My New Little Friend

Today I went to Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood, Oregon. I needed to get out of the house, and thought I'd take a look at their selection of cats. After seeing a lot of cats online and learning they had already been adopted, I realized the only way I'd know what cats were available was to visit a shelter. I wasn't going to get a cat. I was just browsing. I think you know where this is going!

As I made my way around the cages, I said hello to each cat. Only a few spoke back. This little black cat, which looks almost exactly like Boo, was toward the back. I said hello, and she meowed back. We actually had a little conversation. When I spoke, she spoke back. She was the first cat I visited with, and when we were alone in the visiting room, she came up on my lap, let me pet her, and purred. That was all she wrote. I looked at one other cat, but I think I'd already realized I was a goner. I wanted to adopt the beautiful little black cat with the bright eyes and silky soft coat.

When she originally came in to the Washington County shelter around December 27th, they called her Sweetums. Then they called her Loana at Cat Rescue Team when she came in on January 4th. I was trying to think of a new name, and as I was signing the paperwork, the adoption specialist, Sally, said Loana's birthdate was listed as April 3rd. That's Dad's birthday! His name was Lloyd, best dad ever, and he's been gone for five years. But Lloyd wouldn't work for a female cat name. His work nickname was Lou, so she may be a Lou. Or Lulu. :) I will decide for real tomorrow, after we've spent some time together.

Poor baby was spayed just yesterday, and must be terrified. So far, she's hidden next to towels on the counter in the guest bathroom, behind boxes in my office, and under the bed. That's where she is now. I left a catnip mouse at the top of the stairs, and have spotted her up there a couple times, before she ran under the bed again. So adorable. I didn't expect to get a new little friend so soon, and certainly not one that resembled my old cat so much, but I do realize I'm dealing with a whole new cat. It's the beginning of what I hope will be a long, close friendship. I'm so happy to welcome this gorgeous little baby into my home.