I’m a big Sinatra fan. Seriously, when I hear him belt out, “I did it my way,” I get tears in my eyes. Not that doing things my way is helping my life, but it’s a nice thought. And, as an optimist, I keep thinking things will work out for me.

To paraphrase Bridget Jones and her infamous diary, I am waiting for someone to love me just the way I am.

And I’m not perfect, I know. I’ve been living at the shelter for a year and a half. I’ve been here longer than any other four-legged critter, which is embarrassing and stressful. Even the finches, flitting around in their big shiny cage, make fun of me.

My name is Sweet Cheeks, the kitty whose name sounds like a fancy dessert, so you may remember my appearance in the newspaper last spring. I was adopted soon after, but my new owner wasn’t impressed with my sassiness. I’m a petite brown tiger with tiny paws and white markings. I’m high energy, and I need a human who appreciates an independent cat.

Almost two years ago, I was found living in an abandoned house with my kittens and some other cat friends. Everyone was adopted but me, but I was busy fostering the homeless kittens who arrived at the shelter and needed to be cared for. I dearly love kittens, especially the naughty ones who need to learn manners. I like to be useful around here or I become bored.

I love to play, and I need to live with at least one other cat. I would be a good companion to a lonesome kitty, but I don’t care to be picked up and carried around by humans. I’m feisty and friendly, but I’m not a lap cat. I don’t like my head petted; I prefer a good back rub instead.

My favorite toy is a rope mouse, and when I’m adopted, I’ll bring a brand new scratching-post mouse with me to my new home.

I need a busy lifestyle, a home with friends and excitement and lots of toys. I’ve been known to eat houseplants, but I’m not the least bit fussy about food. I’m healthy and only two years old, so I have a lot of fun years ahead of me. If I ever get out of this cage, that is.

If you are interested in meeting me, come to the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, at 506B Curtis Corner Rd. in South Kingstown, or call (401) 783-7606.

We’re open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kristine Rolofson is the author of more than 40 novels and is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island and Little Paws 4 You. She lives in Wakefield.