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West Side Mews: Lucky Luna – Just a Short Stay at the Shelter, and No Wonder Why!

April 30, 2023 | 2:23 PM
in COLUMNS
24
Photo credits to Juliet Liu.

By Victoria Cumings

Jersey Girl Luna had a lucky break in late summer 2021, finding the most fabulous forever home just one day after arriving at the Best Friends animal rescue organization’s location in the Big Apple.

Originally named Jinx by a shelter in the Garden State, at a few months old Luna was transferred to New York City where on the very next day her pet mom-to-be and fiancé walked in the door and fell head over paws for her! It’s no wonder, with Luna’s beautiful chimera (symmetrically bi-colored) face and stunning black, orange, and white fur. She reached her long arms out of the kennel to her visitors and, with that, ‘cat-tured’ their hearts. Once home on the Upper West Side, Luna was provided a cozy bathroom to acclimatize in, but her curiosity soon got the better of her. Her bold and adventurous spirit meant there was no way she was staying in one place when she had an entire apartment to explore.

Mine!

This little explorer has just turned two, recently celebrating a birthday. As Luna’s personality has developed, it’s clear she’s independent and enjoys spending time doing her own thing. This might involve fiddling with a piece of string (one of her preferred pastimes) or chasing her motion sensor zippy balls around the floor. Luna also amuses herself with finding hidden treats in pet puzzles, so has no shortage of stimulating activities to keep her engaged.

Like many cats, Luna is the proud owner of a carpet-covered condo, where she enjoys spending time. Not a lot of this time is wasted on napping, however, as Luna is always alert. She has some serious ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) and doesn’t like the idea of anything fun going on without her. This means her daily siestas are performed with half an ear open, and if she hears something she likes the sound of, such as the opening of a tin of tuna, she’ll be there quick as a flash. When she is tired out though, perhaps after a round of evening ‘zoomies’, it’s back to the condo, a choice spot in the floor, a nook in the closet, or to mom’s bed to crash for the night. As the sun rises Luna will do some more racing around the room to kick-off the morning. She certainly has no trouble getting her daily 10,000 steps in!

Yup, I’m adorable.

In addition to being physically energetic, Luna is also very communicative, with her repertoire of sounds including chirping, some high-pitched meowing, and the occasional scream. Mom used to worry, but has since figured out Luna’s calls are simply to say she’s ready to play, as once she has her attention Luna will lead her to her toys and gently tap on her selections. Thoughtful Luna also kindly helps her mom, who is studying at law school, to not spend too much time with her nose in the books. Luna will climb up onto the desk in order to push various pens and books around until she’s noticed, a cute distraction that’s certainly tough to ignore.

When it comes to mealtimes, Luna is a light eater and well established in her routine of two cans of wet food per diem. That’s not to say she isn’t treated to the occasional dry snack – an automatic feeder spits some out during the day, which she won’t hesitate to grab. If it’s been quiet for a while cheeky Luna will stick her paw up into the spout, like a teenager at a vending machine. Let’s hope she doesn’t get stuck! Luna also likes Churu paste, which her cat-sitter uses for coaxing, as well as certain human food. No-added-salt tuna is a must-have; if Luna gets a whiff of it she’ll come running.

Hello up there.

Given she lives on the 18th floor of a Manhattan apartment, Luna spends all her time indoors. She does, however, enjoy watching birds outside from her perch by the window, and poking her nose against the tiny crack that’s open to sniff the fresh air. Once in a while, after waiting by the door for mom or dad to come home, Luna darts into the hallway to see what’s cooking. With her nose to the ground like a truffle pig, she usually only sniffs halfway along the corridor before getting nervous, especially if she hears a person or dog. Back in the apartment, Luna might have a good claw at the back of the sofa, or dig her nails into her cardboard scratcher. Given the pandemic, she’s been lucky enough to have people around a lot, with dad working from home and mom always close by. Luna also has two kind ‘uncles’ who visit and take care of her if her parents are away. An extended family of fans, all captivated by her sweet personality.

Cats are known to be brazen, perhaps due to their hunter origins and instincts, and Luna is no exception. The extent of her chutzpah became evident when, one day, mom and dad noticed Luna had been very quiet, hiding in the bedroom or sleeping on the floor making twitchy movements as if she was having some magnificent dream. Later in the afternoon, when her parents were doing some tidying up, all became clear. Unbeknownst to them, Luna had stolen a slice of bacon from the breakfast table earlier and had been spending the day burying it into things and sleeping with it! The funny girl had been taking such care to hide her porky prize, preferring to roost on top of it like a hen rather than eat it.

What’s for breakfast?

Well, if one is going to spend so much time with sticky bacon they must need their teeth cleaned. It takes two pairs of hands to hold her still, but mom and dad work together to brush Luna’s teeth so she doesn’t get gum problems later in life (and as cat toothpaste tastes like beef, the experience isn’t so bad). Luna also enjoys her fur being brushed, and is a fastidious groomer. She’ll flip over to let mom get both her back and underbelly, welcoming the feeling of the bristles all over her plush kitty coat.

Despite being fiercely independent, and not much of a cuddler, Luna is very sociable. She thrives on human companionship, and loves being included in what people around her are doing, be it working, watching TV, or eating together at the same mealtimes. A favorite game with dad is playing fetch, where Luna will chase after a little plush ball he lobs down the apartment hall. She’s also become quite adept at shoving doors open with her body weight, which can be slightly unnerving for mom when she’s home alone, but all is well when she realizes it’s just a friendly kittycat looking for some company.

Lucky me(ow).

Lovely Luna – cared about, content, and seizing every one of her blissful Upper West Side days.

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24 Comments
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Nancy B
Nancy B
2 years ago

Amazing coloring! Thanks for the fun read about this beauty.

9
Reply
Mona D
Mona D
2 years ago
Reply to  Nancy B

Luna looks puzzled by the puzzle.

2
Reply
BillyZKidd
BillyZKidd
2 years ago
Reply to  Mona D

Excellent reply.
She is a gorgeous cat.
Congrats to her & her human friend.

1
Reply
Davy
Davy
2 years ago

Hello Luna, you lovely neighbor.
A pinch and a punch for the first of the month.
A good first read for the new month.

2
Reply
Climber
Climber
2 years ago

A cat of many colors

4
Reply
rteplow
rteplow
2 years ago

Luna is beautiful, clever and hilarious! I love the bacon story. Glad Luna has a nice home in our neighborhood.

6
Reply
Westside Cat fan
Westside Cat fan
2 years ago

Pretty young lucky lady to be chosen on day 1!
This lady is well taken care of, what a great life – toys, apt city views, fresh tuna, daily company and visitors! A well adjusted kitten child. Brushing hair and teeth wow! This special feline is living the life of Reilly. No split decision here she is a pretty Pretty girl who is well loved. Great read!

4
Reply
Carmella Ombrella
Carmella Ombrella
2 years ago

What a cat! With that face and that personality it’s no wonder she quickly found a good home. One cautionary note to her new family: the article mentions that she likes to play with string, but it’s a dangerous “toy” that, if swallowed, can cause serious – even fatal – intestinal blockage in cats. Ditto yarn, gift wrap ribbon, etc.

3
Reply
victoria@westsidemews
victoria@westsidemews
2 years ago
Reply to  Carmella Ombrella

Thanks for the warning to all us cat lovers. In this case I’ve seen the string and it’s more like a fat lace that even I would find hard to swallow! But good to note this. Also be careful all if you have balloons that have deflated and shriveled up. I once found my cat trying to nibble one, I think they like the smell of rubber!

0
Reply
Deborah Nuremburg
Deborah Nuremburg
2 years ago

So happy you adopted from Best Friends. I volunteer there and they are the best

5
Reply
neighbor785
neighbor785
2 years ago
Reply to  Deborah Nuremburg

Can a cat whose owner is in failing health be adopted through Best Friends? Does one just call or email the numbers shown on their website and describe the cat who needs a new home?

0
Reply
victoria@westsidemews
victoria@westsidemews
2 years ago
Reply to  neighbor785

Try calling the New York City location of Best Friends. I hope they can help! Tel. 929-777-3016.

1
Reply
neighbor785
neighbor785
2 years ago
Reply to  victoria@westsidemews

Thank you. Someone is taking the cat I had in mind.

1
Reply
victoria@westsidemews
victoria@westsidemews
2 years ago
Reply to  Deborah Nuremburg

They really are! I have been to the sanctuary in Utah to volunteer. It’s an amazing place, in case you ever get the opportunity to go 🙂

2
Reply
Deborah Nuremburg
Deborah Nuremburg
2 years ago
Reply to  victoria@westsidemews

I had also been to the sanctuary and was so excited to volunteer in New York when Best Friends first opened here

1
Reply
victoria@westsidemews
victoria@westsidemews
2 years ago
Reply to  Deborah Nuremburg

Wonderful! Great to meet a fellow Best Friends Utah alum!

0
Reply
Sally F
Sally F
2 years ago

Love this! 😻

4
Reply
Susan S.
Susan S.
2 years ago

I had a calico cat, born on April Fool’s Day 1966, and adopted on my 16th birthday six weeks later, whom I named Halloween. Her beautiful soft fur had very similar coloring to Luna’s and she also had a half pink, half black nose–very rare, I was told. She lived to be almost 20 years old and I miss her every day. I know the pleasures ahead for Luna’s mom and dad. Enjoy her! BTW: all calico cats are female; their colorful fur is a sex-linked characteristic.

5
Reply
Liz G
Liz G
2 years ago

What a beauty!

3
Reply
Scott Schaffer
Scott Schaffer
2 years ago

Quite a unique looking cat, and great writing!

3
Reply
neighbor785
neighbor785
2 years ago

I am so happy that Luna has found her human friends. We had a calico cat through most of my childhood. Forever in my heart.

2
Reply
Gail Bryce
Gail Bryce
2 years ago

The only thing missing in Luna’s life is another kitty to play with. No pet should have to be an only child. As the happy mistress of four cats, I see how they enjoy each other’s company. There is nothing more adorable than kitties playing together.

0
Reply
Jackie G
Jackie G
2 years ago

That beautiful bicolor face!!!! Amazing story! Luna you are so cute!!!!

0
Reply
Elisabeth Jakab
Elisabeth Jakab
2 years ago

Sweet. thank you for the story.

0
Reply

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