“Scottie, Safe at Last” Photograph © CatsHope™
Scottie’s Story — The Noble
Scottie Speaks
My name is Scottie Magnus Riker. It is a considerable name for a friendly cat. Fortunately, I have a long body, so there is room for it. You may call me Scottie.
I like people. I like other cats. I like food very much. And I like Romeo, although there are occasions when I would prefer to like him from a little farther away. He does not always agree.
Before There Was Room
Romeo and I came from the same home.
There were many cats and not enough of what we needed. Food, fresh water, clean places to rest, fresh air. There were frightening sounds and violence around us. It was difficult to know when things would be quiet again.
Romeo was afraid. He watched for danger and found places where people could not easily reach him. I was quieter. That did not mean everything was all right. I needed care too. But where Romeo would run, I was more likely to stay and watch.
Felix was adopted while Romeo and I were still living in the flat. His new life had begun. Ours had not yet changed. We were still there, among the other cats, before we too were brought into Angel Mum’s care.
We knew each other there, before we knew Angel Mum. That mattered when everything around us began to change.
“Scottie Upon Arrival” Photograph © CatsHope™
“Romeo Upon Arrival” Photograph © CatsHope™
A Different Place
When we came into Angel Mum’s care, Romeo and I shared a holding cage. There was food and water. There were people checking on us, treatment to get through and time to recover.
Romeo remained watchful. I began to settle.
We did not have to understand the new place all at once. We could rest beside someone familiar while we learned its sounds and routines. For Romeo, that someone was me. For me, it was Romeo. He may be a great deal of cat to deal with, but he was my friend.
Upstairs, Downstairs
For a while, during our recovery and after our operations, we were placed in separate cages. I managed the change. Romeo did not.
He became very distressed and scratched beneath his throat until the skin was raw and bleeding. Angel Mum took him to the vet for treatment. He could not understand where I had gone. Then he discovered that I was still there, in the cage below.
We were in different accommodation. We had not ended the friendship. Our paws could reach between the levels. We played footsie and talked to each other.
There you are. Here I am. Sometimes that was enough.
“Scottie and the Fluffy Balls for Soccer” Photograph © CatsHope™
Joining the Household
When we were well enough, we began joining the other cats. There were favourite places already occupied, routines to learn and cats who had opinions about both.
I liked the company. I learned when to approach, when to give someone room and when an interaction had gone on quite long enough. Romeo was learning too. Occasionally, I had to explain that last part to him again.
We found our places, but we still liked moving together. When Angel Mum called, we would arrive side by side, heads high and chests out, our paws lifting almost in step. Sometimes our tails entwined. And when we thought a reprimand might be coming, we left together too. Friendship requires coordination.
A Little Room Beside You
I am very friendly. This may not be immediately obvious from my face. I have serious eyes and a rather distinguished nose. People sometimes mistake the expression for the personality.
Come closer. You will find out. I like brushing past you. I like being near you. If there is a space beside you, I would be pleased to occupy it. In a house full of cats, someone usually gets there first. I tend to wait behind the others.
Angel Mum, when you have finished with that cat, and perhaps the next one, I am still here. The long plume tail belongs to me. You may have noticed it arriving.
“Feeling Magnificent” Photograph © CatsHope™
Keeping a Hunter Fed
I also enjoy my meals. This is important information. A long, ferret-like body cannot be expected to maintain itself on compliments. Being called magnificent is pleasant, but it is not dinner.
And I have activities to attend to. Soccer. Chasing the red squirrel. Finding the fluffy balls.
I am a magnificent hunter, even if my manners suggest that I might politely ask the toy to come closer. I will not. Once the game begins, you will see.
The Romeo Situation
All the cats seem to like me. I like them too. I do not have much of a temper. Usually, I can move away, let something pass or make it clear that I have had enough. Then there is Romeo.
Romeo sometimes believes that because we are friends, I must be available whenever he wishes to play, follow, jostle or otherwise involve me. I may withdraw. He may follow. I may explain. He may request further discussion.
I love my friend. I would also like him to understand that friendship occasionally includes letting Scottie rest. Still, after a disagreement, we find each other again. There is a great deal of history between us—and, quite often, very little space.
“The Odd Couple” Photograph © CatsHope™
Home, With My Friend
CatsHope™ Sanctuary is my home now.
I have people to approach, cats to lie beside, games to play and meals to look forward to. There are supplies to inspect, although I find that much of this work can be conducted lying down.
Romeo is here.
Our friendship is part of the reason this is our permanent home. We have been through too much together for it to be treated as something small.
You may know me as the Steady Companion. I am happy with Scottie.
Call me, and I may come towards you with my friend beside me, our paws moving together. If it is dinnertime, we will be particularly prompt.
