I have gotten a few questions and statements that have indicated that people want to know more about me and my pets! Well, I would LOVE to oblige.
Just like all of you (and maybe soon-to-be some of you) I am a pet owner. I may have made a career in the veterinary medical field but when it comes down to my personal life, I am just another person who loves my pets as my chosen family.
Cedric Diggory is a Rescue
I first came across Cedric 5.5 years ago when he was about 8 months old. I was headed out into the bitter cold (-30 celsius) of a November night to see some family when out from under the truck comes a “meow?” Of course I immediately panicked and ensured that my other 2 cats (at the time) were still safe and warm in the house. I kissed and meowed back until out comes this stunning, flamboyant grey tabby kitty.
He slowly came out along my cement path, flirtatiously stretching his legs out behind him while keeping a cautious eye on me. I was able to lead him to my door quite easily and he walked into my home. He allowed me to scoop him up and take him to my bathroom where I fed and watered him and kept him for the night while I was out.
When I got back he was meowing at the door where both my other cats were loafed in the hall listening patiently. I went in, took some photos, checked him over for injuries and illness and said goodnight.
The Search Began…
For 10 days I searched for his home. I began by asking all my neighbors on my road and posting on social media. There were many responses but none of which fully matched; they were all too old, or the wrong sex or just didn’t look like him when photos were sent. I hope all those people found their beloved pets.
By the end of the 10 days I had grown attached and apparently so had Cedric (who was unnamed still). I decided that I would keep him and if someone came along then give him back to his family. I spent 2 more weeks watching the missing pets pages and forums.
I had chosen his name (if you hadn’t guessed) for my admiration of the Harry Potter series. I couldn’t come up with anything else that seemed to suit other than Cedric.
After a vet check, neuter, microchip and vaccines (and his 3 week quarantine) – I integrated him into my growing home where he near immediately just clicked in and by Christmas that year it was like he was never lost.
Many Nicknames
If you have or have ever owned a pet you quickly learn that their name is just a formality. It is not used often and mostly just when they’re in trouble! Cedric’s name has evolved into many over the years and now, most of the time, I just call him Pickle. When he is being scolded it is Ric. Or if I am calling him it’s Ric-Ric. Sometimes it is Pickle Ric, Sometimes it’s Sexy Ric (when he is being rather affectionate….which is daily….). Sometimes he is The Baker or Rickle Pic or A#%hole The last one is reserved for when he steals some bag filled with something delicious- Like the kibble I brought for the kitten I was fostering over the weekend or the bag of treats for the dog, etc.
The Quirks
Everyone knows that each pet is an individual and has the traits, qualities and behaviours that make them who they are! Ric is a very playful, affectionate, food motivated cat. His behaviours are feline based and not always particularly special but he is my boy in the striped pajamas and I love the little things he does that my other cat does not.
Everyday, without fail, when I get settled on my couch he is there. Talking to me, wanting to dominate my lap and fulfill his role as The Baker/Sexy Ric. He wants head rubs, to shove his pokey little paws into my legs or belly and to eventually settle into a sleepy loaf in my lap. But don’t let this facade of love and endearing fool you! He is only waiting for the automatic feeder to give him his 4th meal of the day and, when that thing goes, he will dig his claws in and launch to the floor as close as he can get to the dishes! RIP my thigh skin.
Pickle loves to play. His favorite toys are a plastic string, a small stuffed catnip creature or a crinkly Christmas tree with a foil ball in it. He will unexpectedly start chasing one around and when he gets it EVERYONE needs to know. He walks around proudly letting out his distinctive “Mrrrrooowww!” signaling his kill. When it is not a toy, its usually another cat (Myrtle- she will have her own story soon!). While Myrtle isn’t overly fond of this play I have recently discovered that half of the complaining she does is in fact just vocal play. Unfortunately, this means Cedric has endured much scolding for making her growl and yowl. In the end, it doesn’t stop him from enjoying her company. They can often be found snuggling together or near each other despite the havoc.
Now, this habit is not particularly new to cats but he is the first in my life to enjoy it. Chewing cardboard and plastic-reusable shopping bags. If there is a box with flaps out, you better watch out. Ric is coming to sharpen his fangs! While that doesn’t actually occur, I do enjoy hearing his little crunches. I also know that it is likely helping keep those fangs clean by scraping so when I can, I let him, that way I can also maintain control of what he chooses to chew. The shopping bags? IDK. I can’t fathom what actually made him decide those are fun. Fortunately, he doesn’t damage them enough to make them unusable (or eat bits of them!) and it’s few and far between so I don’t worry. It’s part of him~
Now it’s Your Turn!
You know all about my beautiful, stripey boy. Now share your pet’s story. What makes Fido tick? How did you find Fluffy? I want to know!
Pet Care Partner 
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