Introducing Rusty
One step closer to crazy cat lady status
What do these eyes say to you? Adopt me, right? Am I right?
Four years ago, Rusty greeted me as I moved into this neighborhood. Sprawled out on his back on the sunny pavement across from my garage, he showed mild interest in my activities but didn’t make any effort to get off the street. I figured he was a neighbor’s cat. Turned out, he was the community cat. He ate at Flo‘s next door, sheltered with Phyllis, and just about everyone in the neighborhood either fed him, petted him or knew of his existence. Lately though, he hung around my patio and front door a lot. Every time it rained, he was on my front doormat. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to take him to the vet, see if he was microchipped, make sure he didn’t have anything transmissible, then adopt him. Easier said than done. Every time I saw a chance to catch him, he took off. It’s as though he could read my mind.
On Friday, I saw Rusty wander past during my afternoon barre class. It felt like my day. I called out to him. He sauntered up and lay against the front door. After some pets, I was able to get a hold of him and put him in a carrier. By a stroke of luck, the vet had an appointment. I found out that he is not microchipped, he’s about 4 to 6 years old, neutered and fairly healthy except for a moderate heart murmur. They gave him some shots and drew some labs to check for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Then I brought him home and parked him in the upstairs bedroom with a kitty litter tray, some food and water. There he has been ever since, except for one foray downstairs. At first he sat huddled under the bed. I spent some time in the room with him last night and he got more comfortable. He let me pet him, he ate, drank water and used the kitty litter.
Luca and Tabby seemed very calm about the intruder. They sniffed at the door and peeked under it to catch a glimpse. Tabby stuck a paw under the door and jiggled the handle to let herself in. She was shooed out again. Later, they went back to their routine.
This morning, Rusty expressed interest in leaving the bedroom. He walked downstairs, surprising Luca who was in the master bedroom. Luca turned into a spitfire, hissing and snarling. He chased Rusty back to the upstairs bedroom, then turned and snarled at me and Tabby, who was keeping a safe distance. Rusty has been under the bed since then, refusing food, drink, treats and pets. Luca scorned the scolding he received. Tabby remained neutral. Let’s see how long peace negotiations take.
Meanwhile, a few days ago, this brute showed up on my patio. He too is practicing hypnosis. Nope, Grumpy, I will not succumb. See, not quite the crazy cat lady yet!
Omg grumpy’s eyes though!
Welcome home dear Rusty 😘
Lucca sure isn't happy with this move but he knows you're boss, Lya.
Grumpy looks sweet too 😍 look at that face and those expressions 😁