Biography
Named after Bo Jackson of the Oakland Raiders, this handsome tuxedo cat is big and powerful, yet incredibly cuddly and affectionate towards his chosen humans. Bo loves to run, climb, and jump after toys. His favorite toys are kick toys, and wand toys with an elastic string and a kick toy on the end. He also loves to chase little catnip filled mice around the kitchen. When he's not playing, he is most likely sleeping, preferably on your lap. This kitty's snuggles have magical healing powers. Although be warned: If something spooks Bo while he's sleeping, he will push off with his powerful legs and will probably leave a mark.
Bo gets along very well with his kitty roommate, Tiny (tabby cat in the picture, also up for adoption), and would do well to go to a home with him. He has shown aggression towards other cats outside the window before and can be very aggressive towards dogs. He would be happiest in a home in which he were an only pet (where he could have all of your attention) or if Tiny could come with him.
Health issues:
Feline herpes-a viral infection that flares up under stressful circumstances. Best treatment is to reduce stress, but applying an ointment to his eyes can be helpful if they become drippy. His left eye is always cloudy but improves somewhat with application of ointment. Some veterinarians have mentioned the eye may need to be removed in the future.
Weight: Ideally, Bo would weigh 12 or 13 pounds, but we have struggled to keep his weight down. It has been as high as 17 pounds recently and we usually keep him closer to 15.
Urinary Crystals. Bo is on a special diet to prevent urinary crystals. This diet is not optional. We use Royal Canin moderate calorie Urinary SO dry cat food. It is expensive, but necessary because if crystals are allowed to form in his urine, they will be very painful for him to pass, may cause a bladder infection, and urethral blockage.
Special needs:
Bo is very affectionate once he chooses his humans, however he does not do well with strangers. He will hide for a full day if guests come to visit, especially if they have deep or loud voices. Bo would need to go to a home that rarely has guests who stay more than a few hours and would prefer only very quiet guests. When guests are necessary, it is best to plan on having a quiet, closed space for Bo to hide with all of his needs nearby. That being said, he probably won't come out of hiding to eat, drink, or use the litter box while guests are over, unless his human is standing there making him feel secure.
Bo also does not do well being left alone for more than a night or two, even with someone he knows coming to check on him each day. In fact, his issue with urinary crystals developed when we were traveling for a week.
Ideal home setting: quiet, calm adults only or children who are calm and quiet in the house. A family who does not travel for long periods of time or have frequent, overnight house guests.
Note: Bo is due for his rabies vaccine and currently has an appointment scheduled for Jan. 13. He could meet his new family before that, then go home with them after his appointment, or if a family wanted to take him home sooner, we could try to have the vet's office transfer the appointment to the new family.