Ziggy - The House Cat

I would like to introduce you to Ziggy, the newest addition to the Norton family.

Ziggy was rescued out of a neglectful home by the SPCA and brought to the place from which we adopted him. Weighing only 6.5 pounds he looked and felt like a kitten, even though he is 3 years old. When I was looking at all the different cats available to adopt, one in particular reached for me through the wire cage. You can probably guess, that one was Ziggy. So you could say he picked me first. Right off the bat, he was a very affectionate guy, though it took him a few days to really warm up to his new abode and brother Cap.

Growing up my family had a lot of cats on the farm and boy was I in love. I used to consider myself a die-hard crazy cat lady. It wasn't until moving away and going to college that I set aside my love for cats. 3 years of college and a year and a half of marriage later and we decided it was time I got a little kitty companion once again. Though I love cats, it took me several days to really connect with Ziggy. Having a pet is different when you're a carefree child, no worries or stresses, just loving your pet and your pet loving you. But being the mom, paying the bills, buying the food and cleaning up the messes is a whole other story. If you're a pet owner, you know what I'm talking about. It's definitely prepared me for a child and it's teaching me an even greater sense of responsibility and selflessness.

The day after we brought Ziggy home he was in desperate need of a bath. But I am not gonna lie, I was a little hesitant. Anyone who knows a cat knows they generally don't mix well with water. Nonetheless, it had to be done so I geared up for battle with long sleeves and an apron and smeared peanut butter across the tub. Despite my nervous, beating heart, I scooped him up and set him right in the water. To my surprise, he didn't really try to jump out and I didn't draw back a nub. So I thought to myself, "Hanna, ya picked a good one!" and I scrubbed him down.

The real bonding took place when it was time to dry off. Remember, Ziggy was only 6 pounds when we brought him home so the poor little guy didn't have a lot of meat on his bones. I sat in the corner of the bathroom, put his shivering little body in my lap and rubbed him dry for 1/2 hour. He had the loudest purr and it was a sweet bonding moment for both of us.

Fast forward to now and he's a strapping 8.5 pounds! He and Cap like to chase each other throughout the apartment and Ziggy usually stands a chance at the boxing matches they like to have. I even caught them briefly snuggling one night on our bed. Cap has had to learn to share Mom and Dad’s attention with another creature which has been good for him. His temperament has changed slightly too, being calmer and less energetic throughout the day. Overall, getting Ziggy has been a great experience for all of us.

Until next time,

Hanna Norton