We really don't know how old she was. A calico, my son Max and I adopted her from the Animal Shelter in 2003. She was a stray who had been adopted out before and returned because she did not get along with other cats.
We had to promise she would be in a "single cat" home, and not be allowed to be an outdoor cat. No problem (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).
Roo was a very shy, skittish cat. She spent her first two weeks here hiding under the bed. She agreed to trust us at about the same time I found out that I was severely allergic to her. Further, her teeth needed immediate veterinarian attention (to the tune of $700!).
Roo was the kind of cat who did not like to cuddle, was afraid of the wind, loved to chase dragonflies (seldom catching one), brought home the occasional rodent to play with (not to consume) and was extremely fussy about her food.
She made nests around the house, sleeping in each one for two or three weeks at a time before moving on to another. The nests were inside sleeping bags, behind Max's bed, on his futon or the dining room chair.
Roo reported to work each morning, curling up on my work chair and leaving copious quantities of fur where she nested. I've never known a cat who shed so much fur. When I was travelling to trade shows I would arrive at various locations in North America to find Roo's fur attached to my displays, floor and clothes!
When I went out to the garden she would follow me around the yard for a while and then return to the house to watch me from the safety of the inside. If I was out longer than she wanted, she would cry from the doorway until I came in.
In the evening as I settled into my chair to read, watch TV or work she would make a galloping B-line to my side and demand that the "blankie" be placed on my lap before she curled up, holding me captive for hours.
Three years ago new neighbours with cats moved in next door. She was not happy with the new "infidels" in the hood. She and Jack would scrap and fur would fly. Nelson was a transient cat and she had little to do with him. Surprisingly, she tolerated Sig, playing coy and slying feasting on green grass while Sig watched from 10 feet away.
Last fall Roo began to go downhill. She slowed down and at times refused to eat. We took her to the vet numerous times and were unable to get any real diagnosis. Usually she bounced back from these bouts of sluggishness. This month she didn't.
When we saw the vet for the last time Saturday, the doctor thought she may have had a stroke. She had become aggressive and had a "vacant" look about her.
Farewell, my little friend. We have lots of great stories and already miss you. It was great to have you on board.
xxoxx
