Joy and Brian Pape’s VILLAGE PET PAGES

Two “Abys” Are Better Than One

By Emily and Stuart

Neighborhood dogs are outside but not often the cats, especially in this weather. We haven’t seen one outside lately but we have new neighbors who have two cats. What a great way to welcome them by introducing them to you.

Abyssinians are often called the “dogs of the cat world,” and our two-year-old cat, Busy, has certainly lived up to that description. She is smart, loyal, and always on the move, with an impressive amount of energy for a small cat.

A few months ago, though, we began to notice that being “Busy” no longer seemed quite enough for her.

Even with plenty of attention, new toys, and lots of playtime, Busy had turned into what people call a “velcro cat.” She followed us from room to room, meowing and clearly looking to us for constant interaction. Whenever we left our apartment, we felt guilty imagining her sitting there alone, waiting for us to come back. It became clear that she didn’t just need more stimulation—she needed a companion.

Deciding to add a second cat took some time. We spent months talking it through and weighing the pros and cons. We even debated whether a male or female cat would be a better match for Busy. Our informal “cat advisor” emphasized that the key was avoiding a power struggle — Busy needed to remain firmly in charge. We eventually chose another female, hoping for a good fit, and learned that personality matters much more than gender.

We brought home a four-month-old Abyssinian kitten and named her Elfie, inspired by her oversized ears and her endearing nature. Naturally, we were nervous at first. Would Busy be jealous? Would our quiet Village apartment turn chaotic? We took things slowly, introducing them over several days and letting them get used to each other through careful, gradual interactions.

Fortunately, our worries turned out to be unnecessary. Busy quickly seemed to recognize that Elfie was a kitten and treated her with surprising patience. She stepped into the role of big sister, showing Elfie the best window views, the warmest spots to nap, and the most interesting corners to explore. They now behave very much like siblings, especially when it comes to sharing—or reclaiming—old toys. Elfie has a talent for rediscovering toys Busy abandoned long ago, which somehow makes them exciting all over again.

Their bond is especially noticeable during grooming time. At first, Busy tried to groom Elfie constantly, while Elfie wriggled away, uninterested in sitting still. Over time, Elfie caught on, and now they can often be found sitting together on the cat tree, grooming side by side.

The loneliness we once worried about has been replaced by the sound of frequent wrestling matches and the sight of the two cats curled up together afterward. As it turns out, even the busiest cats benefit from having a close companion.

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Get to Know Busy & Elfie

Breed: Abyssinians (“Abys”)

Favorite Activity: Waiting until we go
to bed, then wrestling until they wear
themselves out, followed by sleeping
in a shared “cuddle puddle.”

Neighborhood Watch: Both cats take kitchen supervision seriously and
compete for the best vantage point,
whether on the loft or a bar chair.

Favorite Treat: Squeeze treats and
freeze-dried chicken from Zoomies.

What We Love Most: How naturally
Busy welcomed Elfie and took on the
role of big sister.

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Follow on Instagram @busyinthevillage