Maurice spent all of his life living on the streets. The circumspect stray had no idea who to believe or where to go for shelter. The young cat afterward witnessed two indoor cats flirting with him from the other side of their home’s door, and since that time, nothing has been the same for him.
Every time Valerie May worked in her garden in 2021, Maurice would appear. But it didn’t take long for the stray to spot two indoor cats looking through a doorway. “He began to spend a lot of time chirping at them through the screen door,” May told The Dodo.
“My kitties seemed intrigued by him — not at all threatened or territorial.” After a few weeks of this, May invited Maurice inside by opening the door for him.
“I tried to find out if any of the neighbors knew where he came from, and the vet scanned him for a chip, but his story remains a mystery,” May stated. Initially reluctant to be petted, Maurice eventually warmed to the idea and seemed to like his new life.
“He sleeps indoors, sometimes on the bed, and hangs out with [our two cats], Fifi and Muggsy, in their safe, enclosed backyard,” May said. “He seems so satisfied being with us.”
Since being saved, Maurice has undergone a total transformation. He is no longer looking for his next meal, and his fur has thickened and grown lustrous.
“It’s so gratifying knowing that one of these formerly homeless kitties is safe,” May remarked. “I’m spending as much time as I can with him during what I think of as his ‘transitional’ phase — as he learns to be tame and to trust us.”
Years ago, May first met Maurice when Edie, her cat, brought him home. Medical problems ultimately caused Edie’s death, and Maurice temporarily vanished after that. Then, one day, he returned.
Although Maurice misses his first true friend, he is now prepared to accept new kitties and new indoor adventures.
“Maurice showed up in the alley for dinner, and every evening after that,” May added. “We are so happy to give him what he has so very much wanted and needed for so long. No animal should be so lonely. We look forward to watching his personality unfold as he feels more confident and secure.”
