Meet Zachary, a Tonkinese cat who’s just starting his journey here at Elizabethtown College. Zachary’s owner, Sarah Moscoso, is a junior digital media production and graphic design double major. Zachary resides with Moscoso as her emotional support animal (ESA) in Schlosser Residence Hall. Moscoso also happens to be a resident assistant (RA), which means Zachary has lots of room to play and take naps in her single room.
Moscoso got Zachary when he was just a kitten 10 years ago, and they have been best friends ever since. Back at home, Moscoso has two other cats, Sobie and Rue. She said it was an easy decision choosing who she’d bring with her to school this year.
“I’ve always been closer with Zachary and I think he’s labeled me as his person. When I’m upstairs, he’s upstairs, and when I’m downstairs, he’s downstairs. We just go everywhere together,” Moscoso said.
As an ESA, Zachary aids Moscoso with anxiety. He recognizes when she is overly anxious and will lay on her chest to calm her down. Moscosoe said, “It’s like having a weighted blanket, but one that is furry, purrs, and gives kisses.”
Although Zachary left his other feline friends at home, he’s been quite busy meeting a bunch of new friends here at Etown. Moscoso’s friends have been very excited to come and meet Zachary– They love playing and getting the chance to meet him. He is a very energetic cat who also really loves people, making him the purrrfect RA assistant. She also described him as an alphacat who loves to be the center of attention.
“Whenever someone comes to the door he greets them right away: he loves to always be the one in the spotlight,” Moscoso said.
Zachary’s favorite foods are bacon and whipped cream. Moscoso explained Zachary is conditioned to the sound of her Keurig brewing and will run to her and meow until he gets his whipped cream.
“When Zachary first got to campus, I made sure I went to the store right after so he could have his whipped cream,” she said.
Alongside his love for bacon and whipped cream, Zachary’s favorite toys are plastic springs, bells and streamers. Since being in Schlosser with Moscoso, he’s also discovered his love for mirrors. Most recently, he’s been standing up and putting his two paws on the mirror and staring at himself!
Zachary’s hidden talent is jumping, as he can jump up super high to lay on different surfaces. His favorite spot right now is his special window perch Moscoso made for him where gets to lay and watch students all day. He has many other spots that he enjoys napping on, too, such as the bed, different rugs and chairs in Moscoso’s room. It’s exciting to have Zachary with us on campus this year, and Moscoso is hopeful that she will bring him back again for her senior year.
