Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Horace Arrives


This is Horace. He arrived at the Cosy Apartment this morning, and is currently camping out in the bathroom. I am awaiting word on a veterinary appointment for my new guest; once I’m assured that he will use the litter-box, he can move into the more spacious accommodation of the library, with its books, couch, cat-tree and window.


Horace was a stray, seen for a number of weeks in a park in a neighbourhood of my town. I estimate that he is Hector’s age. He is thoroughly socialised and was probably a pet of some university students, many of whom lodge in the district, until they left at the end of their semester; he would then have been abandoned. I believe that was Hector’s origin, too.


The woman who was feeding Horace was concerned for him. The nights here are still pleasant, but there is a nip in them now, a nip that will grow sharper with every week. Currently, Horace, who is not a light or small boy, is well fed and appears healthy, though his coat has a certain outsider’s coarseness to it. As the winter arrived, his condition may have deteriorated.


He will of course remain as a foster-cat with me for as long as necessary, though he is such a good-looking fellow - a kind of ivory hue, with pink on the face, especially over the brows - that I imagine he will have people interested in him quite soon. Initially, though, he must be neutered and kept isolated, not only until his hormones calm but until we are sure he is healthy enough to begin integration. Until then, Horace and I will get to know each other.

19 comments:

  1. I am delighted no end that Horace and you are introduced and taking one anothers' measure!

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  2. Horace is absolutely adorable. I'm glad that he is about Hector's age as that will give Hector someone to play with - not to mention, get in trouble with! :-)

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  3. Welcome Horace you might not realize it yet, but you hit the jackpot!

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  4. I was thinking the same thing as Roberta--if Horace and Hector take to each other, they ought to be good companions. Fingers crossed on that, and more importantly, that Horace checks out as healthy, barring any small issues (fleas, mites, whatever) due to his former status of stray. I'm glad he had that kind woman to feed him.

    Welcome, Horace! As angel Abby's mom wrote, you hit the jackpot!

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  5. What a pretty little fellow! It would be wonderful if Hector could get a young playmate again.

    I know a new foster is a lot of work for you, John, but it pleases me that a new cat is in the household so soon after Madame's passing. Although you had to close one chapter in the book of life, another chapter is just beginning...

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  6. Ah Horace, you are in for a treat in your handsome life. Indoor living again and with wonderful person to keep you safe and healthy. And possibly a playmate in Hector. What a show you two will make, ivory and black. Pieces of a chess set.

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  7. It's nice to see sweet Horace and we hope he settles in nicely. We sure dislike that abandoned thing, but that's how we ended up with our new Kiki girl.

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  8. Horace is a cutie. How sweet of you to foster him.

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  9. We are so happy that Horace is safe and loved there with you. Thank you, John.

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  10. Horace! Welcome! You are now going to learn all about life's luxuries!
    I like the *H* names. Hector and Horace. those names go well together, and I hope they soon will be able to play together and get into kitty mischief!

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  11. Oh! Wow! He looks lovely...Looking forward to hearing
    all about him over the next few weeks..!

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  12. Welcome to you, Horace! I hope all his vet tests and neuter go well and he and Hector will be able to become acquainted.

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  13. Welcome Horace! Hope you have a clean bill of health so you can join the "crew". Thank you John for fostering this boy!

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  14. Replies
    1. Thank you for all your words about Minuet. She is going to be on our minds here a lot; there will be none like her again.

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  15. Welcome Horace! You've found a safe place to land until you find your forever home.

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  16. Pardon my lateness to this party; Hiya, Horace!
    You and Hec may just be the yin to the others yang...

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