Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Jessel Up Close


When I wrote yesterday that during my time off one of my beasts often becomes ill and I acquire a new cat, that was generally accurate, but not very detailed. Long weekends bring sick cats; holidays bring cats, period.

Kea was right when she commented on the previous article that I have a new addition to the Cosy Apartment’s feline population. Most of you know Jessel. Now, you can meet him up close.


It was decided in the rescue-group to which I belong, the Lethbridge PAW Society, that this stray should be brought in and an attempt made to place him, eventually, in a permanent home. This isn’t done for every cat, of course, principally for the very good and unfortunate reason that there are far too many cats to rescue all of them. Just as realistically, though, and just as obviously, we cannot bring in genuinely feral cats. But Jessel’s slight interaction with me when he was outside held the possibility of socialisation and adoption.

Trapping him was easy – so easy, I feel guilty over it. I saw him outside yesterday evening as I was taking out the garbage. I figured when he observed me that he would come to my concrete ditch for a meal. I quickly arranged food in a trap, and prepared the way with Temptation treats. It was not five minutes later that he was captured. It was by far my easiest trap: Jessel was as innocent of such procedures as a kitten.


I had intended to keep him in the trap, in my bathroom, for a few hours, at least, but found that he was touchable through the bars, so I thought a larger jail-cell, in the form of a big carrier, was warranted. Trap-door was put against carrier-door, and Jessel walked with little hesitation into the carrier – and then squeezed out the two-inch gap between the tall carrier-door and the shorter trap-door. Well, the best-laid plans of mice and men don’t include cats…

But, while this escape could, with another cat, have been a major problem, it was not with Jessel. He quickly proved himself to be a socialised animal. From the first, he let me touch him, gently, though he accompanied the gesture with a high-pitched cry. He never moved away from me, and never appeared frightened, let alone terrified. As the pictures demonstrate, the new fellow did not seem that nervous around me. His manner was that of someone who, while not fearing another’s touch or presence, nonetheless wishes it removed.


Jessel has eaten and, I think, drunk, so his sustenance will be no problem. He does have an aversion to using whatever contraption I place in the bathroom for him. I put a carrier in with him, and had a dish of food in there, to tempt him inside, hopefully to acclimate him to being in such confines. He would not go within. A litter-box, despite being filled with used litter, was disdained for the bathroom floor; he will need to stay in the bathroom until he trusts the litter-box. Even the soft, comfy blanket that Raleigh took to so readily is lying abandoned, the hard floor being preferred.

Countering these disadvantages are much more positive developments. I have been able to pick Jessel up; not enough to carry – that would be presuming too much at this point – but enough to move him from one spot to another, a few inches away. This will, of course, be essential when he needs to go into a carrier. And…I have been able to make Jessel purr. He apparently enjoys his head being vigorously but gently rubbed.


Jessel will be going to the veterinary for a full check-up but not until next week; that is how far in advance appointments have been fixed. The veterinary hospital the rescue uses has a smaller establishment than the one to whom my own beasts go, but even the latter hospital with six doctors is booking examinations two or three days ahead. Still, the newcomer will be safe where he is until then and, thankfully, I am on holidays, so I will be able to spend time with him throughout each day. I worry about what the doctors will find – FIV, in particular. Barring anything serious, though, there is no reason why this attractive and friendly cat won’t catch the attention of someone seeking to adopt a new best friend.

23 comments:

  1. Welcome Jessel! Your life has improved now you have moved in, and I am sure you know it.

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  2. Ah! That's a lovely happy story John..
    And..I think Jessel is beginning to
    realise perhaps, which side of his bread
    is buttered..Bless!x
    And..goes without saying, he's a lovely
    looking pussy~cat..! :).

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  3. Jessel, welcome home and you are so fortunate, I can't tell you how fortunate you are. But you will learn that. You are a very very handsome young man. I hope when you go to the Vet for your checkup and whatever else's needed, that you will come home and tell us your adventure. I can't wait.

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  4. Jessel is adorable. He reminds me of Rudolpho, the feral I once wrote about on my blog. I’m so happy to hear he’s gotten the opportunity to have a home!

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  5. Wonderful that Jessel was so easily captured by you. Hope he is
    healthy for a longer life inside. So beautiful. Well, you have
    your hands full.

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  6. The Circle Of Life turns endlessly. We acquire, love, and lose our shorter-lived friends. I see 1 of mine aging now and rapidly.

    Maybe the intensity of love and care makes us forget it will end.

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    Replies
    1. I once wrote a blog article on that subject. It was before I'd lost any cat of my own, but I find it holds true.

      https://ihavethreecats.blogspot.com/2012/04/bargain.html

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    2. What an excellent post. It does seem cruel that when you get a dog or cat, odds are high that you will outlive them. On the other hand, it has occurred to me that this is fortunate for the pet. Shelters are full of animals whose owners died, leaving no one willing to take care of them.

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  7. Well done!
    Here's hoping Jessel figures out the litter box quickly, and that he comes back from the vet with good health indicators!
    Not that I've had any experience with this, but I read that outside-to-inside cats sometimes prefer dirt in box, rather than litter/sand. I thought I'd have to do this for Sweetie, but she became an inside cat in 15 minutes; NOT a normal turnaround time!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, dirt or clay litter is sometimes used as a transition, and that may be used here. However, Jessel did wet in the box, and pooped in it (boy, did he ever!), so I will leave things as they are for now.

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  8. Jessel is such a beautiful cat, and he's so lucky to be the Cosy Apartment's newest resident. Apparently he's smart too, as he knew just where to go to find a great home! Welcome home, Jessel!

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  9. I echo those who wrote welcome home to Jessel! I would bet dollars to doughnuts that barring anything dire, he's found his forever home. Obviously he's had human interaction and socialization, so if his health checks out and he keeps using the litter box, etc. I'm sure it won't be long before he's integrated into the household. Well done! ♥

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    Replies
    1. I agree with you, Kea. When you're right, you're right!

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  10. Such a looker and we're so happy he is reasonably comfy around you, that sure makes it somewhat easier.

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  11. his coat coloring//markings remind me of a breed I can't put my finger on; if I DON'T think about it, it will come to me about 4 AM :) thank you for taking him in and caring for him; my first instinct is to say Raleigh "sent him" !! ☺☺

    dood....best fishez two ewe when ewe go two de ewe noe wear we don't menshunz place :) !! ♥♥

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    Replies
    1. I think he may have some snowshoe in him.

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    2. came back this way to look as Jessel again, I agree...snowshoe for sure :) ☺☺☺♥♥♥

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  12. I'm so happy that Jessel is somewhat socialized. Makes things easier for you. I, too, hope that his health exam goes well with no bad surprises. Welcome, Jessel!

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  13. He is very beautiful and he reminds me of Cammie to an extent.
    I understand how you may have felt about that 'guilt' when you trapped him. Like me, and many other of us, your heart is very tender toward these little ones. Those who are ours, and those who are uncared for. When they trust us even a little, to me, it feels like a "betrayal" to our hearts when we have to trick them into something that is vitally necessary for them. If ONLY we could make them understand we do it for them.

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  14. What a handsome cat he is! Is he aware of the other cats in the apartment and how has he reacted. I, like so many others, suspect he may have a home of his own. He obviously is happy with you. :)

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    Replies
    1. He knows there are other cats but seems more interested in exploring the apartment beyond the bathroom than in meeting the residents.

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