Meet Dougie.

Dougie is our shy white boy. Under the bed is a familiar place for him, especially when other people are around. If you visited, you might not see him at all.

When it’s just me, things are different. He’ll come out and spend a little time with me. I’m very fond of that side of him.

Company without the audience

He doesn’t need to greet everybody for those quiet moments to matter. I know how easily he gets frightened, so having him choose to come close feels special.

He’s still Dougie when he hides. And he’s still Dougie when he decides I’m acceptable company. I don’t need him to become the life of the party.

A difficult stretch

A couple of years ago, his kidney bloodwork was abnormal, and he was also urinating outside the litter box. Vet visits were stressful for him, which made an already worrying time harder.

Thankfully, things improved after treatment and a lot of care at home. He was doing better, even if the vet visits were still a lot for a shy cat like him.

What stayed with me was how much his temperament mattered during care. The appointment and the journey were a big experience for a cat who finds everyday visitors difficult.

The moments I get to keep

There’s a version of Dougie most people don’t get to meet: the one who notices the house is quiet and comes over.

He isn’t suddenly a bold cat. He’s just comfortable enough for a little company. I’m glad I get to be that person for him.