An update on July 15, 2023 post of an abandoned apartment kitty: Some of you might remember this face as he stirred up several animal lovers on the forum as I shared he had been...

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

Some of you might remember this face as he stirred up several animal lovers on the forum as I shared he had been abandoned! While I might have done a brief report to say he was rescued, I decided he deserved more. I hope you enjoy his tale.

He has been rescued since early October and lives with a nice lady and her not-so-happy senior cat. I am happy to say that I was part of the rescue effort.

One day, on my way back from the gym, I saw the kitty and the little boy who often played with him, and I stopped to say hello. Suddenly, behind me, I heard a not-so-pleasant voice ask: “Is that your cat?” Immediately detecting a tone, I politely said no and that I understood he had been abandoned. She then launched into a full-blown nasty and vile tirade about the kitty. She further threatened that she was going to call the apartment to have him taken away. Why? Because she accused him of pooping on her balcony. Trying to defuse the situation and knowing how the complex HATES cats, I suggested I understand that was her right, but should that happen, there was a possibility that he might be killed. She then had the audacity to say: “I don’t care, he’s not my pet and stalked into her apartment! “ I saw RED!

All I knew was that I had to get him out of there! However, it was getting dark, and given that I lived a good way up the hill and couldn’t pick him up for more than a minute, it was not an easy feat. Sadly, the first attempt failed! Defeated, all I could do was send up a big prayer. I then called two friends who said they thought they could find a home if I rescued him. The next morning, I drove down with my carrier and finally found him, and only with the grace of God can I say I somehow swooped him up and into the carrier. What followed, trust me, was filled with many twists and turns! Both friends abandoned me, and suddenly, I found I was fostering a cat! Oh, did I mention I have a senior cat who was also a rescue many years ago and might, at best, be described as feral? While she can be sweet, her social skills are limited. She was not a happy camper.

Fast forward. He was secured in the guest bathroom that I kitty-proofed, but much to my dismay, I found the door did not firmly lock. My next day was a workday, so I firmly barricaded the door with several large storage tubs. All was safe. Nope, I got home later than expected, and as I walked in, I saw the bathroom door wide open! I found him peacefully sleeping under the bench where my cat, Bumper Rue, normally sleeps. Looking up, he seemed to say: “Hey, a nice place, you’re late tonight! Where have you been?” I later found my cat huddled and unharmed under the bed. I did everything, and I mean everything, to barricade the door! No matter what, he escaped. This cat is long and lean and is an excellent jumper! So, I had no choice but to move him into the guest bedroom. He was very pleased with the upgrade! Despite it all, within several days, he totally stole my heart! As you might suspect, I have adopted him! He is by far the most loveable and affectionate cat I’ve ever known. He prefers to be cradled and is clearly a lap cat. As a companion, he is extremely intuitive and is always there, so I have been blessed beyond belief. In addition, he’s very intelligent and learns quickly. As he gallops off after the laser light or does his fancy soccer moves with a ball, using both his front and back paws, he’s extremely entertaining. I suspect, however, that Bumper might use other words to describe him! Lastly, he is also very photogenic and doesn’t mind the camera, which is the opposite of Bumper, as I hardly have an image.

He came with the name of Bear. I am playing with adding a middle name of Gee. Bear Gee. Gee, I have another cat! Now, after several months, while I am at home, he has run the apartment, and surprisingly, he is fairly well-behaved. According to the vet, he’s about a year and a half old! Given that he is full of energy and is curious about everything that seems right. Bumper remains annoyed that she was not consulted, but I continuously remind her that I rescued her. As you can see by her expression, the jury is still out as to whether she will accept him, but I am hopeful. Unless I lock her out of the bedroom, she prefers sleeping in her bedroom under the bed. When he tries to approach her, she no longer hisses and has become more tolerant. She continues to watch him like a hawk, and I honestly think his antics entertain her, but she won’t admit it yet. He has generally been a gentleman, politely sniffs, and has tried to lay close by often with his back to her, I think, to suggest trust.

Once again, I have found that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and that life doesn’t always go as planned but perhaps as intended. And with this, I have come to believe that God sent Bear into our lives to add more love and quite a bit of energy to the old seniors! While I may have rescued Bear in many ways, he has recused me.

So sometimes there are happy endings!

Note: The first two shots were taken when both lived outdoors. Bumper was much younger and had just become a mother and was unhappy.

(Download)

NMGal Loc: NE NM

All's well that ends well.

JustJill Loc: Iowa

BAchme wrote:

Some of you might remember this face as he stirred up several animal lovers on the forum as I shared he had been abandoned! While I might have done a brief report to say he was rescued, I decided he deserved more. I hope you enjoy his tale.

He has been rescued since early October and lives with a nice lady and her not-so-happy senior cat. I am happy to say that I was part of the rescue effort.

One day, on my way back from the gym, I saw the kitty and the little boy who often played with him, and I stopped to say hello. Suddenly, behind me, I heard a not-so-pleasant voice ask: “Is that your cat?” Immediately detecting a tone, I politely said no and that I understood he had been abandoned. She then launched into a full-blown nasty and vile tirade about the kitty. She further threatened that she was going to call the apartment to have him taken away. Why? Because she accused him of pooping on her balcony. Trying to defuse the situation and knowing how the complex HATES cats, I suggested I understand that was her right, but should that happen, there was a possibility that he might be killed. She then had the audacity to say: “I don’t care, he’s not my pet and stalked into her apartment! “ I saw RED!

All I knew was that I had to get him out of there! However, it was getting dark, and given that I lived a good way up the hill and couldn’t pick him up for more than a minute, it was not an easy feat. Sadly, the first attempt failed! Defeated, all I could do was send up a big prayer. I then called two friends who said they thought they could find a home if I rescued him. The next morning, I drove down with my carrier and finally found him, and only with the grace of God can I say I somehow swooped him up and into the carrier. What followed, trust me, was filled with many twists and turns! Both friends abandoned me, and suddenly, I found I was fostering a cat! Oh, did I mention I have a senior cat who was also a rescue many years ago and might, at best, be described as feral? While she can be sweet, her social skills are limited. She was not a happy camper.

Fast forward. He was secured in the guest bathroom that I kitty-proofed, but much to my dismay, I found the door did not firmly lock. My next day was a workday, so I firmly barricaded the door with several large storage tubs. All was safe. Nope, I got home later than expected, and as I walked in, I saw the bathroom door wide open! I found him peacefully sleeping under the bench where my cat, Bumper Rue, normally sleeps. Looking up, he seemed to say: “Hey, a nice place, you’re late tonight! Where have you been?” I later found my cat huddled and unharmed under the bed. I did everything, and I mean everything, to barricade the door! No matter what, he escaped. This cat is long and lean and is an excellent jumper! So, I had no choice but to move him into the guest bedroom. He was very pleased with the upgrade! Despite it all, within several days, he totally stole my heart! As you might suspect, I have adopted him! He is by far the most loveable and affectionate cat I’ve ever known. He prefers to be cradled and is clearly a lap cat. As a companion, he is extremely intuitive and is always there, so I have been blessed beyond belief. In addition, he’s very intelligent and learns quickly. As he gallops off after the laser light or does his fancy soccer moves with a ball, using both his front and back paws, he’s extremely entertaining. I suspect, however, that Bumper might use other words to describe him! Lastly, he is also very photogenic and doesn’t mind the camera, which is the opposite of Bumper, as I hardly have an image.

He came with the name of Bear. I am playing with adding a middle name of Gee. Bear Gee. Gee, I have another cat! Now, after several months, while I am at home, he has run the apartment, and surprisingly, he is fairly well-behaved. According to the vet, he’s about a year and a half old! Given that he is full of energy and is curious about everything that seems right. Bumper remains annoyed that she was not consulted, but I continuously remind her that I rescued her. As you can see by her expression, the jury is still out as to whether she will accept him, but I am hopeful. Unless I lock her out of the bedroom, she prefers sleeping in her bedroom under the bed. When he tries to approach her, she no longer hisses and has become more tolerant. She continues to watch him like a hawk, and I honestly think his antics entertain her, but she won’t admit it yet. He has generally been a gentleman, politely sniffs, and has tried to lay close by often with his back to her, I think, to suggest trust.

Once again, I have found that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and that life doesn’t always go as planned but perhaps as intended. And with this, I have come to believe that God sent Bear into our lives to add more love and quite a bit of energy to the old seniors! While I may have rescued Bear in many ways, he has recused me.

So sometimes there are happy endings!

Note: The first two shots were taken when both lived outdoors. Bumper was much younger and had just become a mother and was unhappy.

Some of you might remember this face as he stirred... (show quote)

Bear sounds like a true blessing. Great story and photos.

Cathy from Central California Coast Loc: Monterey Peninsula, California

I’m not a cat lover, but I love this story and photos!

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

NMGal wrote:

All's well that ends well.

Yes, true sometimes!

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

JustJill wrote:

Bear sounds like a true blessing. Great story and photos.

Thanks for the feedback, greatly appreciated. Yes, he is a real character.

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

Cathy from Central California Coast wrote:

I’m not a cat lover, but I love this story and photos!

Thanks, then for your response and very kind words. Note that I'm also a dog lover!

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

BAchme wrote:

Some of you might remember this face as he stirred up several animal lovers on the forum as I shared he had been abandoned! While I might have done a brief report to say he was rescued, I decided he deserved more. I hope you enjoy his tale.

He has been rescued since early October and lives with a nice lady and her not-so-happy senior cat. I am happy to say that I was part of the rescue effort.

One day, on my way back from the gym, I saw the kitty and the little boy who often played with him, and I stopped to say hello. Suddenly, behind me, I heard a not-so-pleasant voice ask: “Is that your cat?” Immediately detecting a tone, I politely said no and that I understood he had been abandoned. She then launched into a full-blown nasty and vile tirade about the kitty. She further threatened that she was going to call the apartment to have him taken away. Why? Because she accused him of pooping on her balcony. Trying to defuse the situation and knowing how the complex HATES cats, I suggested I understand that was her right, but should that happen, there was a possibility that he might be killed. She then had the audacity to say: “I don’t care, he’s not my pet and stalked into her apartment! “ I saw RED!

All I knew was that I had to get him out of there! However, it was getting dark, and given that I lived a good way up the hill and couldn’t pick him up for more than a minute, it was not an easy feat. Sadly, the first attempt failed! Defeated, all I could do was send up a big prayer. I then called two friends who said they thought they could find a home if I rescued him. The next morning, I drove down with my carrier and finally found him, and only with the grace of God can I say I somehow swooped him up and into the carrier. What followed, trust me, was filled with many twists and turns! Both friends abandoned me, and suddenly, I found I was fostering a cat! Oh, did I mention I have a senior cat who was also a rescue many years ago and might, at best, be described as feral? While she can be sweet, her social skills are limited. She was not a happy camper.

Fast forward. He was secured in the guest bathroom that I kitty-proofed, but much to my dismay, I found the door did not firmly lock. My next day was a workday, so I firmly barricaded the door with several large storage tubs. All was safe. Nope, I got home later than expected, and as I walked in, I saw the bathroom door wide open! I found him peacefully sleeping under the bench where my cat, Bumper Rue, normally sleeps. Looking up, he seemed to say: “Hey, a nice place, you’re late tonight! Where have you been?” I later found my cat huddled and unharmed under the bed. I did everything, and I mean everything, to barricade the door! No matter what, he escaped. This cat is long and lean and is an excellent jumper! So, I had no choice but to move him into the guest bedroom. He was very pleased with the upgrade! Despite it all, within several days, he totally stole my heart! As you might suspect, I have adopted him! He is by far the most loveable and affectionate cat I’ve ever known. He prefers to be cradled and is clearly a lap cat. As a companion, he is extremely intuitive and is always there, so I have been blessed beyond belief. In addition, he’s very intelligent and learns quickly. As he gallops off after the laser light or does his fancy soccer moves with a ball, using both his front and back paws, he’s extremely entertaining. I suspect, however, that Bumper might use other words to describe him! Lastly, he is also very photogenic and doesn’t mind the camera, which is the opposite of Bumper, as I hardly have an image.

He came with the name of Bear. I am playing with adding a middle name of Gee. Bear Gee. Gee, I have another cat! Now, after several months, while I am at home, he has run the apartment, and surprisingly, he is fairly well-behaved. According to the vet, he’s about a year and a half old! Given that he is full of energy and is curious about everything that seems right. Bumper remains annoyed that she was not consulted, but I continuously remind her that I rescued her. As you can see by her expression, the jury is still out as to whether she will accept him, but I am hopeful. Unless I lock her out of the bedroom, she prefers sleeping in her bedroom under the bed. When he tries to approach her, she no longer hisses and has become more tolerant. She continues to watch him like a hawk, and I honestly think his antics entertain her, but she won’t admit it yet. He has generally been a gentleman, politely sniffs, and has tried to lay close by often with his back to her, I think, to suggest trust.

Once again, I have found that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and that life doesn’t always go as planned but perhaps as intended. And with this, I have come to believe that God sent Bear into our lives to add more love and quite a bit of energy to the old seniors! While I may have rescued Bear in many ways, he has recused me.

So sometimes there are happy endings!

Note: The first two shots were taken when both lived outdoors. Bumper was much younger and had just become a mother and was unhappy.

Some of you might remember this face as he stirred... (show quote)

I;m glad you are enjoying the cat you kindly rescued.

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

photophile wrote:

I;m glad you are enjoying the cat you kindly rescued.

Yeah, he's a piece of work, but he's now mine!

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Nice story and thank you for what you have done. My thought is that you should give Bumper Rue some special attention every day and tell her how much she means to you. Bear is a blessing to you, but you are a blessing to Bumper Rue who would not have had a good life had it not been for you.

BAchme Loc: Middle Tennessee

RodeoMan wrote:

Nice story and thank you for what you have done. My thought is that you should give Bumper Rue some special attention every day and tell her how much she means to you. Bear is a blessing to you, but you are a blessing to Bumper Rue who would not have had a good life had it not been for you.

I agree. I spend time with BumperRue, and I always remind her that she is the queen of this home and that I love her. The problem is she has issues with interacting, always has. She also has special privileges that Bear doesn't such as going out on the balcony. Sort of like having two children, and the older one is bent out of shape. All I can do is try.

Appreciate the feedback.