As most of you know, my beloved cat Elijah Moon died about five weeks ago. The hole in my heart was huge, and I’ve recently read that people who lose animals they had for a long time develop symptoms of heart failure from the grief. My heart wasn’t failing, but it sure felt like it. I knew the only cure was to get another cat. For several weeks, I scanned the roster of cats at no-kill shelters and the local animal shelter, finding two cats I thought I might like. Then one day, an orange face popped up – a five month-old kitten named Garfield at our local shelter. I thought maybe this was a sign because we had often called Elijah Moon Garfield.
A week ago last Saturday, we went to the shelter. We hadn’t even brought a kitty carrier, but after meeting him, we (mainly mostly I) decided to take him. We filled out a few forms, paid a reduced rate for the adoption (since we are ‘seniors’), bought a cardboard carrier and went home, Garfield in tow. The shelter had had him neutered, chipped, provided all his shots, and box trained him. So he was ready.
It turns out we have a very timid cat, not surprising because he was born in the shelter and had lived only in a crate with a glass window or the adoption room. When we let him out of the carrier, he immediately went and hid under a chest, sprinting under our recliner when we attempted to get him out.
I immediately got on line and read about dealing with timid cats, and for the next several days basically talked to him, played with him on the floor when he emerged, and discovered that if you picked him up and put him in your lap, he purred outrageously. He’ll stay in your lap for hours for cuddles
Over the past week, he has become bolder, opting to retreat to either the domed, wicker house that was Elijah’s, a small, round, carpet covered house, or lately the tunnel that is half way up his cat tree. He’s explored our family room, discovered his toys, learned what the scratching post is for, and likes to play – something I’ll bet he didn’t do much at the shelter except with other kittens. We still have him confined to the family room and kitchen because our house is large with too many places he could hide.
Every day is a new discovery and we have enjoyed watching him slowly come out of his shell. He’s more than halfway through the socialization period for cats, so we got him just in time.
So here is the cat who has taken up another part of my heart: Garfield the Magnificent (we call him the Magnificent because he has a huge, long fluffy tail and a ruff around his neck…part Maine coon?)
I am still mourning Elijah, and when I feel up to it, will write something about my wonderful cat.
Garfield is beautiful and is looking very happy. I am glad you found him. Noelle.
I’m glad I found him, too! Hugs to Ani!
Hugs back from both of us, Noelle.
Garfield the Magnificent! A wonderful nomenclature for a wonderful looking cat that deserves every bit of affection possible! Well done! And hi to a lovely (timid) creature).
Thanks, Bruce. He’s getting better – I just need to keep working on him.
Ah splendid. You’ve lots of fun to come
Thanks, Geoffle! Already having fun!
I know the pain of such Loss. Lovely piece and you new companion will help with the void. ☘️🎈
He’s helping a lot. I hope you found a new companion, too!
We’ve always had dogs- three at the minute – one of them very special as he saved my life – literally ☘️🎈
So pleased you have found a sweet kitten to fill the loss in your heart. He looks adorable, love cats!
Thank you, Marje. He’s very sweet, just timid.
So pleased for you, Elijah will always be in your heart but Garfield looks like a fine cat 💜💜
Thanks, Willow. He is not replacing Elijah, just claiming another part of my heart!
Indeed luckily we have big hearts 💜💜
Oh, he is just so adorable and fluffy! Congratulations!
He’s unbelievably fluffy – I have to brush him regularly. I think he is going to be a BIG cat.
Adorable, Noelle. I am so glad that you have found another cat to love. We have two Push-Push and Smudge, and we love them to bits.
They are so easy to love and so grateful Push-push? How did that name come about?
Oh, this is wonderful! God Bless Garfield and his new family. <3 ^–^
Thanks, Annette. I think he is going to be a great character!
Garfield is indeed magnificent! I’m glad you took in a rescue into your forever family. <3
I wish I could have adopted four cats – they are all so needing!
I’m so glad you’ve been found by someone you deserve. He looks gorgeous, and I’m sure he’ll take over the place completely in due course. Welcome to our world, Garfield! <3
He already has taken over – you should see the family room with his toys and cat tree and scratching post!
Congrats and best wishes on your new addition–Garfield is magnificent! 🙂 xo
Thanks so much, Bette – I need good wishes because socializing him is an uphill chore. But he’s coming along…
Congratulations on your new addition! He’ll get over the shyness real fast… it was the same way with Ody when I first got him, and now I can’t keep him away from me!
I love the name Ody! What I need is for him to warm up to my husband, He is especially timid with men for some reason.
What a sweetie!
I think so, too. He’s getting less timid but has an allergy, I think. We are off to the vet’s on Wednesday.
I’m happy you discovered a new kitten to cuddle, Garfield is a great name.
Thank you, Charlotte. We often called Elijah Moon Garfield, so I think this was a sign!
Such a heartwarming post, Noelle. I’m so pleased that you found Garfield, and that he found you. Looks as if the fun has already begun.
Thank you, Hugh. Most of my friends tell me they want to come back as one of my cats!
your post and pix did touch my heart, Noëlle… <3 may I kitty-sit, SVP?… 🙂 we've been cat-lovers for decades, but after our 3rd one who passed away one year ago, we decided he was THE last one…
So sorry to hear about your cat – we also decided we would not get another one, but that lasted all of two weeks. Garfield is a great source of fun and joy!
He looks beautiful♥️
He IS a gorgeous cat. But he does not like men!
Gorgeous! Welcome, Garfield.
Garfield is purring!
I am sorry your cat died. It is devastating to lose a pet. Garfield is adorable
His devotion to me has helped a lot. I still miss Elijah Moon’s reserve and laid back personality.