West Side Mews: Here Comes Mighty Rambo!  

 By Victoria Cumings

Those who remember the Rambo movies from the ’80s probably wouldn’t associate the title with a loving bundle of ginger and white fluff. But that’s exactly the name this fabulous feline goes by as, despite his sweet-as-can-be demeanor, this is one tough kitty who can pack a punch!

Rambo, who also goes by Rambeau, Bo Bo, Beau, and Bo was found by the ASPCA at a feral cat colony in the Bronx. It was odd for such a striking-looking cat to be out in the ‘wild’ and it immediately became apparent this sweet guy wasn’t feral when he started inviting belly rubs. So, with the help of some very kind humans, Rambo was put up for adoption. For his soon-to-be pet mom it was love at first sight so before he knew it Bo, who looks rather like a Norwegian Forest Cat, would be spending the next 13 years safely ensconced in a lovely warm apartment on the Upper West Side.

Upon arrival at his new home, Rambo was introduced to his adopted brother, a gorgeous tabby called Meesh Meesh. Whilst getting along well enough to cohabit, Bo and Meesh Meesh certainly had their early battles, which involved tussling in the tub as well as some playful smacks and whacks. Naughty Bo seemed to delight in sneaking up on his brother to dispense surprise slaps. Eventually, however, Meesh Meesh learned to retaliate, one day showing he wasn’t to be messed with by clubbing Bo back. Sadly, Meesh Meesh, whose name means apricot in Hebrew, has since passed. But Bo and his mom will always remember the fun times the two had together, getting to know each other over a few rounds of fistfights.

Despite all the kittenhood punching, Bo has a lovely, composed temperament and is a real mommy’s boy. As a youngster, still a bit nervous in a new apartment, Bo took comfort in carrying a little red felt hat around with him everywhere, the kitty equivalent of a ‘blankie’. Now many years settled in, Bo rules the apartment. He enjoys following his mom around to help with whatever needs helping with, and has even ventured into the hall to check out his pet neighbors, including a shaggy pup who tried to make friends via some spirited barking. But that only scared Bo, who doesn’t speak dog and was sufficiently freaked out to have since stayed well away.

Every cat loves a high-up view, and Bo is no exception. The large windows in his 14^th floor apartment enable him to look out at the Manhattan skyline as well as see activity in the street below. The wooden radiator covers provide a perfect viewing platform, and when the window is open a crack Bo can enjoy a fresh breeze.

When it comes to rest-time, Bo has a long list of comfy sleeping locations. Sofas,  shelves, rugs, the bathtub, under the coffee table, and a basket in the closet are all fair game, as is the bed where Bo likes to draw out his long elegant body for a relaxing stretch. A corner chair in a regal shade of red is also a favorite spot for some shuteye. Bo will snuggle contentedly into his throne for a nap, cementing his position as King of the Castle.

Bo is lucky enough to have a very talented pet mom, an artist who has exhibited and sold pieces from her wonderful assortment of paintings. Of course, many of the works feature handsome Bo; he makes a fine subject with his bright amber eyes and serene expression, and also enjoys lying on his back watching his mom paint. Bo’s good looks were on full display for the public at a show at the 92^nd Street Y some years ago. The collection presented a number of portraits, all human faces except – smack-bang in the middle – gorgeous Bo! The finest and most fetching of them all, if Bo were to say so himself . . .

What kind of cat would Bo be if he didn’t love to eat? He most definitely does, and enjoys getting stuck in to some yummy salmon and chicken at dinner time. Weighing in at an impressive 17.5 lbs, Bo does need to watch his diet, meaning he generally steers away from dry fare and gets treats sparingly. But clearly he’s not lacking for food, with just the right amount of meat on his ‘big bones’.

After a good meal, Bo will settle in for the night, snuggling by his mom and giving her little lick kisses goodnight. One may ask how Bo maintains his beautiful fur and supermodel looks. The answer is that he’s fortunate enough to get occasional spa treatments, including nail trims, brushings, and an annual August combing out and coat trim from a professional groomer. What a pampered kitty!

Beautiful Bo — enjoying life as an artist’s muse and much-loved kitty on the Upper West Side.