I love my name: Sweet Cheeks. I sound like a special dessert, a mountain of cream puffs or a six-layer chocolate extravaganza of sugar. Or perhaps I have the name of an exotic dancer or, if your tastes are more refined, a Shirley Temple movie.

If you met me, you’d know I’m as cute as my name. I’m a petite brown tiger, with tiny paws and a white mouth and chin. I’m two years old and extremely pretty, if I’m allowed to boast.

Oh, yes, I have the requisite sad story with which to inspire pity. We all do here at the shelter, of course. Every morning we kitties meet after breakfast, share our past pain, and shed a few discreet tears. Believe me, there are days when one box of tissues just isn’t enough.

Humans visit us, and we preen and purr and hope that someone will fall in love with us, but it has been a very long winter and there haven’t been as many happy endings as we’d hoped. I try to stay optimistic, but I’ve been living at the shelter for an entire year now.

I was adopted once — this story is always a big hit when I tell the new cats — and while it was nice to have a home, I was very bored without anyone to play with. I’m very social and I love other cats, so I was returned to the shelter to find a livelier home. (I need feline company, but I do not like dogs.)

Back to my sad story: I was discovered living in an empty house with my kittens and other cat friends. We were brought to the shelter and cared for so nicely. My kittens grew up and found homes of their own, which was lovely for them. But I missed their company.

Eventually I became a foster mother to two homeless kittens, which I enjoyed tremendously. The little darlings needed some cuddling and grooming, not to mention learning their all-important kitty manners. I hope they’re behaving themselves!

My best girlfriend, Pumpkin, and I used to share a cage. We groomed each other and slept together, but she found a home. I tried to be brave when we said our goodbyes, but it’s not easy being alone again.

I’m a very high-energy girl. I love to play. I will frolic and talk all day long. I’m feisty and friendly, though I don’t care to be picked up and hauled around. I’m attached to my scratching post (shaped like a mouse) and will take it with me to my new home. I roll over on the floor for attention and I’ve been known to eat houseplants.

I’m a busy, sassy little cat with a great deal of charm. Please, please come get me out of here.

I’m at 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.

ANNOUNCING: Our annual totally fabulous “Ulti-Mutt Tea and Dog Fashion Show” is coming up May 3, so reserve your tickets now by calling (401) 792-2233. We’re looking for an American Girl doll and clothes for a very special fundraising raffle basket, so if anyone sews AG outfits or has something to donate, please call us.

Kristine Rolofson is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, Small Paws 4 You and Northeast Pekingese Rescue. She is the author of more than 40 novels.