Tag Archives: Rossie

Rossie (2012-2024)

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We adopted Rossie and her siblings back in 2012. Her brother, Pretty Boy Floyd, died young — he had insurmountable urinary tract troubles.  His sisters, Rossie, Ruby Mae, and Delta have all done well. Rossie had always been the most reserved of the quartet. We worked with her for years, but she was always hiding. Eventually, we created the non-conflict room for her and two other cats, and she lived her life as she saw fit — sometimes basking in the window, and sometimes hiding under the curio cabinet. Every couple of months, she would approach me for each ear scritches and treats.

While I was out of town this week, the door to the non-conflict wing got left open. When I returned, I did not see Rossie anywhere in the room, so I presumed she must have gone into the main part of the house. I wasn’t particularly worried, but I do like to make sure I see her periodically to make sure she is okay. Once I verified she was not in the non-conflict wing, I started to search for her last evening. I found her quickly, deceased under the loveseat in the entry hall. I didn’t see any obvious trauma, so I can only speculate about what might have happened.

I never thought Rossie was particularly happy in the house, but she was loved, safe, and allowed to live as she saw fit. She was a good cat, but I believe she is now at peace. Here’s a kitten photo of her from November 2012:

And here’s a photo of Walter and her in the Non-Conflict Wing in February 2022:

Cats: Rossie

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Rossie has been living in the downstairs bathroom since we returned from Pennsylvania back in October. We started with Rossie, Sapphire, and Daisy in there, but Sapphire and Daisy regressed, so we returned them to the household population, where they are active and visible.

About the time we put Sapphire and Daisy back in the main part of the house, I brought Walter into the house. He was being bullied by the outside cats and had removed himself from the yard. Walter doesn’t like confrontation, so I thought he might be a good companion for Rossie. He and Rossie get along very well.

Over the last six months, Walter has adjusted to being in the house, and Rossie is thriving. She’s acting like a cat again. I once longed for the day when she would seek out my attention, and she does that regularly. I wouldn’t call her cuddly yet, but she comes within arm’s reach and leans into a chin scratch.

A few months ago, I began leaving the bathroom door open to allow Rossie and Walter the opportunity to go into the dining room while I was in the room to supervise. This served three purposes. First, it increased their range beyond the bathoom, giving them a change of scenery — Rossie loves to sit in the dining room windows, even though she has a bathroom window she can look out.

Second, Sneaky gets some feline companionship. She knew Walter when they were both outside, and she’s either Rossie’s mama or her aunt. We don’t know which.

Finally, it allows us to assess Rossie’s socialization progress. For the longet time, Rossie would only allow us to touch her in the bathroom. Yesterday, she approached Mr. L for an ear rub in the dining room.

We’re pleased with Rossie’s progress.

 

Cats: Rossie and Walter

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Once again, Rossie is thriving. I’m starting to realize that in the past, when we thought Rossie was doing well, we re-introduced her into the household too soon for her level of readiness. This week, Rossie tentatively began reaching out to us for attention. She is spending more and more time out of her box and on the cat tower. She is allowing Walter to lean against her. She also is staying on the tower when we enter the room. If she doesn’t stay on the tower, she moves to a different level and seeks our attention.

Walter takes all this in stride and is thriving in his role as “Friend of Rossie.” Both cats love kitty treats.

Cats: Rossie Update

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Rossie has been sequestered in the downstairs bathroom since we returned from our trip to Pennsylvania in October. We started out with Daisy and Sapphire in with her, but Sapphire was removed fairly quickly. I put the three of them in there to try to help socialize them, but Sapphire became far less social quickly. She rarely lets us touch her, but she’s always around when she’s in the general population. While she was in the bathroom, she became reclusive and combative. When I released her into the main part of the house, she resumed her normal behavior.

Daisy did not do well in the bathroom either, but she wasn’t too much worse than when she was in the general population. I kept her in there for company for Rossie. They seemed to get along, but being in the bathroom wasn’t helping Daisy be more social with us.

When I brought Walter into the house, I released Daisy into the main part of the house, and she has reverted to her normal behavior — always around but not interested in being handled. Mr. L can pet her sometimes, but she doesn’t care for me. Daisy did have to go to the vet last week for her annual exam and shots. The night before I needed to take her, I spoke with her for a few minutes explaining what needed to happen the next day. Daisy was under the bed. We closed the door, and Mr. L was preparing to get on the floor to pull her out, but she came out on her own, cried at the door, and allowed me to pick her up and put her in the carrier — pretty much like I’d explained to her things would need to happen. Daisy’s trip to the vet was uneventful, and she’s a healthy kitty.

Walter has settled down in the downstairs bathroom with Rossie. They are still negotiating their terms, but by and large, they get along well. Rossie is coming out of her box much more. When we go into the bathroom, Rossie is outside her box and on the cat tree about half of the time. About 25% of those times, she remains on the tree while we’re in the bathroom, and she interacts with us. When she’s in her box, she will usually come out to be petted with some coaxing. She leans into being petted when we reach into the box to pet her.

In short, Rossie is becoming a more socially interactive cat with both us and with Walter. She purrs and seems happy and relaxed. Walter is happy and relaxed. So far, so good.

Cats: Walter One Month Update

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Walter has been in the house for a month now. He is doing great. He’s such an affectionate cat. He’s still in the downstairs bathroom with Rossie. Walter’s job, should he choose to accept it, is to be Rossie’s friend. Of course, Rossie has some say in this, too. Two … Continue reading →

Cats: With Jase Away, the Cats Will…

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With Jase away at in-residence obedience school, we’re seeing more cats downstairs. Rossie came out for Mr. L to pet her yesterday. Saphhire and Daisy are spending more time in the parlor and even the kitchen. Sneaky’s wound is healing well. The list of kitties that like Animal Scents Cat … Continue reading →

Cats: Just Another Mundane Caturday

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The cats are here to say there’s really nothing new going on. Scooter is all for being petted while he’s eating, and sometimes he allows petting on the edge of the porch, but he’s still nervous about it. Socks allows petting while he’s eating but if he stops to think … Continue reading →

Cats: 14 + 1 Update

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For the Plus 1, Jase is off to summer camp for a week and a half. The inside cats are relieved, the outside cats will be missing their curious creature they monitor movements for. Ajax: Ajax is somewhat curious about Jase, but he doesn’t appreciate Jase jumping on him (nor … Continue reading →