By Brenna Malmberg | Houzz
Jackapotamus Rex is a sweet cat who has lived with a La Mesa couple for the past five months. They adopted him from the San Diego Humane Society after their previous cat of 18 years died. They hadn’t planned on getting another cat so soon, but saw his picture online and couldn’t resist paying him a visit. They laughed at his pure laziness and decided to take him home.
Pet at a Glance
- Pet: Jackapotamus Rex, a domestic long-hair tabby
- Age: 14
- Location: La Mesa
Jack of many names: When the couple brought him home, his name was Jack. They didn’t hate that name, but it didn’t quite fit his personality. Jackapotamus came about because he resembles a hippo when he lies down, and Rex means king. Together, you have have King Jackapotamus, which better suits him.
They also affectionately call him Jackie, Jackpot and Jackie Bear.
Daytime routine: The couple head off to work each day, leaving Jackapotamus Rex at home by himself. They do have cameras around the house, so they can watch him. But he usually doesn’t move too much. “He’s the ultimate napper,” they say. “If we’re lucky, he will move from one sleeping apparatus to another.”
Living room spot: In the two-story home, Jackapotamus Rex has a rectangular bed with memory foam in the living room. Here he can recline in the sunshine as it reflects off the hardwood floors. The floors in the converted 1920s carriage house are Brazilian wood. At the time of installation, oak was difficult to come by because it was needed for World War II.
Cat bed: PetFusion
Stairs spot: Not far from the stairs that lead up to the couple’s bedroom, Jackapotamus Rex has a pet hammock. They were really nervous when it arrived that he would hate it, but he loved it. He got in and out of it easily. Stylish Cat Furniture to Match Your Decor.
Lately, he hasn’t been sleeping in the hammock because he can access a big human bed.
Pet hammock: OC Pet Hammocks
The couple’s bedroom is on the second floor, which means Jackapotamus needs to climb the stairs to get there. Sometimes he decides he needs a nap on the way up.
Bedroom spot: The couple’s California king bed calls Jackapotamus Rex’s name. The couple created makeshift stairs next to it so he can climb up and down. Right now the stairs consist of a basket and a bench, but the couple are looking for a more permanent — and aesthetically pleasing — option.
This is Jackapotamus Rex’s favorite spot these days, especially in the mornings before the couple leave for work. They give him lots of snuggles and love before heading out the door. Choose the Right-Height Bedroom Bench for Your Pet.
Headboard: West Elm; bedding: Italian Hotel satin stitch, Restoration Hardware
Accommodating an older cat: Slippery floors have caused Jackapotamus Rex — a senior cat with arthritis in his hips — problems when navigating the house. So the couple added rugs throughout the house. He shuffles from rug to rug getting around.
They also found out he’s particular about the amount of padding each rug has. They switched out the rug for his food and water bowl to something thinner and he did not like that. The lack of padding wasn’t comfy enough during drinking and eating, both of which he tends to do lying down. 6 Considerations Before Getting a Cat.
Meal time: Jackapotamus Rex has food and water in the kitchen on his rug, but he doesn’t like to be in the room while the couple are preparing meals. He generally scurries off whenever they make any noise in the kitchen; they’re trying to train him not to flee while they’re doing such tasks as throwing away the trash or putting dishes in the sink.
Exercise: Obesity is one of the biggest health concerns with Jackapotamus Rex. Every day, the couple help get him moving by taking him for an outdoor adventure. They carry him outside and take pictures and play with him to help him get some exercise. Usually he just wants to go back inside and hurries back toward the house, as he’s doing here.
Motivation: To persuade Jackapotamus Rex to keep moving, they offer him little treats and lots of pets. They also use the treats to convince him to have plenty of photos taken.
Home, sweet home: Adopting an older cat comes with a lot of responsibility. Jackapotamus Rex might not come running to greet them when they get home, or even move that much during the day, but he is the heartbeat of the home.
Older animals have many issues that will put a dent in your bank account, have you rearranging your furniture, buying assistive devices for them and doing things you never thought you were capable of, but the money and the small inconveniences are insignificant when compared to the impact they make on your life.
Cat bandana: Woof Out West
