Greetings, feline enthusiasts! Welcome back to “The Feline Files: Insights from a Cat Dad.” In this third installment of our series, it’s time to shine the spotlight on my second-born feline companion, Levi – a cat with a unique story and a personality as distinct as his bobcat heritage.
A Rescue Tale
Levi, or Leviticus, entered my life in 2021, a year that marked the beginning of a new chapter in our journey together. A friend reached out, knowing my love for animals, and shared that her friend’s brother had adopted a stray kitten found on his property. The poor little one was considered too aggressive by his previous family, especially the children who failed to understand his kittenhood and overwhelmed him with their playful pursuits.
Upon our first meeting, it was clear that Levi was meant to be a part of my family. Terrified and traumatized from his previous experiences, he needed a safe haven, and I gladly welcomed him into our home. Rescuing Levi from a potentially stressful situation, I knew we were in for an adventure.
The Dynamic Duo
Raising a kitten wasn’t new to me, having previously brought up Lou, but Levi presented a unique set of challenges. Bursting with energy, still haunted by past fears, and untrusting, Levi required extra care and patience. The adjustment wasn’t only for me; Lou, the older brother, graciously accepted his new role, showing Levi the ropes and mentoring him through daily playtime sessions.
Levi’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds. From exploring the dishwasher to scaling walls to reach hanging toys, he brought a new level of excitement to our household. I quickly discovered the joys and challenges of navigating the “terrible twos” in feline form.
Unraveling Secrets
As time went on, discrepancies emerged regarding Levi’s background. First, it was revealed that Levi, initially named Cookie, was, in fact, a male. A renaming ceremony ensued, and with inspiration from a friend, Cookie became Leviticus, or Levi for short, aligning with Lou’s name from our favorite TV show, Empire.
The second revelation was even more surprising – Levi wasn’t an ordinary stray cat; he was a hybrid cat with a bobcat lineage. Thanks to a blood test, it was confirmed that his father was likely a full-blooded bobcat, while his mother was a domestic cat. Dr. Lisa Chang, our trusted veterinarian, warned of potential challenges, including increased territorial behavior and a larger size than a typical cat. But my commitment to Levi was unwavering; he was already family.
The Journey with My Bobcat
Levi, my little bobcat, has grown into a magnificent feline companion. True to Dr. Chang’s predictions, he’s full of energy, playful, and has a territorial side. However, his aggression is replaced by a more cautious demeanor, preferring to hide from newcomers rather than lash out.
Levi’s exploratory nature leads to daily adventures, from scaling the refrigerator to chasing invisible targets through the house. He has developed a personality that, once revealed, can guilt even the strongest into providing extra rubs and treats, accompanied by his patented “look at me, I’m so cute” stare.
Every day with Levi is a new journey, a testament to the joy and surprises that come with being a cat dad. I’m forever grateful that this little guy needed a home, because, as it turns out, both Lou and I needed him just as much.
Join us in the next episode of “The Feline Files: Insights from a Cat Dad” as we delve into the intricacies of life with two mischievous and lovable feline companions. Until then, may your days be filled with purrs, playful antics, and the boundless love that comes with being a cat parent.