And Then There Were Three (Cats)

 I knew it. I knew we wouldn’t just “look” at the humane society yesterday. Because in our house, “look” is just another way of saying bring home a new furry family member.

So, now our little family of three humans and two cats has officially grown to three humans and three cats!

When Abby passed away earlier this month, we made the decision that when we picked up her ashes, we’d start the process of looking for a new companion. Of course, "looking" quickly turned into actively refreshing the humane society’s website like it was a limited edition drop. Every time we found a contender, poof—adopted before we could even meet them.

By Friday, the shortlist was set:
🐾 Mercy – 1-year, 7-month-old gray tiger
🐾 Magic – 3-year-old black cat
🐾 Kiwi – 2-year-old black tiger
🐾 Maribel – 5-month-old brown tiger & white kitten
🐾 Francesca – 10-week-old tortie

The husband was drawn to Magic, I was eyeing Mercy and Maribel, and the child had one requirement: Snuggles.

The Selection Process

We walked in, listed our contenders, and off we went. Mercy was front and center, friendly and alert. Francesca was a little skittish, and the vibe wasn’t there. Maribel? Being snuggled by an employee, winning our hearts left and right. Magic was in a larger room with another potential adoptee, Sally, so we had to wait.


Back at the front desk, we got the lowdown:
🐱 Magic: Friendly but hates being picked up.
🐱 Chloe (honestly, I didn't remember who and had to ask the child) wasn’t good with other cats.
🐱 Mercy: Friendly, good with other cats (which was a must)
🐱 Maribel: Adorable, well-loved by staff, a total sweetheart.
🐱 Francesca: Too new for them to have much info.

First up, Magic. Friendly, enjoyed being pet, but not a fan of being held. Since we want a snuggler, that was a deal-breaker. Sally had the same issue.

Then, Maribel. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Instant love. She was playful, affectionate, purred like a little motor, and checked every box. Child and bestie-approved. Husband-approved. SOLD.


We wanted to meet Mercy too, hoping to adopt both, but a new rule prevents adopting two unrelated cats if you already have pets at home. Sad face.

Bringing Maribel Home

Since she needed to be spayed, we couldn’t bring her home immediately. But today, she’s here! She’s a little groggy from the anesthesia but already showing her sweet, snuggly nature.

Her first impressions of the house:
✔ Windows? Love them.
✔ Exploring? Yes, please.
✔ Snuggling with everyone? Absolutely.
✔ Tinkerbell?  She's eating my food!
✔ Milo (a.k.a. Moof)? NOPE.

Since introductions take time, she’s set up in the child’s room with her own bed, crate, litter box, and food/water for now. She’s getting all the snuggles and settling in at her own pace.

Prepare for Kitten Photo Overload

So, stay tuned, because my camera roll is about to be 90% Maribel. And honestly? No regrets. 😻

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