Meet Jambo!

On January 12, I ran across a plea for help regarding a big tom cat named Jambo at the Town Lake Animal Shelter here in Austin. The ad said that Jambo had reached his last day and would need a place to stay by 7 pm that night. Understand, I love ALL furry animals, but I have a soft spot for big ol' tom cats. (Miss you Toby). So I contacted the poster who ended up being a the Foster Coordinator of Austin Pets Alive! and she showed me where to fill out my application. By the end of the day, I was approved.
I noticed something about Jambo the moment we got to the Town Lake and stepped foot inside the cat building. He had no inclination to get up when the lady opened his cage. He just let out a little squeaky meow, the sound of a Siamese cat and continued to lounge in his cage. Throughout the process of picking him up, he was referred to as "mean". Of course I don't know what happened before, but this gentle giant stayed silent in his carrier, from when he came out of his cage to when we got in the car. I opened his box to check on him and he stared up with these big beautiful eyes and let out another squeaky meow. Not a peep after. Got him to the vet to get checked out, nothing. Finally get him home and open his carrier and he pops his head up taking in the new smells. The clean smells :) He jumped out, squeaking at the new sites around him, and cautiously walked around. I thought I would try feeding him some kibble and he came right over next to me and sat down to eat. He had no problem being pet while eating either. I showed him the litter box, and he literally went right in and used it. I was amazed. He went back a second time about an hour later, all by himself. He is very intrigued with the fish tanks we have, and sits if front of them staring for long periods of time. This kitty actually wags his tail faster than any cat I know, and if he's sitting on the couch with you, you will feel the thumping like a little dog. I let him explore his room and was watching TV, and he hopped up right next to me and looked for a few seconds, then settled into my lap like he'd been doing it for years. At bed time, he hesitantly went into his crate, let out a few long meows, (I think he was worried we weren't coming back) but he settled down within 5 minutes, on his new warm fuzzy blanket. Yesterday, (our first morning) I woke up to let him out of his crate, and he immediately pushed his head into my lap, and headbutted repeatedly. He's a totally different cat. He followed me around while getting ready for work, and sat on the bath rug staring at me. He even perched on the toilet to get a closer look. :) Even this morning, he followed me around for a bit, then settled in to his new spot on top of the dryer. I can't figure out why everyone referred to him as mean as I see a big ol lover boy who just wants a lap and a hand to pet him. I can't wait to see him blossom with the love and care that he so badly needs and deserves.