OJ

Mate to Abby and Father of OJ Family

I first found OJ in the mountains of northern California. I had move into a home and first meet OJ and his two brothers Socks and Tigger. They had never been around humans, but longed to have a different lifestyle. Learning to dodge the coyotes and bobcats OJ was the most adventurous of them all. He would take off for weeks. I worried every time he didn't make it home for dinner. Determined to get OJ into a loving home, I would lure him in with food and treats. He would dine and dash on me for months. Finally one night, I was able to shut the door and he was in his new home. After a few crazy moments of climbing walls and trying to eviscerate me, he started to settle down more and more. He never asked to go outside again, strangely. I found, although, he was the most adventurous he was also the most scared of being outside.

Our journey had just started, he would sit at the door and coo and coo, finally his mate Abby arrived. Then, his kids one by one came to the door not understanding their dad being in prison. But the coo that OJ has is his call for his loved ones. I have never heard another cat make this sound before. It is certainly the mark of a great mate and dad. He is still a bit skittish 8 years later if you move too quickly around him, but he adores being pet on his terms! His green eyes are piercing, they flash and shine letting you know he is happy and content.

It took a while to get him in, but once his brothers were in and he didn't have running mates he was much more apt to join them. OJ has seen a lot of loss in his life. Both brothers a few years ago one from cancer another heart attack, his bonded mate and daughter Licorice missing for 2.5 years. He cries real tears. It's heart breaking. You can see the scars of his heart in his face, but he is strong and endures. He steps up every time a new resident joins us. He teaches them the ropes. He is kind and gentle, a lover not a fighter, not a leader but a teacher. He is the now the glue that holds our entire team together. Loved and respected by all!

If OJ ever get mad, his first instinct is to pee into the stove burner. It's the first time I had ever smelled burnt cat urine. I absolutely do not recommend it! I have since removed every stove from the house each time I move. Yes, that is exactly how horrific the smell is. Thanks OJ for burning that smell into my nasal memory for life!