Michis in the game: Salem, Torta, Gatell and Wero

By Jorge

They are all adopted michis. Salem (black one), Gatell (gray/white cat, top of the picture), Torta (gray-brown) and Wera (orange one), were once stray cats who now have a lovely house. According to their owner, there is now a 5th cat, but unfortunately, the game was already released before he could be added to the roster of michis.

 

Can you tell who is who?

In the picture we can notice that at least 3 of the 4 cats belong to the same race as Alex: a tabby cat. This is because it is noticeable that they have a distinctive coat marking seen in domestic cats (Torta, Gatell and Wero have it on sight), characterized by an “M”-shaped marking on the forehead, facial stripes, and either swirling (classic), vertical striped (mackerel), spotted/ticked body patterns.

Salem 

His name comes from the 90's series "Sabrina, the teen witch", who had a black cat as a pet named like that. Salem is the oldest of the michis, he was taken from an adoption center for cats. It is thought that in the underworld, Salem was a feral cat with natural assassin instincts, with outstanding hunting skills. Necessary assets to survive the streets as a street feral cat. He now lives in a cosy home surrounded with love, plenty of healthy food and back pettings.

Salem has already lost some of his teeth, since he's estimate to be over 10 years old (estimations go from 10 to 13 years old). He still could live for some more years if he continues this path of love and caring that his owners provide to him. No more street life for him.

His attitude towards people is calmed, little friendly with people outside his family circle, but loving and caring when he is with his humans/servants. Due to his age, he became more tranquil and enjoys his retirement from his former feral life. This peace he is living now, is well deserved, if you ask me.

Torta 

She's the cat that looks like a puma, Torta was also adopted from the same adoption center as Salem. The difference is that she was not covered in car's oil but she was also found roaming in the streets of the city. She's estimated to be 6-8 years old and she's very dynamic and playful.

She's more friendly towards humans outside her family circle and she loves cuddling and meows for attention. This can be can be interpreted as meaning that her owners have done a good job in taking care of her, that now Torta sees humans as trustworthy slaves. A common thought in michis raised with love and food. 

Torta's features with facial striping and the “M” on her forehead, strongly suggests that she has a mackerel tabby pattern (2). Torta is mother and all of her kittens were put in adoption, they found homes where they are treated with love and care.

Gatell 

His name is a reference to a Mexican politician whose family name is "Gatell". The name of this adorable cat, is a play on words between the politician's surname and the word “gato” (cat in Spanish). Very clever selection of his name, as it is often seen in pets names.

Gatell was picked from the streets and he was covered in car's oil when that happened, provoking problems on his skin, also caused by malnutrition. Gatell, in the same way as Torta, (and many domestic cats), features clear vertical stripes across his sides and legs, along with facial striping and the “M” on his forehead, strongly suggesting that he, as well, has a mackerel tabby pattern.

He's also estimated to be 6-8 years old, his temperament is calmed and he likes cuddles and attention. However it takes time to gain his trust, so if you come from outside Gatell's pack, don't expect him to cuddle on your lap. It will take some time for that to happen.

 

Nowadays Gatell's skin is healthy and he sleeps in a comfortable bed, as it must be. All the michis and puppies in the world deserve a nice place to live, sleep, play, eat and be loved. And us, humans, (often seen as servants by the michis), must meet those conditions for the wellbeing of the michis.

Wero 

He's the orange cat. His name comes from a reference of a Spanish word "güero", that is used to refer to blonde haired men. For blonde women, "güera" would be used. 

Wero was also saved from the streets by a girl who later put him into adoption, it was at that moment that my friend saw the post in the social media and decided to adopt him. Wero is still young (estimated to be 1-2 years old) and his attitude at the beginning, when he arrived for the first time to his new home, was aggressive and unfriendly. According to reports, his behavior towards his new human/servants has improved, but he still has work to do.

He will adapt soon and the love, food and pettings that Wero receives will help to change his negative attitude towards a more friendly and lovely one. It is matter of time for that to happen.

There are 6 pictures in total of this adorable pack of cats. Can you find them all in Saving the Michi AR?