Interview: Umiko and Kenji

Pets, they’re your best friend and confidant. Big or small, fluffy or a bit scruffy, it doesn’t matter, we love them all. They’re there for you unconditionally and the feeling is mutual. Our interview series celebrates this special bond between animals and hoomans. Let the awws begin.

Hooman: Ody Cruz, head bartender at Xaman Bar.

Cats: Umiko (3 years old) and Kenji (1 year old). Sometimes I call Umiko “tesoro de amor” or “love treasure” in English, and my baby Kenji is my “little bat.”

Home: Mexico

I love all the cats in the world, and other animals too, but cats, to me they are perfect!

I adopted Umiko from CDMX (Mexico City). I remember she was so tiny and lovely, and the truth is, it was love at first sight. And I got Kenji just outside the bar where I work, he was so little and scared that I just decided to bring him home with me! Now he is so big and handsome.

I like Japanese names and I think they sound so peaceful when I pronounce them, so I chose Umiko and Kenji as their names.

Umiko is very lovely, so co-dependent, so needy, and playful all the time! She likes to act like a big woman and sit in her chair (second photo in carousel). And Kenji is more mysterious and sleepy and respectful. He’s much calmer. He only cries when he’s hungry, and you’ll know when he’s hungry!

They start each morning off by scratching my door and crying, they cry because they wanna eat, even if they’ve already been fed. In the middle of the day they sleep, play, and need attention. At night they play more and cry for food.

Both are lovely! Since having them, it’s been a funny adventure and I learned a lot about responsibility; they give me love, I give them love (and food, course!).

Find Umiko and Kenji on their hooman’s Instagram, maybe mixing up some cocktails, at @ody.cr.