Allison Schorr & Roarie
Roarie is a female orange tabby, which I’m told is quite rare, making her my unicorn.
In May 2016, nearly a week after moving into my first apartment, and three days after graduating from grad school, my life was chaotic. But, born and raised a cat person, I was eager to adopt one of my own to share my then box-filled new home. I met and adopted my Roarie at the ASPCA in Manhattan here on the UES at just 8 weeks old. I named her after Columbia University’s mascot—the lion—my most recent alma mater. She’s the (graduation) gift that keeps on giving.
Growing up with pets, I’ve never lived a day without a cat. But I had never been the primary caretaker. Roarie and I walked the few blocks home, she in a cardboard carrier crying nervously, and me beaming with excitement. When we got home, the semi-panic set in that I didn’t really have a clue about how to care for a tiny kitten. Upon opening the box, Roarie quite literally jumped out, making herself right at home, never to be put in a box (or corner) again.
At just 9 weeks old, and a mere 2 pounds, Roarie was relentless with energy, unafraid, and invited herself to play in a worker's toolkit who was assembling our new furniture—loud power tools and all. Her outgoing nature and playful, social demeanor, even towards strangers, continue to this day.
One thing I noticed about Roarie right away was how perfectly symmetrical her markings are. And she has the sweetest white mittens on all four paws. My favorite is her big, bright green eyes and perfectly pink nose. It’s my favorite shade of pink!
From our earliest days together, Roarie has not played by any rules but her own. She’s always the first to get the door, usually sitting there before the doorbell even rings. And she must accompany me for any trips down the hallway. She’s the first one up in the morning and, depending on the day, requests that I rise as early as she does. She’s also particular about sleeping positions and will rearrange infinitely if necessary, insisting on face-to-face. She definitely has that big cat energy.
But Roarie is also fiercely loyal. And she exudes love and affection. We start and end our days together. In the mornings and evenings, she likes to lay on my pillow and burrow into my head or shoulders, her purrs so loud and calming. Roarie accompanies me in the bathroom while I shower and frequently plays fetch with her favorite spring toys. It no longer surprises me when she appears behind the shower curtain, dropping a spring toy into the tub, waiting for me to launch it into the hallway so she can bring it back and drop it into the water again. Cats (or at least mine) are not given enough credit for their intelligence and connection to people. Roarie is so sharp and in tune with all the nuances of my workday. She knows exactly when I log off a meeting and comes sauntering in ready for what’s next. Roarie will not go to bed without me, laying in the hallway waiting for me to finish every last step of my nightly routine and say the magic words.
When you love a cat, you understand their language. We have our own gestures and phrases only the two of us understand. Roarie came into my life when I was establishing myself on my own. I didn’t think I needed someone or something to hold onto, but I certainly found that in this little cat. Life is tricky sometimes with ups and downs. Thank goodness for my orange girl. Roarie is the most incredibly loving, funny, outgoing, loyal, friendly, and hungry kitty I’ve known. She brings me endless joy and laughter. My life is infinitely better because Roarie’s been in it these past 7 years. And it just keeps getting better.
Allison is a social worker and therapist in New York City. She sees children and adolescents in her practice. Many of her patients enjoy visits from Roarie during virtual sessions, though she is working on professionalism.