When Katie Hoover moved into her new home, she expected the usual adjustment period that comes with settling into a new place. However, she quickly discovered that her house was full of odd noises that seemed out of the ordinary even for an old home. Initially dismissing these sounds as typical creaks and groans of an aging structure, Katie soon realized that something else was going on.
The Mystery Unfolds
As Katie became more acquainted with the peculiarities of her new residence, one particular noise began to stand out. It was a strange, shuffling sound that seemed to move around the house. Intrigued and a bit unnerved, Katie decided to investigate. Sharing her experience on Facebook, she described rounding a corner and confronting the source of the noise, which turned out to be far from what she had expected.
A Surprising Discovery
During her investigation, Katie began sifting through the moving boxes scattered around her house. To her surprise, all boxes were intact except one, which seemed to have been tampered with. Peering inside the suspicious box, she found a pair of eyes staring back at her. Nestled among her belongings was an adorable, full-grown orange cat. Katie carefully lifted the cat out of the box and isolated him from her own cats, Artemis and Apollo, as she began to search the neighborhood for any signs of the cat’s owners.
The Cat’s Tale
Katie’s search for information led her to a heart-wrenching backstory. The cat’s previous owner, an elderly person, had passed away, and his family, unable or unwilling to care for the cat, had abandoned him in the nearby woods. Katie learned that the cat had been living in a woodshed behind her new home for over a year. Seeing the moving activities, the clever cat had seized the opportunity to sneak into one of the boxes, effectively making a claim on the new household.
A New Member of the Household
Understanding the cat’s history and his long-time proximity to what was now her home, Katie felt it was only right to officially welcome him into her family. She decided that since the cat had lived there longer than she had, he essentially “came with the house.” She named him Murdaugh, after a character from the video game ‘Stray’, though she affectionately called him Murray or Murray Murder Mittens.
Adjusting to New Surroundings
Despite his rough past, Murray didn’t take long to adjust to his new home. He quickly became comfortable in the environment that he, in a sense, had chosen for himself. However, Murray initially struggled with the affection he was now receiving. Accustomed to fending for himself, he was initially defensive and wary of sudden touches. Over time, though, as he realized he was in a safe and loving home, he began to reciprocate the affection.
Integrating with the Family
The integration process with Katie’s other cats, Artemis and Apollo, posed another challenge. The two cats were very close and initially unsure about the new “orange interloper” in their midst. Respectful of his new siblings, Murray gave them their space and often secluded himself in the guest room during the night.
Building New Relationships
Gradually, Artemis and Apollo began to warm up to the idea of having a third cat in the house. While they were not immediate best friends with Murray, they learned to coexist peacefully under the same roof. As time passed, the three cats managed to establish a functional dynamic, sharing their home without conflict.
A Happy Conclusion
Despite some initial challenges, Murray has flourished in his new home, basking in the love and attention from Katie. His playful and mischievous nature has come to the forefront, and he enjoys the comforts of his new, secure life. Katie concludes that Murray, the little stinker, has once again become a happy house cat, fully integrated into his new family and leaving his troubled past behind.
