With intakes and outtakes (aka adoptions), it can be difficult to keep track of the very many Tabby’s Place cats in the very many spaces that they occupy. When there are multiples of similar size, shape, and markings, the challenges double.

For example, an indeterminate time ago (Exactly when could be pinpointed, but, eh…pesky precision.), there were so many black cats in one suite that the powers that be deemed it necessary (100%!!) to use colored collars (non-orange, which remains reserved for behavioral awareness) to identify individuals where pips of white or other markings were insufficient for differentiation by mere humans (Cats are smart to use their noses. Hard pass for me!). A very more recent time ago, things went a little perceptively haywire in that very same suite…at least for this particular volunteer. On entering Suite E, I was 100% sure that Juel was up on the ramp, as he so often is. Moments later, it seemed equally clear that Shaggy was staring at me from an unusual spot for Shaggy.

I looked across the room.
LO AND BEHOLD!
Mine eyes did deceive me!

Shaggy and Juel were quite cozily ensconced atop an overnight crate, with Dawn nearby bearing witness to my gaping maw (Nirvana watched too, but extra cautiously). But, if Shaggy and Juel were so situated, then who was not-Juel? Who was not-Shaggy? Long-time readers know that this Not-Thing is a real thing. Betty and Winona share a passing resemblance. Xena still reminds some of us of Boom while being 10,000% uniquely and wonderfully Xena. Yet, in those cases, lack of proximity in space and/or time add clarity. In this recent situation, it initially seemed that a call to a vision specialist was in order.

Seeing double is as much of a thing as the not-thing is a thing, and these things all need to be taken seriously…sort of…mostly…in certain respects. But, this double-speak (Is it? Sounds good.) still begs the question of dopplegangers. What cats could be so brazen as to attempt a stunt as audacious as playing doubles for Shaggy and Juel?

It turns out that the daring duo were teeny Midge (“Smidgen” would be as apt for this quickly adopted darling) and timid Mickey. Who knew that teeny and timid could have such temerity as to imitate the illustrious beings that are Shaggalicious and Jujube (Illustriousness and cutesy nicknames are not in opposition to each other.)? Midge and Mickey were assuredly entirely unaware. Midge was focused on bringing such attention to herself that she found her forever at lightning speed. Mickey was equally set on burrowing into a litterbox for protection from being glanced at…from across the room…and up a level.

Once it became clear that the doubles were neither playing tricks on a maturing pair of eyes, nor that they are as precise duplicates as appeared on first sighting, equilibrium was restored. Relief is the comforting friend that follows fast on the heels of confusion. Interest in a teeny friend and concern for a timid fellow in need of a friend made the next step obvious: visiting with ever more cats.

Neither Juel nor Shaggy seemed in any way put out by sharing time with the newcomers, no matter their relative resemblances. Both are always happy to receive attention in their particular ways. Dawn, for her part, started purring while I was still several feet away. All of them know that there is plenty of love to go around at Tabby’s Place. If one volunteer doesn’t satisfy their needs fully, another (maybe several) or a staff member (or several) will be along with more pets and fish mush aplenty.

But, now, Midge is getting everything she needs from her forever family (ADOPTIONS HUZZAH HUZZAH HUZZAH!!). For Shaggy, Juel, and Dawn, things are continuing in a positive, happy direction, filled with fun and, yes, much fish mush. As to Mickey, we have all the time we need to coax this big, fearful furball into remembering that his feline lineage means he has nothing to be scared of under the roof of the ark that Jonathan built.

One gentle word at a time will encourage Mickey to cease cowering. One big yawn at a time will help him to learn to relax. One person at a time, with a careful, slow approach will eventually start to earn his trust (Hope abounds!). And, one long, slow blink at a time will help Mickey clear his vision, so he will see what Tabby’s Place really means for all of its residents. No, Mickey won’t be seeing double…well, unless it’s a second helping of treats.

Only loosely related and barely apropos, here’s a music video…because music and the 1980s

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