Gramps, a stray senior Persian mix has endured so much. But that didn’t keep him from making the best first impression with his new pawrents. When he met Cheryl and her husband Dean, he immediately climbed up her leg, sat in her lap and began making biscuits.
“We weren’t expecting a Persian cat with a lion’s cut,” says Cheryl. “But when we were told he had been found as a stray, so badly matted he had to be sedated to have his fur removed, our hearts went out to him and all he had been through.”
“Gramps heavy matts were pulling on his skin and hid a deep laceration on his leg,” says Sarah Henderson, manager BC SPCA West Vancouver. “His matted fur was full of parasites. We are so thankful someone found him and was able to bring him to our centre so we could get him the care he desperately needed.”
Cheryl and Dean had been looking for an older cat to adopt after recently losing their 15-year-old cat Figaro. “We are at an age when having a young cat just doesn’t make sense,” says Cheryl. “After losing Figaro, it took some time to get used to the idea of bringing another cat into our home, but as soon as we met Gramps, we just knew he was going to be part of the family.”
Gramps settled in quickly and was soon making friends. “Figaro was not a fan of children,” says Cheryl. “When our grandkids came over to visit, he would go off and hide somewhere in the house. We were pleasantly surprised when Gramps not only stuck around but let our two- and five-year-old grandkids, play with him, and pet him. He was so patient and trusting. He was loving their company.”
He also loves a nice nap in front of the fireplace. “He lays on his fuzzy mat,” says Cheryl. “After spending time outside as a stray I am sure he is enjoying the warmth.”
Cheryl reports that Gramps is the biggest cuddle monster. “He can’t get enough of curling up under my neck,” she says. “He just lays there and purrs loudly.” She says Gramps has found a perfect spot to sleep – on their bed. The only downside? “If I have to get up in the middle of the night, Gramps will go and lay on my pillow and refuse to move when I return,” says Cheryl. “It takes a little time, but I eventually get him back to the middle of the bed.”
One of the simplest pleasures for Gramps has been looking out all the windows in his new forever home. “He loves our French doors most,” says Cheryl. “We have a bird feeder right outside, that attracts Blue Jays, starlings, and sparrows. He makes these chirping noises while he watches them.”
Gramps gets a chance to spend some time outdoors when his new family takes him for walks. “He had no issues walking with a harness,” says Cheryl. “He was comfortable with it from day one. We take him out in our fenced yard as well.”
As the holidays approach, Cheryl and her family are excited to celebrate them with Gramps. “He has already shown a fondness for our garlands and other decorations,” says Cheryl. “The grandkids are going to be so excited to spend the holidays with him. And so are we.”
This year, Gramps won’t face the cold. He’ll be nestled into soft blankets and gentle hands this holiday season, surrounded by a family who adores him.