ABU

HISTORY: Abu was brought to CFC after his owner’s health declined and she could no longer care for him.

Meet the Senior Room’s newest resident: Abu. He’s a handsome 11-year-old brown tabby whose life was recently upended. He had always lived with an elderly woman and two doggie companions. When the woman permanently moved to a care facility, her family rehomed the dogs and brought Abu to CFC.

Abu didn’t understand what happened and was not a Happy Kitty Camper. For his first few days here, he snarled and lunged at humans who approached him. I began spending two or three minutes multiple times each day I volunteered, just standing in front of his condo talking softly to him. After ten days, he allowed me to pet him through the condo bars. More progress has followed and I’m now able to open his door and pet him. He crowds toward the door so I think he’s ready to come out and explore.

Abu does have a health problem. Our vet diagnosed megacolon—a condition where his large intestine is enlarged and loses its ability to contract properly, leading to difficulty pooping. He’s getting a high fiber food that’s helping him become more regular.

We know Abu was a friendly house cat before his traumatic separation. We’ll continue to give him lots of TLC. Once his litter box use is normal, he’ll be out to meet his mates in the Senior Room.

Volunteer Update Dec 2025: Abu—Out of His Shell!
++On my last visit to the Senior Room, Abu ran to greet me, then sat at my feet wanting attention.  He jumped onto my lap where he quickly settled down, purring.  I was pleasantly surprised at how many head butts he gave me.
++This is now the norm for Abu.  And it’s not just me.  I’ve seen him initiate lap sessions with other volunteers.  He’s definitely out of his shell.
++In addition to his megacolon condition, he does have a couple of behavioral quirks:
-Being on a special diet, he’s become an expert food thief.  He’s adept at pawing food out of Charlotte and Momo’s bowls if they’re anywhere within reach.  I often have to move them to prevent his eating their kibble.
-He does not like to go back to his condo for the night.  (Megacolon requires his litterbox be monitored.)  He complains loudly when being returned.
Regardless, this handsome boy has made great progress since arriving in May. 

Volunteer Update July 2025:  It’s hard to not stop and visit with this most regal of all cats in our Senior Room.  Abu has very long and curving whiskers …reminiscent of Salvador Dali…and an appealing, eager look on his face encouraging you to please say “Hello.”  Meeting him for the first time,  Abu was very open to all over body rubs, pets and attention.  He can get a little overstimulated so be watchful of a change in his body language!  He was still in his condo….but hopefully due for full release soon…and I can’t wait to experience all of his magnificence when he’s out and about and really able to share his full self with all!

More about me July 2025: In just a few months, Abu has made remarkable progress. He now shows genuine curiosity towards the visitors in the Senior Room. With some, he has fully embraced the experience, allowing them to pet him, and a few have even tried to pick him up for a cuddle!