A couple of grey tabby cats have been in the news this week. One has a new home, and one has a remarkable story about finding his way home.
Fergus, a domestic grey tabby cat in Scotland, had been living with his human for about four years, when he went missing in late 2010. His owner, Fiona Mutter, said he would wander off sometimes but always came home - until he didn’t. She assumed something tragic had happened to Fergus.
A week or so ago, a volunteer for the Cats Protection group heard of a stray cat living around a recycling center. When they picked him up and scanned the cat, his microchip told them he belonged to Fiona. No one knows where Fergus has been for the past eleven years, or how he ended up almost eighty miles away, but he seems pretty healthy and happy to be home. Fergus’s story is a great reminder to have your own pet microchipped, so your furry friend can find its way back to you.
Another grey tabby is exploring its new home – in Washington, DC. Willow, a 2-year-old cat, made her presence known when as a kitten she interrupted Dr. Jill Biden’s speech during a campaign stop in 2020. She made such an impression that the future first lady decided to keep her. Last weekend, Willow moved to the White House, to join her doggy brother, Commander, a German Shepherd puppy.
The Bidens have had two other dogs at the White House, but their oldest dog Champ, passed away last year, and their animal shelter adoptee, Major, had trouble adapting to the busy Washington life.
“Grey tabby” is not a specific breed but rather a coat pattern that can be found in both purebred and mixed breed cats – and all tabbies have the distinctive “M” on their forehead.
If you would like a grey tabby cat of your own, visit your local animal shelter or rescue group and adopt one. From personal experience I can testify to the fact that they make great companions, when you’re speaking of pets.
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