Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Ocelot II

(128,904 posts)
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:01 PM Dec 19

My life just got a whole lot better - Cats! Two of them!

For the first time in decades I've been catless - since last February when my last one, Pixie, passed away at the age of 17. I missed her and all the attributes of catness - the purrs, the warm little body on my lap or nestled against me at night, even the chaos and fur and poo - but decided to wait awhile, figuring the Cat Distribution System would either provide directly or inspire me to seek when the time was right. Since then I have found myself gazing longingly at Internet cats, stopping at shops where there was a resident cat just so I could pet it, and finally looked at the web site of a local rescue, just window-shopping, but gradually I knew what I needed - a bonded adult pair - and at last the CDS came through, and offered me a pair of big (14 lbs.) gray brothers. They came home last night. One of them is shy but he does greet me and scent-mark me; the other is a huge love-bug who has barely left my side or my lap. Last night they slept quietly for awhile, then decided to play. I'd forgotten how elephantine the sounds of running, pouncing, jumping cats can be. They ran across my body, thundering up and down the stairs, chirping and chattering, and it was so great to hear even though I didn't get much sleep. I love them already, but they haven't told me their names yet. Here they are:




72 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My life just got a whole lot better - Cats! Two of them! (Original Post) Ocelot II Dec 19 OP
Awwwwww! They're such handsome babies! CousinIT Dec 19 #1
I envy you! young_at_heart Dec 19 #3
gorgeous! WhiteTara Dec 19 #2
congratulation's - siblings are always a good team Nigrum Cattus Dec 19 #4
What beauties! Dear_Prudence Dec 19 #5
Our last two cats were brothers. We got them as just weaned kittens. HeartsCanHope Dec 19 #6
ohm myyy! AllaN01Bear Dec 19 #7
The CDS really knows what it's doing. chowmama Dec 19 #8
"They haven't told me their names yet" KPN Dec 19 #9
Russian Blues? ahlnord Dec 19 #10
They aren't Russian Blues - coat texture and eye colors are wrong, and they are quite large. Ocelot II Dec 19 #16
They look like our cat that passed recently crud Dec 19 #50
Such handsome fellows! I'm so happy for you and for them. 3catwoman3 Dec 19 #11
Sund handsome boys! bluescribbler Dec 19 #12
Wow! They are gorgeous! StarryNite Dec 19 #13
Congratulations, it's great to have cats in the house Walleye Dec 19 #14
The 2nd appears to be Bombay. Grins Dec 19 #15
He's dark gray, not black, and quite large. Bombays aren't that big. Ocelot II Dec 19 #18
Congrats! They're gorgeous. I have a soft spot for grey boys. catbyte Dec 19 #17
CATS. Beowulf42 Dec 19 #19
I am so sorry for your loss, Beowulf42. MIButterfly Dec 19 #41
Deepest condolences SheltieLover Dec 19 #49
They are gorgeous 💙💙 congratulations. I take care of 3 to and it's rewarding TommieMommy Dec 19 #20
I have long described cats' nightime activities as The Game Of Thundering Hooves. eppur_se_muova Dec 19 #21
Lucky you! 2naSalit Dec 19 #22
What a barbaric policy! SheltieLover Dec 19 #51
I have complained loudly... 2naSalit Dec 19 #54
I'm counting on the CDS then! SheltieLover Dec 19 #57
Most definitely! 2naSalit Dec 19 #59
We will need lots of pix! SheltieLover Dec 19 #65
Any chance of getting state to outlaw declawing? SheltieLover Dec 19 #58
Wish they would... 2naSalit Dec 19 #60
Makes sense SheltieLover Dec 19 #64
Congratulations! GentryDixon Dec 19 #23
You did good. Two cats in the yard. flashman13 Dec 19 #24
One of my very favorite songs ever. 3catwoman3 Dec 19 #42
Congrats and welcome back to cat world! yonder Dec 19 #25
Congratulations!!! The CDS provides. Billsdaughter Dec 19 #26
What gorgeous kitties! KT2000 Dec 19 #27
Yay! UpInArms Dec 19 #28
What did you name them? Figarosmom Dec 19 #29
I am waiting for them to tell me their names. It might take a few days before I know. Ocelot II Dec 19 #30
Yeah, they always reveal themselves Figarosmom Dec 19 #38
Congratulations on your new family members! Diamond_Dog Dec 19 #31
As a cat owner myself, I say Janbdwl72 Dec 19 #32
The CDS never sleeps. LudwigPastorius Dec 19 #33
Handsome Boys! mnhtnbb Dec 19 #34
So which one of these gorgeous boys is the love-bug? Silver Gaia Dec 19 #35
I'm going to guess that the top photo is the love bug... 3catwoman3 Dec 19 #47
That's my guess SheltieLover Dec 19 #52
Me, too. Good guess! Silver Gaia Dec 20 #72
I thought exactly the same thing. Silver Gaia Dec 20 #71
The top photo. He's on my lap now. Ocelot II Dec 19 #61
That's exactly what I thought! Silver Gaia Dec 20 #70
They're so handsome 🥰 MustLoveBeagles Dec 19 #36
You're so lucky. The top one looks so much like my beloved Stinker who died 15 years ago. I'll never forget him. Vinca Dec 19 #37
Gorgeous kitties Picaro Dec 19 #39
What a couple of cute mischief makers! mwmisses4289 Dec 19 #40
The top one looks like he has a good amount of taupe and the bottom looks dark slate. Nice looking boys. chowder66 Dec 19 #43
These guys are absolutely gorgeous! I love the grey coloring! slightlv Dec 19 #44
Congrats, V! SheltieLover Dec 19 #53
Congratulations, Ocelot II! What handsome boys you have there! MIButterfly Dec 19 #45
Oh how beautiful those boys are JMCKUSICK Dec 19 #46
Yeah! Congrats! SheltieLover Dec 19 #48
So, so happy for you canetoad Dec 19 #55
Sounds like an especially great - and purrfect Christmas for you, Ocelot II ! calimary Dec 19 #56
What a handsome pair. Hope they hurry up and tell you their names. Polly Hennessey Dec 19 #62
Congrats!! montanacowboy Dec 19 #63
Aw, they are precious wendyb-NC Dec 19 #66
Congratulations Randomthought Dec 19 #67
Yay! Wow!! They're beautiful! I miss my Sweetie but Nollie's not ready for a cat sibling yet. 😻💘 littlemissmartypants Dec 20 #68
Smokey is on the bottom..just seems to fit him. Lochloosa Dec 20 #69

CousinIT

(12,176 posts)
1. Awwwwww! They're such handsome babies!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:07 PM
Dec 19


They are utterly beautiful and sound like a JOY! Yeah cat litter is ick and canned food stinks and the hair, etc. but WHO CAN RESIST them!

Beautiful green eyes too!

ALL kittehz is magical-mystical, IMO.

=^..^= =^..^=

WhiteTara

(31,159 posts)
2. gorgeous!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:11 PM
Dec 19

We got two bonded black brothers one year ago. They are wonderful. I was afraid that one kitten would be overwhelmed by our older cat and dog, but two had a real chance to stand up to the slings and arrows of Picabo and Tashi. We named them Merlin and Houdini and I just love them and are so glad we have them in our lives. Enjoy your new kittehs! That was probably your best move this year.

Dear_Prudence

(1,033 posts)
5. What beauties!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:19 PM
Dec 19

Warmth, laughter, and seeing the world topsy-turvey with animal antics-nothing could be better. Congratulations, Ocelot II!

HeartsCanHope

(1,519 posts)
6. Our last two cats were brothers. We got them as just weaned kittens.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:25 PM
Dec 19

They were so sweet with each other. They looked out for each other and would often sleep curled together. One of them became blind as they aged and the other cat became his "guide cat", calling out to him and watching over him.
Please keep us updated, if you would. I would love to know when you find out their names! Please give them some loves from me!
I hope more pictures will follow.

chowmama

(988 posts)
8. The CDS really knows what it's doing.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:47 PM
Dec 19

Beautiful. Just Beautiful.

Even if they do turn into a thundering herd after the lights go out. It's a sign of their comfort level in their new home.

KPN

(17,125 posts)
9. "They haven't told me their names yet"
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:48 PM
Dec 19
They will soon Ocelot II -- not to worry.

Thanks for sharing, brightened a rainy morning.

ahlnord

(110 posts)
10. Russian Blues?
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:58 PM
Dec 19

It looks like you are the lucky owner of two gorgeous Russian Blues! We had one once. They have short, plush, blue-grey fur like velvet (not sleek and shiny), and yellow or green eyes. The pure breeds have grey-black skin under their fur. They are wonderful and very expensive if purchased from a breeder.

Ocelot II

(128,904 posts)
16. They aren't Russian Blues - coat texture and eye colors are wrong, and they are quite large.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:10 PM
Dec 19

RBs are medium-sized and have "bright green eyes, pinkish lavender or mauve paw pads, two layers of short thick fur in a solid blue-grey colour with a silver sheen." These guys are darker gray, their fur is sleek more than plush and without the silver sheen, paw pads are black, eyes are bright yellow on one, yellow with a more chartreuse cast on the other. They're just regular cats, but that's fine. I love them already!

crud

(1,193 posts)
50. They look like our cat that passed recently
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:57 PM
Dec 19

She was also a regular cat with those colorings. She would look different colors in different light, sometimes purple, sometimes brown, sometimes black and super stealthy in any light. She had sabertooth fangs and huge claws. Quite athletic, balancing fence tops and climbing trees. Also quite a huntress, during covid she caught a critter each day, 6 days in a row. We miss her terribly, but the critters don''t.

3catwoman3

(28,519 posts)
11. Such handsome fellows! I'm so happy for you and for them.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:58 PM
Dec 19

Those luxurious gray coats look almost metallic. I might name them Pewter and Sterling if they were mine. Or maybe Platinum.

bluescribbler

(2,473 posts)
12. Sund handsome boys!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 01:58 PM
Dec 19

We are owned by a grey boy and a tuxedo cat. They keep us entertained. I'm glad your boys found you.

Walleye

(43,733 posts)
14. Congratulations, it's great to have cats in the house
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:03 PM
Dec 19

Then, if you hear a sound in the night, it’s either the cat, or something the cat can take care of

Grins

(9,229 posts)
15. The 2nd appears to be Bombay.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:07 PM
Dec 19

Black with yellow eyes. Got stuck with one long ago. When I showed his pic to a long-distance friend she said: It’s a Bombay!”

Said it was a jet-black purring machine, vocal, unafraid of other animals, very soft fur, and friendly as all get out.

She was right.

Ocelot II

(128,904 posts)
18. He's dark gray, not black, and quite large. Bombays aren't that big.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:14 PM
Dec 19

Rare breeds like Bombays and Russian Blues aren't likely to turn up in shelters. They were surrendered because they didn't get along with the family dog - not likely that an expensive pedigreed cat would be given to a pet rescue.

Beowulf42

(316 posts)
19. CATS.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:17 PM
Dec 19

I just lost my cat, Meatball. Picked him up at my vet and he has been good company. Not ready for another yet, but I've never been long without a cat or a dog. I have some traveling to do so I will wait until I don't expect to travel. But I understand how you feel.

MIButterfly

(1,968 posts)
41. I am so sorry for your loss, Beowulf42.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:38 PM
Dec 19

I know how hard it is. I hope that in time, sweet memories of your precious Meatball will bring you comfort and peace.

In the meantime, please accept my condolences.

With deepest sympathy,
MIButterfly

eppur_se_muova

(40,902 posts)
21. I have long described cats' nightime activities as The Game Of Thundering Hooves.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:38 PM
Dec 19

The rules are known only to them.

Congratulations on your new furbros !

2naSalit

(99,810 posts)
22. Lucky you!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 02:38 PM
Dec 19

They are gorgeous! And I, too, miss having cats in my life. I have been away from my surrogate kitties next door and Mikey the shared kitty. I had to leave them behind when I left Montana since they live with their 'official' humans. One of the surrogate girls crossed the bridge last summer, sadly.

I can have one in my new place but only if it's declawed! WTF? So I am waiting for the CDS of the Caterverse to do its thing... find a cat who has been mutilated but needs a home. I may check with my new friend who works at a shelter to let me know if such a cat shows up in her shelter. I'm done moving now so I can consider sharing my new digs with a furball, though I hate the idea that they have to be declawed in order for them to be acceptable by the landlords' rules.

Congratulations to you and your new housemates!

SheltieLover

(76,288 posts)
51. What a barbaric policy!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:59 PM
Dec 19

Good vibes on the way to you, 2na, for the CDS to bring you a purrfect companion & for that horrid requirement to be removed!

2naSalit

(99,810 posts)
54. I have complained loudly...
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 04:30 PM
Dec 19

But as a nonprofit housing seniors they have had too many cases where the humans don't tend the cats and property damage happens, too often I guess.

I will hold on to your good wishes and hope some sweet furry friend shows up.

2naSalit

(99,810 posts)
60. Wish they would...
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 04:54 PM
Dec 19

But I just got here so starting out fighting isn't my preferred start mode, you know? I need to read the room first.

SheltieLover

(76,288 posts)
64. Makes sense
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 05:40 PM
Dec 19

There is plenty of research out there, both about declawing & the benefits of pets to seniors' health.

Take good care.

3catwoman3

(28,519 posts)
42. One of my very favorite songs ever.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:40 PM
Dec 19

And these primitive, hippy-dippy graphics are perfect for when the song was released - 1970.

Figarosmom

(9,663 posts)
29. What did you name them?
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:01 PM
Dec 19

I had a big grey cat like those , his name was Dinky. He had a gold brother who's name was Rinky. They grew very old with me. I missed Dinky the most out of all the cats I've had in my life.

Hope your big babies are as purrfect as mine were. They are beautiful.

Figarosmom

(9,663 posts)
38. Yeah, they always reveal themselves
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:24 PM
Dec 19

I had one kitten that was always by me when I was cooking and while serving up some pasta a piece of spagetti fell on her, she went crazy, so her name became Noodles.

Rinky and Dinky got their name when my neighbor found them in her wood pile in their back yard and she asked if I'd take them and I said sure it's no rinky dink affair taking on 2 more kitties, but I'd take them.

Diamond_Dog

(39,694 posts)
31. Congratulations on your new family members!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:03 PM
Dec 19

They look perfect. I know how a home without animals can feel so empty.

Janbdwl72

(244 posts)
32. As a cat owner myself, I say
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:08 PM
Dec 19

Those are really two handsome cats!

I am sure you will enjoy them!

mnhtnbb

(33,101 posts)
34. Handsome Boys!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:10 PM
Dec 19

We had two brothers at a time,too. Mouse and Simba came to us when they were kittens. Many years later after they had both crossed the Bridge, I found brothers Elmo and Stitch who had been surrendered to a local animal shelter.

Silver Gaia

(5,238 posts)
35. So which one of these gorgeous boys is the love-bug?
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:14 PM
Dec 19

I think I can tell, but I could be wrong, so... ??? 🤔 😁

Congrats for your good fortune!

3catwoman3

(28,519 posts)
47. I'm going to guess that the top photo is the love bug...
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:44 PM
Dec 19

...and the bottom pic the more reserved brother. What were you thinking?

Vinca

(53,270 posts)
37. You're so lucky. The top one looks so much like my beloved Stinker who died 15 years ago. I'll never forget him.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:19 PM
Dec 19

chowder66

(11,779 posts)
43. The top one looks like he has a good amount of taupe and the bottom looks dark slate. Nice looking boys.
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:41 PM
Dec 19

The look on the face of the top one.... looks like hours of comedy are coming your way!

slightlv

(7,414 posts)
44. These guys are absolutely gorgeous! I love the grey coloring!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:41 PM
Dec 19

My sister brought me a little 7 week old kitten last week, rescued from in between rocks of a church foundation. It's been so very cold here, and the poor baby was cold, tired, hungry, and terrified. He just had his first well-kitten check at the vets, and he's just perfect. And, it is a HIM. We really couldn't tell... he's that young.

One of her students brought home a note from his parents saying he could adopt the kitten, and they'd make sure it was taken care of, but I just couldn't stand to give it up. Life has been really hard on me lately, and this little ball of fur has kept me sane and smiling. I couldn't bare to let him go to anyone else. My sister was fine with it... this way, she gets to keep an eye on and visit him. We named him "Gabby." The kids wanted to name him Gideon. I thought of Gabriel, but that quickly got shortened to Gabby... or Gabs... because he has such a loud, insistent voice!

Enjoy your babies. They are our touchstone to sanity these days, I'm convinced.

MIButterfly

(1,968 posts)
45. Congratulations, Ocelot II! What handsome boys you have there!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:42 PM
Dec 19

Please keep us updated with more photos and of course, what they told you their names are.

How old are they? Did they have shelter names?

JMCKUSICK

(4,990 posts)
46. Oh how beautiful those boys are
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:44 PM
Dec 19

I'm so thrilled you found them and will be their final destination in life. May the simple joys of Cats bless you daily and more. I can hear their purrs from here.

SheltieLover

(76,288 posts)
48. Yeah! Congrats!
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 03:51 PM
Dec 19

So happy the CDS came through for you!

What handsome boys!

Names... how about giggles or smiley for the 1st pictured. Nothing comes to mind for handsome boy in 2nd pix.

Ty for sharing your joy with us!

Enjoy!

canetoad

(20,125 posts)
55. So, so happy for you
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 04:35 PM
Dec 19

And your boys.

In 2019 when my second old dog died, it was the first time in about 35 years that I didn't have an animal in the house. No-one to tell I was going out; no one to inform it was dinner time. I was speaking to mayself.

All OK now, with the 2020 addition of little Gibby to the household, but being without an animal really sucks. Congratulations. They look lovely.

wendyb-NC

(4,597 posts)
66. Aw, they are precious
Fri Dec 19, 2025, 09:47 PM
Dec 19

They sound like fun. I know how much noise a couple of felines barreling around the house, at play. Those kind of kitties have joyful warm personalities, too. Love and enjoy them.

littlemissmartypants

(31,506 posts)
68. Yay! Wow!! They're beautiful! I miss my Sweetie but Nollie's not ready for a cat sibling yet. 😻💘
Sat Dec 20, 2025, 10:04 AM
Dec 20
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»My life just got a whole ...