West Side Mews – Meet Dakota and Ansonia

By Victoria Cumings

With names as wonderful as Dakota and Ansonia, it’s easy to guess what neighborhood these beautiful sisters call home.

Hailing from Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, Dakota and Ansonia are now waited on hand and paw in their apartment at 72nd and Amsterdam, where since March 2020 their pet-parent ‘staff’ have tended to their every need and desire. Deservedly so! This sweet 2½-year-old pair give as much love as they get and are a delight, offering affection, entertainment and joy.

Dakota, the elder sister, enjoys having her sleek gray coat brushed. Tabby Ansonia, on the other hand, does not, and being the runt of the litter is more motivated by the shake of a treat box. Look out if you have a deli-meat sandwich! Ansonia and Dakota are quite partial to a corner of sliced turkey so will keep an eye open for any offerings or dropped tidbits.

Dakota

Both are fond of snuggling. Ansonia loves to nestle in bed and play the role of an extra furry pillow. Dakota is more of a couch-kitty who will make herself comfortable on a warm chest in front of the TV. Play-time involves feathers and pom-poms, with red varieties being a favorite: who says cats can’t see color! Toys are batted into every nook and cranny of the apartment – between things, behind things, under things – some accidentally lost, some hidden for fun for finding later.

As with many cats, Ansonia and Dakota like climbing. You’ll find them on top of cabinets, the fridge and even, in Dakota’s case, one day balancing on the edge of a closet door! The girls are lucky enough to have a variety of appliances and cat trees to scale, so enjoy spending time peering down on their kingdom. Dakota, being quite nimble, can get up and back unassisted, whilst Ansonia, if stuck, is more timid and will wait patiently to be helped. Both are rarely alone for long though. Their pet mom works from home so they have plenty of company during the day and leap at the sound of the elevator ding when their pet dad returns. A nearby brother- and sister-in-law care for them as needed during vacations; the two clearly have no shortage of fans!

Ansonia

Despite their mischievousness, the girls are well-behaved. They eat their meals on time, use their litter box and don’t take out their frustrations on the furniture. You’ll find them playing together, cuddling in their cat tent, or digging around for red pom-poms under the oven.

How did the pair get their iconic names? On their first night of adoption their pet mom and dad were lying in bed discussing what might suit. All of a sudden, the Ansonia came into view in the moonlight through the window and inspiration struck. Dakota quickly followed as the perfect complement, and the kitties had their names. Dakota – lively, quirky and unique. Ansonia – stately, regal and elegant. Each quite different, yet bonded and close, and so very special in their own way.

Two little felines enjoying life on the UWS . . .