An orange rescue cat with a plush neck ruff,a tail almost as long as her body,and a tendency to spring onto her owner’s shoulders is drawing admiration far beyond her own home.

Waffle,adopted by Grand Valley State University student Kendyle Laesch,recently moved into the quarterfinals of the national“America’s Favorite Pet”competition.Laesch brought Waffle home from the Humane Society of West Michigan,describing an immediate bond between them.

“I just went to visit some cats on a whim,”Laesch said.“Waffle was the very first one I noticed.As I approached,she pressed her paw to the glass.It felt like love at first sight.”

Born on May 1 and now about ten months old,Waffle is an uncommon female ginger cat.Over recent months,Laesch has seen her personality blossom into what she calls“diva”spirit.

“She’s hilarious,”Laesch remarked.“She definitely has that classic orange cat vibe—pretty sassy sometimes.I like to say she’s my little diva.”

Waffle mixes independence with sweet moments.She sleeps next to Laesch,“makes biscuits”with her paws,and sometimes even drools when she’s deeply relaxed.Besides leaping onto her owner’s back,she often“flumps”down rather than settling gently,and treats playtime seriously—crouching low with ears back as if on the hunt.Laesch feels these quirks,together with Waffle’s expressive looks and fluffy fur,give her a real chance in the contest.

“She hops right up on my back,”Laesh shared.“No one taught her that.She just started doing it one day,and now it’s her thing.I might be biased,but I think she’s incredibly cute.I’ve never met another cat quite like her.”

Laesch first learned about“America’s Favorite Pet”over winter break while browsing Instagram.After sending in photos and answering questions about Waffle,she got word that her cat was accepted into the competition.

The contest runs through several stages.In the first grouping phase,cats are sorted randomly,and the top vote-earner from each group moves forward.Waffle won her group,securing a spot in the quarterfinals alongside other group winners.According to contest rules,Laesch explained,that rank puts Waffle in the top 1%of all cats competing.One cat and one dog will be named the final winners on or before March 27.

Voting takes place daily.Supporters can submit a free vote every 24 hours after verifying through Facebook.Extra votes can be bought through donations,with each dollar counting as one vote.

“It’s taken a ton of social media sharing and people spreading the word,”Laesch said.“Every day I’m asking,‘Did you vote for Waffle today?’”

Flyers approved by the University’s Promotions Office have also boosted attention on campus.Each includes a QR code that goes straight to Waffle’s voting page.With the added visibility,Laesch has seen both more support and more nerves as the contest heats up.

“I’ve definitely noticed more eyes on us since she reached the quarterfinals,”Laesch observed.“Still,this round is way more competitive.It’s started to feel more like a money race.”

Sophomore Sidney Marshall said she was excited to hear a campus pet had come this far in a nationwide contest.

“I think it’s really neat that cats get this kind of recognition,and that she made the quarterfinals,”Marshall said.“I have a cat myself,so it’s fun.I’d for sure vote to support a fellow Laker.”

As a student,Laesch admits it’s tough to keep up with the large donations some rivals bring in.Even so,she sees making the quarterfinals as a real achievement.

The contest’s top prize includes$10,000 and a cover feature in“Modern Cat”magazine.While Laesch noted the money“would help with tuition,”she added that she’s already proud of how far Waffle has come and the effort she’s put in.

“Whatever happens from here,I’m pretty happy,”Laesch reflected.“I feel like my hard work paid off.I really wanted her to be seen—for others to love her as much as I do.”

For now,Waffle keeps flumping,pouncing,and posing as one of the university’s most famous cats—one daily vote at a time.