Let me start this post on a couple of serious notes before I get to the fun fluffy one. I know that some people would feel that choosing to adopt a cat so close the passing of another isn’t right. I have my reasons for doing things this way. Mr Pyjamas (Jarms) became an only cat with Doris’s passing, he’s never been an only cat before. Jarms came into our family when we had both Charlie and Doris. Jarms needs sooo much attention! He is easily bored with indoor cat life and Mr Ask and I promised we would always have two – one is too lonely. We didn’t want Jarms to be too put out by a new addition and thought that earlier would be better. Also, Mr Ask had a week off work and it seemed advantageous to add a new cat when we were both home to help the assimilation process. And my last reason is that I think Doris would have wanted it. She would want another lost wanderer to stumble into a loving forever home. I know it.
All my cats have been rescues and Jean-Luc is no different. Oh my, so many little furry ones need a home! The best breed is rescued and I urge to you choose it if you add to your family. And that of course is my second serious note. Jean-Luc came from SA Dog Rescue, who also rescue cats (and more). He came into the care of a lovely woman named Cindy when he was 7 weeks old and had been living with other cats, waiting to be adopted until now. He is 10 months old, still kittenish in many ways and sincerely beautiful! How no one chose him is beyond me. That is a very long time for a cat to be without a personalized home. To be without couch and human bed and very regular sooking. I have no doubt he has been lovingly cared for but he has had a hard little life in a cage. He is gentle and sweet and has eyes like lanterns!
Before he could come home with us, he needed to visit the vet for vaccinations, microchipping and the snip. Luckily Cindy got him into the wonderful people at Elizabeth Park Vets (they help out SA Dog Rescue and I love them for that!) and we were able to pick up Jean-Luc from there. We worried how he would cope with the car ride (about an hour from the vet to home) but he was too sleepy from the anesthetic to worry too much. Jarms is as soft as butter and has never been aggressive to any human, cat or visiting dog. So we allowed a quick meet & greet before putting Jarms in the bedroom and allowing Jean-Luc a look around his new home. He immediately found all three of the only squeezy places to hide! Under the oven, behind the washing machine and between the couches (we have storage couches that come to the floor but there is a tiny gap where they join. For those that can’t picture it, like this) Not even Jarms can fit in those spots but then Jarms is quite a sizable boy, 11kg of lean and slinky fur. Jean-Luc is quite the explorer…..
Which is why he no longer called Otis, which was his previous name (don’t worry he had no recognition of it, didn’t react to it all but they have to name them something). He is called Jean-Luc after Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek fame because he boldy goes when no cat has gone before! And because it suits him and we are all sorts of nerdy. Speaking of nerdy, this is Mr Asks first cat (or animal at all) from the beginning. When we met I had my three guys and Mr Ask rolled with it – even though he was horribly allergic! Full immersion seemed to cure the allergy and Mr Ask bonded with all the cats but wasn’t really a ‘cat man’. Mr Ask was Jean-Luc’s first port of call and Jean-Luc was sprawled all over him! And Mr Ask must have been taken because he played bird videos for Jean-Luc to look at while he relaxed. I foresee great love in the not too distant future.
Jean-Luc has settled in nicely. He takes himself off for food and water and immediately understood the litter tray. The dirt has come out of his coat and he no longer smells like wee. In fact, he has become glossy, fluffy and very soft. Jarms was put out at first but quickly softened into his role as big brother. Jean-Luc mimics Jarms and follows him around. Jarms is already teaching Jean-Luc naughty ways – sigh! The two were seen laying together several times early on. They are both so amazingly cute and sweet and I can see they will be the best of friends in no time.
So that it for the introductions! If you are considering a new pet, please consider SA Dog Rescue (as you know they have cats and more too!) But my strongest message is this: If you could foster an animal, please contact SA Dog Rescue and DO IT!!!! If you are the sort of person that likes cat and kitten pics, you better follow me on Instagram, where I will be flooding my feed with Jean-Luc and Jarms pics xx
2 Comments
Aw. What a cutie. Congratulations on the new member to the family.
I can’t take credit for the cuteness but he’s certainly cute! Thanks for the Congrats xxxx