Dear MEOW cat rescue:

Wow, it seems like only yesterday that I adopted a fluffy orange and white kitty from MEOW, but it was actually two years ago.  He was named Mikey, and he had been returned to MEOW (after 8 years), due to financial circumstances of his human family.  They had been calling him Bailey, and he seemed to recognize that name more than Mikey, so I have been calling him Bailey as well.  His profile on PetFinder indicated that he was submissive to other cats, and that he was a “private investigator” personality. 

That struck me as an excellent fit with my resident cat, Curie, who had kept a respectful (but companionable), distance from my ruling, aged female kitty (Asterix).  Two years ago, Asterix passed away due to health complications of old age, at 18+ years.  I had looked after her health very carefully, and the vets tried their best, but sadly, it was just her time. 

I didn’t want Curie to be alone during the day while I’m at work, so after grieving for my beloved Asterix, I set about finding a companion for Curie.  At the same age (8 years), the same gender, and with a submissive temperament, Bailey sounded like a good choice.  And after meeting Bailey at MEOW, I decided he was ideal.  🙂  Since it has been quite a while, I thought y’all might enjoy an update on how he’s doing.

I handled Curie and Bailey’s introduction very carefully, following MEOW’s instructions. They got acquainted and comfortable with each other fairly quickly. Curie is still a bit jealous of Bailey, and hisses at him occasionally if he thinks Bailey is getting more attention than he is (as in, I glance at Bailey while petting Curie).  But when they think I’m not looking, they play together, chasing each other up and down the stairs and batting toys around.  When they realize I’m watching, they get embarassed, and walk off in different directions. 

Soon after I brought Bailey home, I discovered that he’s a budding opera star.  He likes to yowl to no one in particular, and sometimes walks through the house doing so anxiously, as if he’s worried that he’s all by himself and is calling out for others.  He seems relieved if I call his name when he does that.  He sings for his supper, too–especially if he thinks I’m being slow with the food can.  But he also seems to like to sing just for the sake of singing, and has discovered that the stairwell makes an excellent echo chamber for his performances.  🙂  Personally, I think it’s adorable, and I can sleep through it if it’s a late-night show.

Bailey also likes to wake me up in the morning by quietly climbing up on the pillow next to my head, nuzzling me slightly, and then winding his way over the top of my head and back again.  He doesn’t like to be held, but he enjoys being petted and loves a good chin-scritching.  He is wary of new people in the house (i.e., holiday visitors), but after they have been present for a while and he is used to their voices, he comes out of hiding and introduces himself.  When I come home from work, he joins Curie in greeting me at the front door, and they both curl up on my bed with me when I go to sleep.  

Bailey has made a wonderful addition to my household, and I’m sure that Curie is glad of the company.  I was delighted to be able to give Bailey a forever home.
Thanks to everyone there at MEOW for doing such a wonderful job!