About Rudy (Bonded To Fatboy)(In Foster)

Fatboy & Rudy
We have had these names our entire lives, and now that we're 14 years and 7 months old, we're accustomed to them. However, at only 9.3 pounds, my name isn't accurate. Littermates and lifelong best friends, we are a two-for-one package deal. We lived with our owner for thirteen years, but she could no longer afford to keep us. When we arrived, we were in bad shape due to severe skin infections, hair loss, and demodex mange. We are shorthaired black cats. Rudy has one very long white whisker, and I don't. Although we have both had TLC to help us gain weight and deal with our itchy skin, Rudy had nearly naked patches on his legs and back. As for me, Fatboy, my coat has come in nicely. When we moved to the HSHC, we were very stressed and nervous and had difficulty adjusting to the new place. We lived in a Roaming Room for a while, which was a significant improvement. But since no one was asking to see us, we went to a foster home for a break. It took us a few days to adjust to this new environment (mainly Rudy, who would stay inside a hut and hiss at me whenever I got near him). However, after the first few days, we grew comfortable and settled back into our usual selves. Our foster dad gave the interviewer the following report card.
· They both have had perfect litter box etiquette with zero accidents. Fatboy doesn't squat to pee, so I use a large plastic storage bin with an entryway cut out. He always pees against the back wall of the bin (opposite of the entrance) so the pee always stays inside. I wipe down the inside walls and lid daily when scooping the litter.
· They've been sharing one litter box. I initially placed three in different rooms, but they would only use one, so I eventually removed the other two.
· They are inseparable best friends and like to be close, but they don't cuddle. And occasionally they tussle (as brothers do)!
· Rudy loves to cuddle with me. Fatboy rarely does, but every once in a while, he'll lie on top of me.
· They both love chilling in their window beds, sunbathing, and bird-watching.
· Though they spend much of their days lounging around, they still love to play with chase toys and their favorite, the laser pointer.
· They are both very friendly, outgoing, and excellent with human strangers. Fatboy may swat or lightly nip to let me know if he's not in the mood for petting. I haven't had them around children or other animals, so that is a mystery.
· They both usually love being petted but not being held. Fatboy doesn't mind it quite as much, but Rudy will tense up and meow when picked up.
· I free-feed them dry food (Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+), and they also receive wet food twice a day. Fatboy will repeatedly meow at me after I wake up and after I return from work to urge me to hurry up with his food, hence the name, I guess!
· They both eat well but are picky with wet foods. I feed them Fancy Feast senior beef pate, which they both love.
· Rudy is now a healthy weight, and his coat has fully grown back!
The interviewer lady (IL) loved spending time with us. I was the first to come over to greet her, and when she sat down, I stayed close to her so she could pet me. I repeatedly rubbed against her to encourage her to keep stroking me. Rudy remained on top of the climber, having found a nice, sunny spot to nap. He let the IL pet him and scratch his chin, and they played together with a rope. Although he never left the climber, he had lots of fun interacting with her. We have made such great strides in our comfort level and social skills. Now, all we need is a loving human to adopt us, give us plenty of time and space to get comfortable in our new home, and make sure our skin stays healthy. 7-7-25