The Lure Of A New Box

A new box is definitely a new toy – a new discovery – a new secure place in which to get comfortable.

Romeo was the first one in the box. He took ownership.

Please, Romeo, let me have the box.

Rusty thought this was a good idea, but Romeo wasn’t giving “his” box up.

Now it’s Patches’ turn. It took a while, but she is the patient one.

Who are you sticking your tongue at?

I like the view from here.

This is beginning to feel really comfortable.

Patches was so comfortable in this box, that she took a long nap in it!

Closeups: Rusty

Rusty is an Exotic, as is Patches.  Exotics are actually short-haired Persians, but now, they are recognized as a separate breed.  They have all the wonderful features of the Persians, but are easier to groom since they lack the very long, thick coats of the Persians.

These cats are known for their sweet personalities, and usually calm demeanor.  They also are known to show greater attachment to their humans than the usual cat breed.  But, there are always exceptions, and I know of many cats who are not pure breeds who show exceptional closeness to their humans.  So, the myth that cats are always “standoffish” is just that:  a myth.

Rusty doesn’t always look so dignified. I caught him at just the right moment.

 

It’s not that easy to catch Rusty looking straight into the camera.

 

This is my favorite photo of him. Some may disagree. Whatever. He is still my sweet.

Closeups: Romeo

Romeo is a Ragdoll.  Many people have never heard of that breed, and yet, it isn’t all that new.  It’s been around since the latter part of the 1980s, I believe.

How did the Ragdolls get their breed name?  Well, the story goes like this:  It seems that a woman came across a cat that was very handsome, like Romeo, and when she picked it up, it hung limp – like a child’s ragdoll would.  A very simple story.  Since then, there’s been some cross-breeding (most popular with Siamese and Birmans) to define the breed.

My sister calls Romeo, “Mr. Handsome.” I can’t imagine why!

 

Romeo has a very intense look.

 

A thoughtful moment, contemplating what to do with this feather.

A Busy-Box for Cats

I took out the busy-box for some intellectual stimulation a couple of times this morning.  First time on the bed; second time on the bench by the window.  Romeo particularly, likes this toy.  I have to mention that Romeo is my quiet boy, and he hardly ever gets excited about anything.  He usually just likes to make himself comfortable somewhere – anywhere – and looks beautiful.  But, he is very sweet.  When he wants my attention, he stretches out his paw to me when I’m sitting, taps me on my shoulder so gently and voices his request with his gentle “mow.”

 

Looking for one of the toys.

I think I got it.

This looks interesting.

It smells good, too.

Next stop, the bench.

Hmm, what do I do now?

Oh yeah, there’s that toy I liked before.

It’s not that easy to get it out.

Something more interesting is going on outside.

Oh, it’s only those white Ibises again.

I think I’ll take some time out and relax. Playing is tiring.

I like being next to you, Mom.

I love you, Mom.

And so, ends another day being busy with the busy-box!

 

Best Boy Ever

“Best boy ever!”  Those are the words Rusty’s dental hygienist wrote on her report for Rusty’s dental cleaning.  Nicole carried Rusty out in his carrier to me in the waiting room.  I was hoping that it went well.

Nicole was smiling from ear to ear.  She was in love!!  “I didn’t have to wrap him as I normally do with the other cats.  He just stayed on my lap and I did whatever I needed to do in his mouth.”

My happiness was short-lived, however.  She gave me the news that Rusty was having a problem with his other lower canine tooth.  (The first one was removed last year.)  She did temper that news by saying we could wait 6 months and then bring him in for X-rays and maybe the tooth could be saved by filling the bad part – it wasn’t at a point right now that made it a certainty of needing it pulled.

I told her I wanted to be proactive, and decided at that moment to bring him in after 3 months for those X-rays.  When his tooth was removed last year, he suffered much pain (he was drooling and appeared very unhappy), and I had to bring him back for an injection to relieve his pain.  He was much better after that injection took effect.

Nicole concluded the consultation by saying, “I would love to take him home.”  And then she stuck her hand in the carrier, gave him a loving rub, ruffled his soft fur, and said, “He is amazing.”

Nicole also told me that Dr. Love (yes, that’s her real name) wanted him to be given an antibiotic at home to prevent any infection as a result of the cleaning since there was some decay in his canine.  “OK, I said.”  She asked, “Pill or liquid.”  “Liquid.”

The vet tech came out with the bottle, saying, “It’s clindamycin.”  I said, “Oh no.  That won’t do.  I tried giving it to him last year and it was impossible.  I know it tastes very bitter, and it didn’t work out at all.”  She said, “I could give him an injection.”  I said that it would be much better.

So, little Rusty had his injection, which is supposed to last for 2 weeks.  Good.  Back home we went.  He was very quiet on the way, all hunched up with his head crammed in the corner of the carrier.  He always does that, as if he’s trying so hard to find a safe and comforting place.

Welcome home, Rusty.  Romeo was on the other side of the door leading into the kitchen, when I came in from the garage into the laundry room, and was crying.  I forgot to mention that Romeo was crying when I took Rusty into the laundry room and closed the door behind me.  The two of them are buddies, and are great playmates.

Romeo couldn’t wait until I put down the carrier onto the kitchen floor.  He was walking in front of me, going back and forth, impatient for me to put down Rusty’s carrier and let him out.  It was difficult not to step on Romeo as I moved forward.  You know how that is, if you have cats.

Finally, I was able to put Rusty’s carrier down.  Before I let him out, I decided right then and there that this was a blog in the making.  Got my camera and all the photos in this blog are a result.

I thought Romeo was so impatient to have his buddy home and out of the carrier, but no!  He was impatient to go into the carrier!

Rusty had to re-acquaint himself with his surroundings, and he was so happy to be back home!

Yawning is a good way to help you relax:

Curling and grooming are sure signs of feeling good!

Now that I know Rusty is doing well and has aclimated to being home again, I think I’ll check out what Romeo’s been up to.

A Love Story

We all know how cats seem to gravitate to their favorite things to do; that which draws their attention more than any other thing?  (I’m not talking about FOOD!)

Well, my Romeo has his thing.  I really think that his best time of the day is when I come home from doing my food shopping.  Are you already guessing what I’m going to say?  You’re right.  He can’t wait to start chewing on the plastic bags – even before I take out my groceries!  Then, when I’m busy putting items on the counter before putting them away, he’s in HEAVEN!  I think he especially liked the bag that had the cherries.  He goes for the “good” ones.  These photos will attest to the fact:

Just in case you’d like to see his face, here is another photo of his profile – sorry, that’s the only one I have available right now, but you can look at previous posts to see other photos of Romeo (he is a Ragdoll, BTW):

Disclaimer:  At no time was Romeo in danger of swallowing any plastic!

Hope you enjoyed this post.  To see other posts of my cats, just scroll down.  Any comments will be appreciated!