Bijou

My last cat Minou died in the late 1990s. My sweet puppy Edgar dies in June 2025. In January 2026, I went to Second Chance Animal Center in Arlington, VT and adopted a 2-year old dilute tortie short hair cat. I named her Bijou (“jewel” in French). Within 4 hours of being home she was out, walking around, asking for pets, and generally interacting with the new space.

Bijou is a people-cat, and I’m expecting her to end up being a kid-cat and a dog-cat too. Indeed, I had asked for that when I filled out the Rescue’s form, and that is really what she should turn out to be. I couldn’t be happier with her calm temperament and her social skills so far.

Bijou enjoys Cat TV, toys, cat nip, helping me in the sewing room, head rubs, Churu treats, and fetch and chasing her toys.

This house had the normal light mouse presence during the winter, but by Day 2 of Bijou’s life here, that was over. I have not seen any signs whatsoever! I know that is why humans took up with cats 12,000 years ago, but it is still surprising how effective that is.

Another revelation is the cat box. I was advised to use the clumping pine litter, and that is working brilliantly. What a deal! I keep that small area clean, and she doesn’t pee or poop anywhere else! Cats are amazing!

Sometime later this year some dogs will be joining us. More on that later. For now, she and I are enjoying a life together. I really could not be happier with her!

Click here to see my other animal housemates over the years.