Lexie (now Bella) watching the world from her favorite spot.
Bella — living up to her name. Beautiful!
Last month River Rover posted that he had “a little problem.” A small, beautiful cat came into his world, but he was unable to keep her. While I certainly didn’t need another cat, this story caught hold of me. I live in the right place (close to River Rover), and I couldn’t resist the impulse to message him that I would “think about it.” Taking on the care of an animal is no small commitment. I’ve had a number of kitties over the last 30 years, so I’m well aware of what that means. But I knew when I sent that message I would take Lexie into our home.
She arrived and settled in fairly well. A visit with the vet established that, except for very dirty ears that might have been caused by earmites (now not in evidence), she was a healthy, sweet kitty. She isn’t fond of the other feline residents here (Fleur and Beau), but there have been no real spats, just some obligatory hissing and Lexie’s really loud announcement that she wants them to come no nearer! So I am hopeful that eventually we will all become tolerant, if not outright friendly.
The first decision involved Lexie’s name. Lexie is a perfectly good name, but it seemed it wasn’t quite the right one. It took a few days for her to tell me her name, but one day it suddenly became clear she was somewhat akin to the “Cats” character Grisabella — the glamour cat who had fallen on hard times and was chosen to be reborn. We shorten it to Bella, which confuses the people at the veterinary clinic, but we understand it perfectly. Fleur is actually Fleur de Lis, and Beau is Beauregard. I don’t know if this is her first or second name, since it’s not quite a “sensible, everyday name.” But it works.
Soon after she arrived I began to suspect there was something not quite right. She would ignore sounds that the other cats react to, and she would often be startled to turn her head and see me there. Off to the vet for the second time. Sure enough, Bella could not hear. I have been treating her for the mites/excess wax, so that is now cleared up. I think she is able to hear some things, but we aren't sure she will hear much better. But we cope pretty well.
Bella explores the house from time to time, loves to sit in my lap, will sit up on my chest when I lie down on the bed and tolerates, at least for awhile, the other cats sitting on the rest of my body (OK, I’m a crazy cat lady). But she doesn’t eat treats. The ritual here is for treats at bedtime. Fleur and Beau pointedly remind me if I happen to forget or take too long putting on pajamas. But Bella just looks, sniffs, and ignores. Beau simply cannot comprehend this! But, for an animal that has been tossed around from place to place in a short period of time, I think she’s doing very well.
I promised to give an update, and so I have. Bella is a blessing to our little home, and I’m glad I was able to bring her into it.
Happy New Year to All!
She loves to nap in the Ficus tree pot.
Lunchtime!
