Meow, Meow

Everyone knows that the male species does its own thing when it's good and ready – not a moment before – and “October” has been no exception.

To combat the pandemic blues last spring – in May 2020 – my dear old friend Bonnie and her younger daughter, Rachel, rescued three-year-old October, born in a litter with “April,” “May,” and “August."  

Longtime cat lovers, they were pretty excited to have a furry friend to keep them company and occupied, given all the hours they spent at home, alone together. Besides, Rachel wouldn’t be living with her mom forever, and my girlfriend liked the idea of having a companion for the long haul as well as rescuing one of the many animals in need of a loving caregiver.

When they brought October home, Bonnie and Rachel were chomping at the bit to cozy up with their new roommate. For his first few nights with the ladies, October was, as you might expect, rather shy, tentative, perhaps frightened. He spent most of his time hiding behind the clothes dryer or under the TV cart, where Bonnie placed a mirror on the floor so they could keep their eyes on him. She also picked up a pheromone diffuser for cats, hoping it would help to alleviate his stress.

While October warmed up to Rachel first, it wasn’t for at least a year that he began to pop in and out of Bonnie’s bedroom, heading straight for the windowsill or the door. He then started to stroll in and sniff around but not settle in; he continued to inch toward her while keeping a safe distance. 

Finally, after a year-and-a-half, I woke up to this text: 

“October spent the night in my bed!”

Bonnie has had some pretty special moments in her life, but I get the feeling that October's first show of affection and trust may have been one her most fulfilling ever.    

She has begun to climb into bed earlier on occasion in the hopes that he'll join her and the two of them can snuggle while watching TV. When he’s in the mood, he keeps her nice and warm, sleeping next to or on top of her or folded into her legs.

“I had more pep in my step this week,” she said, warning me when I ooed and aahed that while her little "love bug" is sooooo affectionate, it's only on his terms.