I've been keeping an eye out for possible "siblings" for Sophie for weeks now, and today my heart was stolen by a handsome 9-month-old boy who I've named Jack. The people at the PetSmart location where I came across him said he was very shy, but as soon as they opened the cage for me, he came right up and nestled his head under my chin. Um - do I need any more convincing?
Unfortunately, Jack "needs some work." I noticed as soon as I saw him that he was very scrawny - his little hip bones are protruding! I have some of the dry food that they fed him in the shelter, but I'll be switching that (Purina) for a healthier variety ASAP - just want to make sure I do it slowly so as not to shock his system. he also wolfed down the small amount of wet food I just gave him - he's definitely hungry! His coat is greasy and dull, but I'm hoping that some combing, and proper nutrition, will help that and I don't have to subject him to a bath.
Worst of all, he's sick. I didn't notice in the store, with all the other meowing cats, and the traffic noise, etc, but in a quiet room, you can hear him breathe, like a little Darth Vader. At the vet's advice, we're "scrubbing up" like surgeons before going near Sophie!
I've made a nice cozy home for him in the bathroom, where he is hiding behind the commode (although he's a total attention-hog and runs right over if anyone goes inside), with fresh water, blankets, food, toys, and a litter box, and my mother and I have been going in periodically to sit with him - he's delighted to see visitors each time and immediately starts head-butting for some scratches! I'm letting my mother do a lot of the attention-giving for now, so I can spend time with Soph, so she doesn't think I'm replacing her!
For her part, Sophie knows there's a new animal around - hard NOT to, Jack is a loudmouth! So far, she seems cautiously curious. She keeps trying to get close to the bathroom door to get a good sniff, but any loud noises throughout the house will send her scurrying back into "her" room.
Here is Jack - this is a camera phone picture, I haven't had a chance to get the digital camera in there with him yet.
Unfortunately, Jack "needs some work." I noticed as soon as I saw him that he was very scrawny - his little hip bones are protruding! I have some of the dry food that they fed him in the shelter, but I'll be switching that (Purina) for a healthier variety ASAP - just want to make sure I do it slowly so as not to shock his system. he also wolfed down the small amount of wet food I just gave him - he's definitely hungry! His coat is greasy and dull, but I'm hoping that some combing, and proper nutrition, will help that and I don't have to subject him to a bath.
Worst of all, he's sick. I didn't notice in the store, with all the other meowing cats, and the traffic noise, etc, but in a quiet room, you can hear him breathe, like a little Darth Vader. At the vet's advice, we're "scrubbing up" like surgeons before going near Sophie!
I've made a nice cozy home for him in the bathroom, where he is hiding behind the commode (although he's a total attention-hog and runs right over if anyone goes inside), with fresh water, blankets, food, toys, and a litter box, and my mother and I have been going in periodically to sit with him - he's delighted to see visitors each time and immediately starts head-butting for some scratches! I'm letting my mother do a lot of the attention-giving for now, so I can spend time with Soph, so she doesn't think I'm replacing her!
For her part, Sophie knows there's a new animal around - hard NOT to, Jack is a loudmouth! So far, she seems cautiously curious. She keeps trying to get close to the bathroom door to get a good sniff, but any loud noises throughout the house will send her scurrying back into "her" room.
Here is Jack - this is a camera phone picture, I haven't had a chance to get the digital camera in there with him yet.