in his left leg -- otherwise OK. His days of running free and climbing and jumping may be over- but he seems to have taken this in his stride. Latte was so depressed with total intestinal blockage and infection, he intended to die and hid in 'dark holes' like cats do when dying. Had a food tube through his neck to esophagus and was force fed with a syringe to keep him alive while recovering from the infection. Operation found it was not cancer -- but severe intestinal infection. He would not eat. Then, with the infection down, he was force fed a human anti-depressant which had the side effect of stimulating appetite. Almost instantly he started eating again -- even if not much.

The drug Mirtazapine did the trick.

If change in brain chemistry can be so significant for animals like cats, how much more significant would it be for humans.

Moka's personality/identity appeared to show more robustness and resilience in his adversity. Latte's identity was more prone to depression and defeat. As rehab went on for Latte, he became more settled and more affectionate. When the owners returned from overseas, the two "Whites Brothers" were re-homed.

Latte video showing response to some 'identity rehabilitation'

2021 Update: Moka and Latte are both well and reasonably happy at their home -- which improved significantly as regards being 'cat friendly' and safe for the pets. As they got older they became more 'home bodies' and less the outdoor adventurers. They still call in almost every day and sit in the front garden. And as they look you in the eyes, you can imagine them thinking "I used to live here!!"