Rigby and Mamacita (Mama) Duckels
Rigby: Long-hair Tortoiseshell
Mama: Siamese
Owner: Sydney Duckels, Junior Graphic Design Major
How did you and your cat meet?
I got them both at the Humane Society in Searcy a few weeks ago. I have another cat back home, but I wasn’t able to bring her back on the plane. So, I decided to get one in Searcy, and I was quickly emotionally connected to these two.
What is your cat’s favorite thing about living here or having your school friends over?
Rigby is very friendly and really likes people; she really likes to play — so any sort of interaction with other people, whether that’s my friends or me she enjoys.
Mama was very scared at the Humane Society. She was all curled up in her litter box in her cage when I first saw her, and she was shedding everywhere, which is a sign of stress for cats, but when I picked her up she just nestled into me. So, I think just being in a place where she feels safe is her favorite thing about living here because the Humane Society has so many unfamiliar noises and smells. I think she just loves being in a place where she can embrace her cuddly, sweet personality.
Do your cats have a favorite toy?
Rigby loves the toy mice or anything random I throw. I threw a pencil for her the other day and she had the time of her life.
Mama doesn’t play as much as Rigby, but she likes to bat at anything hanging on the walls.
Do your cats have any funny quirks?
Rigby has the one ear that is funny, and she likes human food. She will sit and meow at me until I give her some of my food.
Mama’s the one that’s the weirdo. She likes to climb under the covers for literally no reason at all, which is unusual for cats. She also likes to hide in the depths of my closet. Also, she’s more “needy” than most cats. Mama needs human interaction.
What is your favorite thing to do with your cats?
Cuddle with them.
Do you have any funny stories about your cats?
I had a tree in my room, but I had to take it out because Rigby kept eating the leaves.
Sometimes I come in, and Mama’s just staring in the mirror, having an existential crisis or something. Also, before Mama and Rigby got along, Mama was very sassy to Rigby and would just do little things to annoy her like walking super slowly to her food or sitting right where Rigby could see her and just staying there.
In your opinion, how are cats unsung heroes or underrated?
I think a lot of times people think that cats aren’t very loving, which is so not the case. My cats run at me and greet me when I get home just like dogs do. Also, for me, cats are more chill and match my energy level better than a dog would. Cats are more like having a friend; whereas, with dogs, it’s more like having a child. And they keep me company, which is really nice since I live off campus.
