The Adventures of Simon

by Meg
(Tallahassee, Florida)

Simon found me over two years ago wandering around my apartment complex. As each day passed, I watched this cat "looking lost". Since I have 4 indoor only senior cats, I definitely wasn't looking for another one. I, of course, started to feed him and within 3 days, Simon decided I was the one for him. However, my indoor cats, wanted nothing to do with him. One of my cats would try to attack him through my screened-in porch. I put up signs to try and find Simon a good home. At this point, I was very attached to this sweet, loving cat. I bought one of those plastic dog houses and put it outside my door. Simon loved it! A few people came to meet Simon but in the end, I realized, I didn't want to let him go.
Through lots of fights with my 4 other cats and Simon spraying my couch repeatedly to mark his territory, he has become an indoor/outdoor cat. I tried to keep him indoors but since Simon was found outside, I couldn't completely change his ways. This beautiful cat has a distinct personality and when he wants something, he gets it(unfortunately, that includes lizards, squirrels and most recently snakes!). He's got the biggest bells on his collar but "smart" Simon has learned to move without making a sound. We have also taken many trips to the vet(and vet emergency clinic) due to Simon's need to protect his territory from other cats. :)
Simon makes me laugh and is the topic of many conversations with other people. I'm glad he found me.
By the way, my cat(Cooper), the one who wanted to attack Simon through my screened-in porch, has decided Simon is the best cat in the world!