Texas Cat Surrendered After His Owner Passed Away Finds A Hero Who Knows Exactly How To Speak To Him
When a 14-year-old deaf cat lost his home, a local 911 dispatcher stepped up to give him the loving retirement he always deserved.
Left Behind In A Shelter
Cheddar Bob found himself in need of a new home after his original owner sadly passed away. At 14 years old, the senior feline was already dealing with the aches and pains of old age.
Unfortunately, his surviving human family members felt they couldn’t manage his care. They didn’t want to deal with his ongoing health problems, so they surrendered him to a local shelter.
Suddenly, the sweet senior cat was all alone. His future looked uncertain, as older pets are frequently overlooked by adopters looking for younger animals.
The Cat Who Looks Like A Seal
Anyone who met Cheddar Bob immediately noticed his unique appearance. Without his ear flaps, he looked remarkably like an orange, fuzzy seal.
His ears had been surgically removed because he suffered from severe, chronic ear infections. These infections were so bad that they routinely turned into upper respiratory problems.
The surgery helped relieve his physical suffering, though it left his head perfectly round. He was already completely deaf before the procedure, so the loss of his ear flaps didn’t change his ability to hear.
A Grieving Heart Steps Up
Courtney, a local 911 dispatcher, happened to see Cheddar Bob’s face. There was just something about his eyes that immediately pulled her in.
When she found out he was a senior cat, she was initially hesitant to adopt him. She had just experienced the heartbreak of losing her own senior kitty and wasn’t sure she was ready to do it again.
But a nagging feeling in her heart told her that she needed to step up. She wondered who else would be willing to give a deaf, 14-year-old cat a second chance.
Ultimately, Courtney decided she would be the one to give him a forever home.
Claiming His New Kingdom
Given his age and lack of hearing, Courtney expected Cheddar Bob to be a little nervous in a new environment. When she finally brought him home, she was prepared to give him plenty of space to decompress.
Instead, the confident senior marched right inside and acted like he owned the house. He wasn’t the least bit timid or afraid of his new surroundings.
He walked straight up to Courtney’s other cat and her dog, ready to introduce himself. He knew absolutely no enemies and quickly settled into the pack.
Even her other orange cat accepted him without a fuss, and the two happily coexist without bothering each other.
Quirks Of A Resilient Feline
As Cheddar Bob settled into his new life, his hilarious personality began to shine. Courtney affectionately calls him a "little old man trapped inside a cat’s body."
He is incredibly intelligent but also deeply set in his ways, bringing endless entertainment to his new mom. He even has a strange, distinctive way of running that makes him look just like a raccoon.
Despite being completely deaf, Cheddar Bob is surprisingly vocal. He meows and talks to Courtney as much as he possibly can, making sure his voice is always heard.
Learning A New Language
Because Cheddar Bob can’t hear, Courtney had to learn new ways to communicate with him. She makes sure to never startle him when she enters a room.
If he doesn’t see her coming, she will gently blow on him to announce her presence. Other times, she will stomp on the floor so he can feel the vibrations of her footsteps.
Flicking the lights on and off is another visual cue she uses to let him know she is there. These small adjustments make Cheddar Bob feel safe and secure in his environment.
The Perfect Welcome Home
One of the most touching parts of their bond is Cheddar Bob’s internal clock. Even though he can’t hear Courtney’s car pull into the driveway, he always knows when she is due to arrive.
Every day, right on schedule, he sits by the front door and stares at the entrance. He waits patiently for his favorite person to walk inside.
For Courtney, seeing her sweet, earless cat waiting for her is the best part of coming home.
Comforting A First Responder
Courtney’s job as a 911 dispatcher can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining. Some days are incredibly rough, and she carries that weight home with her.
But Cheddar Bob always knows exactly how to comfort her. All it takes is for the affectionate cat to crawl into her lap or lay down next to her.
He will start purring as hard as he can, vibrating with love and contentment. For Courtney, it’s impossible not to smile and let the stress of the day melt away.
He also loves to be held like a baby, soaking up every ounce of affection his new mom has to offer.
Good Vibrations And Second Chances
Courtney has found a beautiful way to tell Cheddar Bob how much he means to her. When she kisses his forehead, she vibrates her lips so he can physically feel the affection.
Because his head is perfectly round like a furry baseball, she can easily cup his face without any ears getting in the way. She presses her mouth right against his head and tells him, "I love you."
Courtney hopes Cheddar Bob’s story inspires others to give older shelter pets a second chance. She knows firsthand that senior animals are incredibly appreciative of a warm home and have so much love left to give.
For this 14-year-old orange cat, age truly is just a number, and his golden years are turning out to be his best ones yet.
