The Little Tiger of Downtown Montrose

12-24-25

By Carole Canfield, Nicolas Justine
On any given afternoon in downtown Montrose, you can find all sorts of charming surprises, street singers, local artists painting scenes of mountain skylines in town storefronts, and neighbors pausing to share laughter on the sidewalks.
But none of these sights compare to the moment I did a double take at what looked, at first glance, like an ordinary backpack on my neighbor Ziva’s Coons shoulder. It wasn’t a backpack at all. It was NovaLee, Ziva’s two-year-old tiger-striped kitty perched calmly on her shoulder like she owned the town.
The first time I saw them, Ziva was returning from the store, walking casually, while Nova settled herself as comfortably as if she were curled up in Ziva’s lap at home. Her small paws draped gently along Ziva’s shoulder, her bright amber eyes scanning the world with a soft but fearless curiosity. Anyone who passed by had to look at least twice.
We paused to talk for a moment, and it was obvious NovaLee wasn’t just “used to” being out in public ,she loved it. From time to time, she hopped down to trot beside Ziva, wearing her little harness and leash, her tail flicking proudly. Other times she rode high on Ziva’s shoulder again, surveying her kingdom with the calm confidence of a cat who knows she is deeply loved.
Ziva raised NovaLee and her brother from the time they were tiny kittens. “I knew from the beginning there was something special about her,” she told me, scratching Nova under the chin. “She plays fetch like a puppy. And she’s so careful ,never scratches me, never fusses.”
People often stop them on the street, wanting to talk or pet the unusual shoulder-riding feline. NovaLee doesn’t mind a bit. In fact, her patience and gentle nature quickly became more than a charming personality trait, they became a lifeline.
“She’s actually my Emotional Support Animal (ESA),” Ziva explained. “She has her support tags and everything. But honestly, it’s the companionship ,the way she understands me. She’s with me all the time, and she’s never once caused an issue. She’s amazing.”
And she truly is. Unlike most cats who protest car rides with loud complaints, NovaLee is perfectly content. “She enjoys it,” Ziva said with a smile. “As long as she’s with me, she’s easygoing. She just settles in and watches the world.”
At home, Nova is even more affectionate. Her purrs ,soft, steady, and soothing ,fill the room like a warm hum of comfort. When Ziva draws or writes, Nova is right there beside her. Sometimes she playfully nibbles at the papers; other times she curls up neatly against her arm, keeping her company through quiet afternoons.
The bond between them is unmistakable. It isn’t simply a pet-owner relationship ,it’s a friendship, a partnership, a small daily miracle in fur. Watching them together, you can see trust, love, and companionship woven into every gesture.
In a world that can be heavy at times, the sight of Ziva and NovaLee strolling through downtown Montrose brings a special kind of joy, the reminder that sometimes the greatest comforts come with paws, whiskers, and a tiny tiger-striped coat.
And if you ever find yourself in Montrose one bright afternoon, keep an eye out.
You just might catch a glimpse of the little tiger riding proudly on her human’s shoulder, exploring the world as only she can, with calmness, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart.