Special needs cats often encounter various obstacles that complicate their lives. This is also the case for an extraordinary kitty named Booger Roux, who found himself in a similar situation. In the summer of 2014, Booger Roux was discovered all by himself, facing slim chances of survival. Despite the bleak outlook, fate had bigger intentions for this little kitten, who only needed to showcase his unconquerable determination in order to defy the odds.
Coming into our lives at just the right moment, Booger Roux has been a true stress reliever, according to his owner. Being devoted cat parents for over twenty years, my spouse and I have always considered our feline companions as our own children, as biological children were never an option for us. Booger Roux seamlessly fit into our existing cat family, quickly winning the hearts of all the other cats. In fact, some of them have taken on the role of protectors, showering him with extra attention whenever he needs it. Our veterinarian believes that Booger Roux may have experienced malnourishment in his mother’s womb. His mother was a stray cat in our neighborhood and appeared to be severely undernourished. After a year of persistent effort, we were finally able to capture her and provide her with the necessary medical care. In 2015, we had the joy of reuniting her with Booger Roux, her precious offspring.
In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Roux has recently been crowned as the winner of America’s Most Beloved Pet contest. Despite tough competition from many adorable and heartwarming feline contestants, Booger Roux emerged as the champion. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lynne, Booger Roux’s owner, to delve deeper into the story behind this charming cat, whose expressive eyes seem to hold a world of their own. When I asked Lynne about how Booger Roux became a part of their family, she revealed that they found him as a special needs cat one scorching summer day. It was July 2014 when they stumbled upon the poor creature on their back deck, severely undernourished and weighing a mere 8 ounces. Despite these challenging circumstances, Booger Roux has defied all odds and overcome numerous obstacles on his journey to success.
How did you come up with his name? When it comes to naming our furry companions, my spouse takes the lead, and it was no different for Booger Roux. According to Allan, he believed that a cat’s name would naturally reveal itself over time, and that’s precisely what occurred with our feline friend. What is his character like? Booger Roux is a ball of energy, always eager for adventure and excitement. However, he possesses a few peculiarities. Contrary to the usual practice, he doesn’t meow in the conventional way. In addition, he requires extra comfort and reassurance, often relying on a ThunderShirt, particularly during the night. Despite these unique traits, he displays exceptional intelligence and communicates his desires effectively, whether it’s indicating his desire to play with his string toy or go for a spin on his Cat Wheel.
Does Booger Roux have any furry companions in his household? There is a lively and loveable group of 13 siblings that share their home with Booger Roux, all of whom were rescued just like him. Is there something special about Booger Roux that you would like everyone to know? In his early years, our veterinarian noticed that Booger Roux had features that resembled “down syndrome-like” characteristics, which give him a unique appearance. However, this doesn’t hinder his ability to be a loving pet. In fact, he has become an invaluable source of therapy for both my disabled husband and myself. I hope people come to understand that looks can be deceiving when it comes to pets. Despite his unique appearance, Booger Roux has shown us immense affection and love. Having him in our lives has brought us endless happiness, and I truly believe there is something extraordinary about him.
I am extremely thankful to Allan and Lynne Melby for generously allowing me the chance to share the heartwarming tale and adorable photographs of Booger Roux with the amazing readers of Cattitude Daily. It is truly uplifting to witness individuals like them who are open to giving special needs cats a shot. If you find yourself captivated by the irresistible charm of this little darling, fret not! You can keep track of Booger Roux’s escapades by following him on Facebook and Instagram.
All images courtesy of Booger Roux / Allan and Lynne Melby